ppp0 bandwidth spiking

[Tim_T_Murphy@Dell.com]

> The firmware was upgraded via floppy several weeks ago.

the floppy-method/dos-mode 'firmware repair' uses yet another i/f
(pci mailbox).  this wouldn't cause any ppp traffic.

> Also - nothing at all of interest in /var/log/messages.
> This is being uplinked to a Power Connect 5212, could that be the issue?

not that i know of.  sorry, i'm out of guesses, but i'll keep this in
mind and repost if i learn anything new.

tim