An ne2k uses programmed io, where your cpu is constantly interacting in a fifo way with it.
Shared memory or bus master cards are easier on the CPU. Some compute and pass checksums too, which offloads more cpu.
Shared memory or bus master cards are easier on the CPU. Some compute and pass checksums too, which offloads more cpu.
PCI made most of that go away with its introduction, hence me wondering what the replacement card was.