usb ethernet and networkmanager

[sciguy125]

I'm in the process of putting together various USB gadgets to make a "docking station" for my laptop. One of the things I wanted was ethernet. My laptop has an ethernet port, but it'd be convenient to just plug in the one USB hub to connect my docking station.

I wanted to know if NetworkManager would automatically detect a USB ethernet adapter. When I was fiddling with my built-in wireless adapter awhile back, I had to restart NetworkManager to make it see the adapter. I was wondering if this would be the same or not for USB.

And yes, I could just try it, but I couldn't find a USB adapter locally, so I'd have to buy it online. If it doesn't work, it'll be hard to return it.

Thanks.

[stevea]

You should try the gnome Network Manager page/maillist for a definitive answer.

Yes, in my experience when you install a new network interface you must then do a "service NetworkManager restart" or else the currently running NM won't see the new interface.

[sciguy125]

After doing futher research, I was confident enough that it would work that I went ahead and bought the adapter. Sadly, it didn't work. I have to restart NetworkManager the first time. After that, it's able to see the adapter come in and out and act accordingly. After a reboot or hibernate, though, it forgets.

My understanding is that when there is a hotplug device, HAL announces it to all interested programs. NetworkManager should be listening for new network interfaces. It's been awhile, so I might be mistaken, but I think NetworkManager was able to detect PC card interfaces on my old laptop. Which it should, if the system is working properly. What I don't understand, however, is why it doesn't work for USB.

[sciguy125]

Whatever the problem/bug was has been fixed with F7. When I plug in my usb ethernet adapter, NetworkManager sees it automatically.