Second Ethernet port Activation

[maisondouf]

As said in Sheevaplug-devkit Reference Design.pdf

3.4.4
Ethernet
The 88F6281 has two built in two GbE controller that can supports up to four different modes; RGMII, MII, and
MMII and GMII. Each port is fully IEEE 802.3 compliant 10/100/1000 Mb MAC. The SHEEVAPLUG board
used only one port RGMII MAC feature of 88F6281 processor and 88F1116R GbE PHY (Marvell Gigabit
Ethernet transceiver) to provide a complete Layer-4 to Layer-0 solution for GbE connection. For details
information, see Marvell Doc # MV-S104860-00 Rev.B

and as it's possible to see in Sheeva-final Schematic.pdf



The RJ45 connector of Sheeva seems to out two ethernet ports.

One on (1-2)(3-6) pairs and the second on (4-5)(7-8) pairs

Is there a software solution to activate it via MPP register?

It will try to solder a special cable with 'Y' connection and so I will see first if I have a link....

[sfzhi]

The RJ45 connector of Sheeva seems to out two ethernet ports.
One on (1-2)(3-6) pairs and the second on (4-5)(7-8) pairs

What makes you think that?
It's a single RJ-45 connector with 4 pairs of wires, like any other gigabit Ethernet port.

[maisondouf]

ok, lot of apologizes, I have seen my mistake just after posting.

But I seen also that the second eth port is really present in the 88L6281, but just not initalised by uboot on the MPP.

I seen also that this pins are not used, but I don't think if somebody can sold something on them....

That's the end of a dream

[apemberton]

Although I cannot say for certain, I thought the Sheevaplug PCB has traces for the second ethernet port. Perhaps I should look at the photos? If so, it might be possible to add components to bring out the port. However the thought of mounting and soldering 0402 or smaller components by hand would fill me with dread! Mechanically (as well as electrically) the correct type of RJ45 socket would be needed too.

Of course any opening, let alone tinkering would void warranty. I also do not have the level of skill (steady hands despite fine tweezers) to pick and place components so I won't do it!

ETA, I'M WRONG! I have looked at the PCB layout and the Sheevaplug does not seem to have a second ethernet port traced out. I think I was getting confused with my other kirkwood implementation, the Buffalo linkstation which does have first ethernet traces (the linkstation uses eth1 as its main network port). Sorry about that. I think I may have been confusing the eSata traces with the second ethernet port.
 

[sfzhi]

it might be possible to add components to bring out the port. However the thought of mounting and soldering 0402 or smaller components by hand would fill me with dread! Mechanically (as well as electrically) the correct type of RJ45 socket would be needed too.

Don't forget the most important thing, an Ethernet PHY chip. You would need to add one of those too.

[apemberton]

I agree a PHY is necessary if it isn't in the Marvel chip on the board. But unless it is a BGA device, handling/soldering of a QFP/QFN sort of device is less of a problem as solder bridges can be removed with a hot, fine pointed iron, liquid flux and solder wick. But as I said before I was wrong and I ain't going to try it anyway - I'm one of those waiting for a dual ethernet Guruplug! I hope!