Description of problem: It is not a bug. It is enhancement request. Our vendor (Multitech) requires to recompile kernel in order to make 8250_pci as a module. We have to do it just to use fax boards. Could this change be incorporated into streamline release because any kernel recompilation voids support from other vendors. Version-Release number of selected component (if applicable): RHEL 4.3 How reproducible: Always Steps to Reproduce: 1. 2. 3. Actual results: It is built-in kernel module Expected results: Required to be loadable kernel module Additional info: here is the link about Multitech driver: ftp://ftp.multitech.com/isi-cards/isi-upci/linux-2.6.x/Release% 20Notes_Ver_200_06May2005.htm
Just to clarify here, your asking to change the config from "CONFIG_SERIAL_8250=y" to "CONFIG_SERIAL_8250=m"?
Yes, this is what MultiTech is asking to do Thanks, Boris
Just to clarify a bit further.... The reason for this request is to be able to compile a seperate module for the 8250 serial so as to be able to use it with the supported kernel? I.e the expectation is to be able to "make modules ; make modules_install" and not have to re-compile the entire kernel (which would then be an unspported kernel)?
Yes. As per documentation from MultiTech: "...Observations / Known Issues: - In Case of Red Hat Distributions, Kernel version 2.6.8 and above has the 8250_pci driver built into the Kernel and therefore the MultiTech ISIUPCI driver will fail to load. The Kernel has to be re-compiled with the option set to 8250_pci being loaded as a module. Procedure for Kernel Re-compilation: - Change the working directory to /usr/src/linux-xxxx. - Execute "make mrproper" - Execute "make menuconfig" or "make xconfig" - Follow the link device drivers-> character devices-> Serial drivers -> ----Make "8250/16550 and compatible serial support" as module (M instead of * must be seen on the square bracket) ----Disable "Extended 8250/16550 serial driver options" Save Configuration. - Execute "make modules" - Execute "make modules_install" - Execute "make install" The above process could take some time (possibly upto an hour) Reboot the system with the newly compiled Kernel and you should be able to install the mtsi_upci driver to support ISIxxxx_UPCI cards." If 8250 would be a kernel module then it will be much simpler to administer the system when Red Hat releases new kernel - just up2date and run MultiTech script to compile new module = quick and easy. Hope this answers your question, Boris
This change (to build 8250_pci as a module) was reviewed by engineering but rejected because it may cause reverts and other suprises for other customers that assume its built in A more favored approach would be to sort this out upstream (i.e. if PCI idents need to be added). If the hardware isnt detected try using 'setserial' to resolve address conflicts as mentioned in Comment #10.
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