No networking during install

[apollyon0810]

I'm trying to install Gentoo on my laptop with a minimal install CD. Gentoo correctly recognizes my network adapter. However, I can't ping any servers, and have no connectivity to the internet. I've tried other distros with no problems. All set to DHCP. I just have a small Linksys broadband router. What could my problem be?

When I ping I get quite immediately:

ping: unknown host www.gentoo.org

dhcpcd eth0 (i only have one) yields:

Error, timed out waiting for a valid DHCP server response

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[NathanZachary]

The router shouldn't be a problem at all. Did you do net-setup on your network adapter before trying to ping? What NIC do you have?
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“Truth, like infinity, is to be forever approached but never reached.” --Jean Ayres (1972)
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[apollyon0810]

Wow. Thanks for the prompt reply.

Yes, I have done net-setup. It's pretty short. Select "wired" connection and then "DHCP" and that's it.

I do notice when I "ifconfig" it doesnt list an IP address for eth0

Adapter is Realtek. Listed as "RTL8101E PCI Express Fast Ethernet controller"

It's using driver "r8169"

ifconfig eth0 gives me this

eth0 Link encap:Ethernet HWaddr 00:1B:38:43:60:7A
UP BROADCAST NOTRAILERS MULTICAST MTU:1500 Metric:1

All values are 0.

[akirhol]

Dumb question: Is the router's DHCP server turned on?

Can you set an IP address manually and ping the router's address? This would confirm the network adapter is at least functioning.

I'm not too entirely sure of how to set the IP address manually on the fly, but a quick google search turned this up:

[apollyon0810]

Good point. I hadn't thought to ping the router.

ping 192.168.1.1 gives me

connect: Network is unreachable

And I did double-check to make sure the DHCP server was running on the router

[akirhol]

[apollyon0810]

I'm starting to think it's just a compatibility problem between Gentoo and my laptop. I plugged my cable modem straight into the laptop, and again nothing. There are no activity lights blinking either on the RJ-45 port. Thanks for everybody's help. I'm going to try with liveDVD (I know I wont get x to work) and see if it has more modules available or something and it'll work.

[NathanZachary]

Sorry about the delay in responding. The problem is your network card; it is not supported by the kernel on the Gentoo installation disc. The best thing to do is to boot up PCLinuxOS Gnome Edition (has to be the Gnome Edition because of the newer kernel), and install Gentoo from inside that live environment using these instructions. I have that exact card and ran into the same problem. If you need further help, please don't hesitate to ask.

EDIT: Please do not use the Live DVD; it will also not help your cause, and will take quite some time to download.
_________________
“Truth, like infinity, is to be forever approached but never reached.” --Jean Ayres (1972)
---avatar cropped from =AimanStudio---

[apollyon0810]

If I install gentoo using a liveCD environment, will I have network ability after installation?

[apollyon0810]

I've got a fully working Gentoo linux install on my laptop. Minus a GUI of course. I did it using an Unbuntu liveCD.

Now on to trying to install a GUI... If anybody has any suggestions or links, go ahead and shoot them my way.

Thanks!

[NathanZachary]

No problem, glad that helped. I knew it had to be your NIC, because I ran into that problem with the exact same card. As far as a GUI, there are tons of choices. Suggestions will really depend on what you want from your desktop environment, and what you want to do with the computer.
_________________
“Truth, like infinity, is to be forever approached but never reached.” --Jean Ayres (1972)
---avatar cropped from =AimanStudio---

[desultory]

Split off topic "Alternative installation media.".