David H. Lipman wrote:

> Thus the ROM
>code for the embedded NIC would fail and wouldn't be able to use the installed NIC (e.g.,
>PCMCIA, USB, etc). Install Linux and drivers for the new NIC and the whole process is
>thwarted.

What about after Linux is loaded and the new NIC starts working, don't
you think the ROM code will detect an active TCP/IP session and do it's
thing?