[Lilux-help] on/off problems with IP

Hi, I normally access the Net via the cable. Sometimes, when I boot my computer, I don't have an IP address. This is usually because for one reason or the other I've unplugged my cable-modem. So I plug the modem back in and... nada... still no IP (even if I wait). So I usually have to reboot :( My question : is there a way to force the system to recognize that the network (cable-modem) plugged to eth0 is back up and that it should request an IP address (via DHCP)? Would something like ~ # ifconfig eth0 down ~ # ifconfig eth0 up work? Do I have to specify anything to let it know it should use DHCP to get the IP adress or will it find that info in one of the config files? (which one for my education?) Will ipchains or other firewall be affected? Since there was no net on that card at boot time, were the rules concerning this card enabled? I may try this before I get an answer, but I'd like to know if there may be some unforeseen side-effects. thanks Serge -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Serge Marelli, Luxembourg E-mail : serge.marelli(a)linux.lu ---------------------------------------------------------------------- LiLux, Luxembourg LUG : http://www.linux.lu/ Defending Innovation against Patent Inflation http://swpat.ffii.org/