ifconfig rx/tx counters

Hi,

I have noticed that on our linux boxes, the RX/TX counters on Ethernet
interfaces reset to 0 Mb at around the 4000 Mb mark.

There was a lot of traffic going through the interface (possibly a
dos) and I couldn't keep track of how much was actually going through
using ifconfig, it was quite annoying.

Where is the RX/TX value stored? somewhere in the /proc filesystem?

What is the reason for this the reset to 0? is there any way to make
it not reset?

Thanks in advance...

"Geoff" <gpBIFF@lycos.com> wrote in message
news:12dcd1dd.0307090249.4369b529@posting.google.c om...
> Hi,
>
> I have noticed that on our linux boxes, the RX/TX counters on Ethernet
> interfaces reset to 0 Mb at around the 4000 Mb mark.
>
> There was a lot of traffic going through the interface (possibly a
> dos) and I couldn't keep track of how much was actually going through
> using ifconfig, it was quite annoying.
>
> Where is the RX/TX value stored? somewhere in the /proc filesystem?
>
> What is the reason for this the reset to 0? is there any way to make
> it not reset?
>

The maximum number expressible in 32 bits is 4294967295. After it, the
counters roll over to zero.

Maybe this is a place for a change in the kernel code.

HTH

Tauno Voipio
tauno voipio @ iki fi