the QUICC and PowerQUICC do have an ethernet port (or perhaps "are available
in a version that has an ethernet port".)  I think it goes sortof along the
lines of having support for CSMA/CD and an external interface for an ethernet
manchester encoder/collision-detect/etc.

I've been thinking along (my) work related lines - just what would constitute
a reasonable "network gateway" for embedded gizmos?  Certainly some of this
is done by current "terminal server" products - boxes that will turn an rs232
async data stream into tcp packets and vis versa.  However, perhaps it is
time to go further than that.  How about something with enough
programmability to generate SNMP or web pages based on async data that has
arrived through a rs232 port.  More explicit control over packetization?
ability to generate UDP traffic, multicasts, etc?  What cost-per-port is
reasonable?

As for doing this sort of thing NOW...  Used equipment that is a generation
or so out-of-date is available for pretty low prices.  New equipment is
rather cost-constrained by the baggage that now goes with a network-aware
box (and we have more baggage than most, and are therefore more expensive :-)
The CHEAPEST way to do this probably involves buying 2400bps (or slower)
modems for your gizmo, subscribing to an online service of appropriate type
($30/month?) and having your gizmo dial up, transact appropriately, and hang
up again.  (You can leveage the online service to read this list :-)
Don't laugh - how do you think your credit card gets approved from locations
ranging from street fairs (on portable phones) to unattended gasoline pumps.

BillW
cisco