Identify Network Interface Names By Logical and Physical Names for Factory-Installed Solaris

This section explains how to run the ifconfig -a command to and identify the network interfaces by their logical and physical names (MAC addresses). It assumes you are referring to this section from either:

Before You Begin

  • You must know the MAC addresses of each EM and NEM port connected to a network; previously recorded using the Configuration Worksheet.

What to Do

  1. Log into the system as root and run ifconfig -a plumb in a command shell. The command discovers all installed network interfaces. The shell prompt (#) appears when the discovery completes.

  2. To output a list of all Solaris named interfaces along with their physical MAC addresses, type at the command prompt (#)

    # ifconfig -a

    A sample ifconfiig -a outpis follows:

    In the sample above, the Solaris named network interfaces appear as e1000g0, e1000g1, and so on. The MAC address for each network interface appears after the word ether. For example, the MAC address associated to the Solaris-named network interface e1000g0 is 0:14:4f:c:a1:ee.

  3. Do the following:

    1. Refer to the list of MAC addresses previously gathered as part of the Configuration Worksheet.

    2. Match each MAC address in the Configuration Worksheet list with the associated entry in the ifconfig -a output.

    3. Record the Solaris network interface name for each MAC address previously recorded in the Configuration Worksheet list.

    4. When you are done, type sys-unconfig(1M) at the command line. This command restores the system configuration to the "as-manufactured" state.

      This command restores the system configuration to the "as-manufactured" state.

      Note

      The sys-unconfig(1M) command will halt the system.

      For example,

    5. Reboot the system.

      You will be prompted with a series of configuration questions.

    6. In the Network Connection screen, select Yes. The Multiple Network Interfaces screen appears.

      The Configure Multiple Network Interfaces screen appears.

    7. In the Configure Multiple Network Interfaces screen, consult the list of network interface names recorded in the Step 4c then select the appropriate network interfaces.

    8. Continue the normal Solaris configuration. Refer to the Solaris documentation and the information you previously gathered in the Configuration Worksheet to help you identify the system and network information.

      After completing the Solaris configuration and the system reboots, you should configure the GRUB menu time-out value. For more information, see Reset GRUB Menu Time-out Value.