---
name: "if_bfe"
section: "4"
platform: "freebsd"
package: "base"
version: "16.0-CURRENT-20261027-61c70dc16a79"
release: "FreeBSD 16.0-CURRENT (2026-10-27)"
platforms: ["linux", "freebsd"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/bfe"
---

# if\_bfe(4)

Broadcom BCM4401 Ethernet Device Driver

Part of [bfe(4)](/bfe/4.md).

## NAME

**bfe** – Broadcom BCM4401 Ethernet Device Driver

## SYNOPSIS

To compile this driver into the kernel, place the following lines in your kernel configuration file:

**device miibus** **device bfe**

Alternatively, to load the driver as a module at boot time, place the following line in [loader.conf(5)](/loader.conf/5.md):

```
if_bfe_load="YES"
```

## DEPRECATION NOTICE

The **bfe** driver is unmaintained and may be removed from FreeBSD in a future release. FreeBSD.

## DESCRIPTION

The **bfe** driver provides support for Broadcom BCM4401 based Fast Ethernet adapters.

The **bfe** driver supports the following media types:

- **autoselect**

  Enable autoselection of the media type and options.

- **10baseT/UTP**

  Set 10Mbps operation.

- **100baseTX**

  Set 100Mbps (Fast Ethernet) operation.

The **bfe** driver supports the following media options:

- **full-duplex**

  Set full duplex operation.

For further information on configuring this device, see [ifconfig(8)](/ifconfig/8.md).

## DIAGNOSTICS

- bfe%d: couldn't map memory

  A fatal initialization error has occurred.

- bfe%d: couldn't map interrupt

  A fatal initialization error has occurred.

- bfe%d: failed to allocate DMA resources

  There are not enough mbufs available for allocation.

- bfe%d: watchdog timeout -- resetting

  The device has stopped responding to the network, or there is a problem with the network connection (cable).

## SEE ALSO

[altq(4)](/altq/4.md), [arp(4)](/arp/4.md), [miibus(4)](/miibus/4.md), [netintro(4)](/netintro/4.md), [ng\_ether(4)](/ng_ether/4.md), [ifconfig(8)](/ifconfig/8.md)

## HISTORY

The **bfe** device driver first appeared in FreeBSD 5.1.

## AUTHORS

The **bfe** device driver was written by Stuart Walsh and Duncan Barclay. This manual page was written by Stuart Walsh.