Intel C3558

smrehan00

Hi Guys,

I have been tasked to explore options for pfsense using Intel C3558 series processor. What I need to know is that it comes with SOC based x553 NICs. Are those integrated when we say SOC?

Lets say I don't want to use the integrated SOC based NICs. Can I add NICs of my own or I am limited to using the integrated ones?

I have seen x553 is a converged access adapter which means it works on 1G and 10G modes and the drivers it uses are ix not igb like I am used to. Can anyone explain usually ix drivers are for 10G right or am I wrong here? Please correct me.

Can these drivers be modified to work with 1G only?

Lets say If I wish to use i350 AM-4 instead of the SOC based x553 what steps will I need to take make it happen? Please let me know.

NollipfSense

@smrehan00 said in Intel C3558:

Can I add NICs of my own

Yes

@smrehan00 said in Intel C3558:

Can these drivers be modified to work with 1G only?

Automatic backwards compatible

@smrehan00 said in Intel C3558:

Lets say If I wish to use i350 AM-4

Buy one or if you already have, just plug in the PCIe slot...pfSense comes with all drivers needed and it's best to use Intel NIC.

stephenw10

Yup that^.

There is no problem running pfSense with C3K CPUs. It will use the built-in ix NICs at whatever speed they are configured for if they're present.
Just add a card into the system if you want other NICs.

Steve

smrehan00

@stephenw10
@NollipfSense

Hi guys! Sorry for the delayed response as I had a family emergency.
I have a system with CPU c3558 quadcore with SOC based Intel X553 NICs. When I install pfsense, NICs are not recognized. I don't get any sort of connectivity.

I would like to know how can I overcome this problem? Is there a way to compile drivers for it and integrate with the pfsense kernel. Will the drivers persist upon reboot. I am aware if I reinstall from the drivers will need to be loaded all over again.

Anyone has ever tried this method? I would like to know the method and steps to get started? I am looking forward to the response.

stephenw10

Do the NICs appear in the output from pciconf -lv at the command line?

Do you see the driver failing to attach in the boot log?

Steve

smrehan00

@stephenw10 I'll get the output of the command from shell and get back to you. I need to know how to check the boot log?

stephenw10

It's in /var/log/dmesg.boot

Or just run dmesg if you've just booted.

bobbenheim

Which version of PfSense are you trying to install?
Have been using the same nic on a supermicro xeon d-1521 board for a couple of years now and haven't seen any problems so far with various versions of 2.4 or 2.4.5 and 2.5 snapshots either.

stephenw10

Yup, that's certainly what I would expect.