3Com Fast EtherLink XL PCI 10/100BASE-TX User Manual
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3Com Fast EtherLink XL PCI 10/100BASE-TX User Manual

3Com Fast EtherLink XL PCI 10/100BASE-TX User Manual

Fast etherlink xl pci 10/100base-tx network interface card
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Part No. 09-1363-000
Published February 1998
Fast EtherLink
PCI 10/100BASE-TX
Network Interface Card

User Guide

Member of the 3Com Fast EtherLink XL family
of network interface cards
®
XL

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Summary of Contents for 3Com Fast EtherLink XL PCI 10/100BASE-TX

  • Page 1: User Guide

    Part No. 09-1363-000 Published February 1998 Fast EtherLink PCI 10/100BASE-TX Network Interface Card User Guide Member of the 3Com Fast EtherLink XL family of network interface cards ®...
  • Page 2 3Com Corporation. 3Com Corporation reserves the right to revise this documentation and to make changes in content from time to time without obligation on the part of 3Com Corporation to provide notification of such revision or change.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    ONTENTS ONTENTS BOUT UIDE Finding Specific Information in This Guide Conventions NTRODUCTION Industry-Leading Performance DynamicAccess Software Remote Wake-up Installation and Configuration 10/100 Mbps Support PC and Server Requirements How Do I Install the 3C905B-TX NIC? NSTALLING THE Connecting to the Network Connecting the Remote Wake-up Cable NSTALLING THE Windows 95...
  • Page 4 Checking the Remote Wake-up Function 3Com DOS Diagnostic Program Crossover Cable Troubleshooting Tips Troubleshooting Hubs with Crossover Cable Frequently Asked Questions Accessing the 3Com World Wide Web Page HANGING Configuration Settings Displaying Configuration Settings Changing Configuration Settings Changing PACE Configuration...
  • Page 5 Specifications RJ-45 Connector Pin Assignments ECHNICAL UPPORT Online Technical Services World Wide Web Site 3Com Bulletin Board Service Access by Analog Modem Access by Digital Modem 3ComFacts Automated Fax Service 3ComForum on CompuServe Online Service Support from Your Network Supplier...
  • Page 7 3C905B-TX NIC Installation Steps Inserting the NIC Connecting the Network Cable to the RJ-45 Port Connecting the NIC to the Connector LEDs 3Com NIC Diagnostics Program General Screen Diagnostics Screen 3Com NIC Diagnostics Program Support Screen Problem Report Main Screen Computer Information Screen...
  • Page 8 ABLES Notice Icons Text Conventions Network Driver Text File Names LED Descriptions Frequently Asked Questions Option Settings viii 3-12 4-15...

  • Page 9: Lifetime Limited Warranty

    FDDILink ™ network interface cards have a Lifetime Limited Warranty. For further details, please see 3Com’s Limited Warranty statement in this guide. To ensure the very best 3Com service and support, take the time to complete the product registration card.
  • Page 10 Customers in other non-U.S. locations should send the registration card to the U.S. address on the front of the card. Asia 3Com Asia Ltd., Marketing Department Room 2506-07, 25/F. Citibank Tower Citibank Plaza, Central...

  • Page 11: About This Guide

    This guide describes how to install, configure, and troubleshoot the 3Com 10/100BASE-TX network interface card (NIC). This NIC is called the 3C905B-TX NIC in this guide. If the information in the README.TXT file on the...

  • Page 12: Conventions

    BOUT UIDE Conventions Table 1 throughout this guide. Table 1 Notice Icons Icon Notice Type Information note Caution Warning Table 2 Text Conventions Convention Commands Screen displays The words “enter” and “type” Menu commands and buttons Words in italicized type Words in bold-face type Table 2...

  • Page 13: Introduction

    Figure 1-1 3C905B-TX NIC There are two types of 3C905B-TX NICs: the 3C905B-TX NIC and the 3C905B-TX-NM NIC. The 3Com Remote Wake-Up NIC (3C905B-TX), shown in Figure 1-1, operates as a wake-up NIC only in PCs with the Remote Wake-Up connector attached to the PC motherboard.

  • Page 14: Industry-Leading Performance

    PACE class of service drivers enable prioritization of multimedia and business-critical applications like video conferencing and distance learning. With the 3Com PACE drivers, you can set the class of service for each application. The 3C905B-TX NIC ships with dRMON SmartAgent...

  • Page 15: Remote Wake-Up

    Remote Wake-Up support is enabled for the 3C905B-TX NIC. If you are using the 3C905B-TX NIC in a PC that supports Remote Wake-Up through the PCI bus, the 3Com NIC receives wake-up signals and wakes the PC from a sleep state.

  • Page 16: How Do I Install The 3C905B-Tx Nic

    Insert 3C905B-TX NIC Connect NIC to network Which driver installation instructions should I use Install 3Com network driver Reboot Log on to network Figure 1-2 3C905B-TX NIC Installation Steps Proceed to PC or server and connect it to the network.

  • Page 17: Installing The Nic

    NSTALLING THE There are two types of 3C905B-TX NICs: the 3C905B-TX NIC and the 3C905B-TX-NM NIC. They are both installed in your PC and connected to the network in exactly the same way. After you connect the 3C905B-TX NIC to the network, you connect the Remote Wake-Up cable to the motherboard.
  • Page 18 2: I HAPTER NSTALLING THE 7 Insert the 3C905B-TX NIC into an empty PCI slot, shown in Make sure that the NIC is firmly seated in the slot. Figure 2-1 Inserting the NIC 8 Secure the NIC with the screw you removed earlier. If you are installing the Remote Wake-Up connector, go to “Connecting the Remote Wake-up Cable”...

