Using a Linksys NC100 10/100 NIC.  This works fine with RHL9 and FC1.
to see other systems under FC2 test1.
once installed, I was able to configure the network and have it work.
the NSRSL (not so random screw list)!  This is driving me nuts.
successful NFS install on the system that cannot communicate now.
I tried to do another NFS install ... this time it hung.
... nope.  Move the connection to a separate Netgear switch ... nope.
booted up the UP kernel and the NICs worked!
The other systems that worked were both UP systems.
This seems to be duplicate of 115877.
know it the replace will have the same problem until I get it and try.
it is now a Gigabyte 6VTXD rather than an Abit VP6.