Linux Support

Introduction

The Mainpine RockForce boards do not require specific drivers to run on most Linux* distributions, as they make use of the standard serial drivers. However, they do require proper configuration before they will function correctly. The information below describes how to configure the boards. It is fairly involved, and it assumes that you are familiar with administering a Linux system. If you have any difficulties, contact our support team who will be pleased to assist.

Linux versions

Mainpine boards have been tested to work with Linux kernel versions 2.4 and higher, and may work with earlier versions. Because the only required interface is the serial driver, it is the kernel version that is important, not the distribution. For correct operation, multiport support must be compiled in to the kernel, which should be the default case for most distributions. However, if you have recompiled your kernel, make sure the CONFIG_SERIAL_EXTENDED options for multiport boards are compiled in. More information can be found in configure.help which is included in the Linux Kernel source documentation.

Installing the board

Once you have physically installed the board, boot up your system and follow the instructions from our Linux FAQ.

More information on Linux

Mainpine are committed to providing good support for Linux users and developers. If you have any questions then please contact our support team who will be happy to help. The following are applications that we have experience actively supporting:

HylaFAX* network fax server

HylaFAX is an open source project for a Linux-based network fax server. The software is freely available, as are client packages for a number of different operating systems including Microsoft Windows*. We have specifically tested with revision 4.2.0 which at time of writing is currently in the release candidate phase. This version supports V.34 and ECM making it an ideal package to unleash the potential of the Mainpine RockForce boards. For more information please visit http://www.hylafax.org.

Linux multilink PPP

Using kernel versions 2.4 and later, it is possible to configure multi-link connections that make use of more than one telephone line to get faster connections. For more information on this, please take a look at our application note on line bonding.

Other applications...

If you are interested in another application on Linux, please let us know. We are interested in testing new applications as they arise and, time permitting, will look to do so.