It is recommended that device driver writers review Chapter 8, "Writing Multiprocessor Device Drivers" before writing a network driver.
IRIX 5.3 and IRIX 6.0, although divergent, accept device drivers that have run on IRIX 5.x.
Note: A forthcoming release, IRIX 6.x, will represent a convergence of the two operating systems (32- and 64-bit). It is expected to be easier, as well as more time-efficient, in many cases, to postpone the development of new network device drivers until IRIX 6.x becomes available.
Caution: Information in this chapter is subject to change without notice.