Apparently the network connection between these two hosts works with or without the cross-over adapter (which crosses two pairs of wires) at 100Mbps. Forcing 1000Mbps with ethtool does not work. However, the host with the Marvell Technology group ethernet adapter also has an Intel EtherExpress 1000 adapter. So, I tried connecting the cable to it and it worked instantly. There is probably some interoperability issue between Intel EE1000 and the Marvell adapter hardware and/or software. -akop