  • Page 19: Connecting To The Network

    Connecting to the Network You must connect the NIC to the network before installing the network driver. To connect the 3C905B-TX NIC to the network cable, follow these steps: 1 Connect the network cable to the RJ-45 port on the 3C905B-TX NIC, as shown in Figure 2-2 Connecting the Network Cable to the RJ-45 Port 2 Connect the other end of the network cable to a...

  • Page 20: Connecting The Remote Wake-Up Cable

    2: I HAPTER NSTALLING THE Connecting the Remote Wake-up Cable WARNING: Install the NIC in slot 1 in the PC (as described earlier) before plugging in the 3-pin connector. Only properly trained and authorized personnel should perform service. Contact your PC manufacturer for information about safe service techniques.

  • Page 21: Installing The Network

    Go to the section your MIS department recommends and follow the instructions to install the network driver on your PC. You can obtain the latest network drivers on 3Com’s World Wide Web site. To access the Web site, enter the 3Com URL into your Internet browser: http://infodeli.3com.com/infodeli/swlib/n_i_c.htm/...
  • Page 22 A, click OK. Otherwise, supply the correct drive letter and click OK. Once the 3Com installation files are read, Windows 95 prompts you for the Windows 95 network installation files. 6 Enter the correct path to the Windows 95 files (CAB files) and click OK.
  • Page 23 Microsoft Client for Microsoft Network NetBEUI The network components should now include: Client for NetWare Networks 3Com EtherLink XL Adapter 3Com dRMON SmartAgent PC software IPX/SPX Compatible Protocol If a protocol is missing, follow these steps: a Select the protocol and click Add.

  • Page 24: Confirming Installation

    The System Properties box appears, detailing your system setup. 4 Click the Device Manager tab. A list of devices appears, arranged by type. 5 Double-click Network Adapters. The name of the installed 3C905B-TX NIC appears: 3Com EtherLink XL Adapter (3C905B) ETWORK RIVER Chapter...

  • Page 25: Windows Nt

    3C905B-TX NIC and its current status. The dialog box confirms that the 3C905B-TX NIC is working properly. If a yellow exclamation point or a red X appears next to the 3Com EtherLink XL adapter name, go to “Frequently Asked Questions” the NIC.

  • Page 26: Installing The Network Driver

    4 In the Network window, select the Adapter tab. If this 3C905B-TX NIC is replacing a NIC already installed, follow these steps: a Select the existing 3Com NIC (that is being replaced) in the Installed Adapters group. b Click Remove.

  • Page 27: Windows Nt Version 3.51

    2 Restart the PC and start Windows NT. 3 In the Control Panel, double-click Network. 4 Select the 3Com adapter and click Properties. 5 Record the settings for the NIC resources. 6 Click Cancel. 7 Double-click Network again in the Control Panel.

  • Page 28: Installing The Network Driver

    Requires disk from manufacturer. 6 Click Continue. 7 Insert EtherDisk Diskette #2 in drive A and click OK. 8 In the Select OEM Option box, select 3Com EtherLink XL PCI Adapter (3C905B). 9 Click OK. The Bus Location window appears. 10 Click OK.

  • Page 29: Netware For Windows 3.1X, Windows For Workgroups, And Dos

    NetWare for Windows 3.1x, Windows for Workgroups, and DOS NetWare for Windows 3.1x, Windows for Workgroups, and DOS The AutoLink program installs DOS client software and drivers for Novell NetWare in Windows 3.1x, Windows for Workgroups 3.11, and DOS environments. CAUTION: Do not use the AutoLink program if you are running Windows 95 or Windows NT.

  • Page 30: Installing The Novell Netware Server Driver

    3-10 3: I HAPTER NSTALLING THE If you experience problems that occur only when using the AutoLink program, display or print the AUTOLINK.LOG file. The AUTOLINK.LOG file contains a list of all the events that occurred during the AutoLink installation and configuration process.

  • Page 31: Multiple Nics

    The installation program gathers the files and prompts you for a NIC selection. 6 Select 3Com Fast EtherLink XL 10/100 Ethernet NIC. 7 Press Enter to continue the server installation. Multiple NICs To support more than one NIC in a server, edit the AUTOEXEC.NCF file to the following format:...

  • Page 32: Supported Network Drivers

    3-12 3: I HAPTER NSTALLING THE Supported Network Drivers Table 3-1 supported network drivers. These text files describe how to install the network driver and are located in the HELP directory on EtherDisk Diskette #1. Table 3-1 Network Driver Text File Names Network Operating System Windows 95...

  • Page 33: Troubleshooting

    Accessing the 3Com World Wide Web page The 3Com World Wide Web site offers the latest drivers, troubleshooting information, and software updates in the Support area. To access the Web site, enter the 3Com URL address into your Internet browser: http://infodeli.3com.com/infodeli/swlib/n_i_c.htm/...

  • Page 34: 3Com Nic Diagnostics Program

    Yellow: Port traffic for either speed 3Com NIC Diagnostics Program Use the 3Com NIC Diagnostics program for Windows 95 and Windows NT to test the 3C905B-TX NIC and change configuration. To change the NIC’s configuration, see Chapter 5. If you are running NetWare Client 32 with the NetWare ODI driver, use the DOS diagnostic program described in the INSTRUCT.TXT file in the HELP directory on...

  • Page 35: Accessing The 3C905B-Tx Help System

    Release Notes, Frequently Asked Questions, and the 3C905B-TX KnowledgeBase. The Help system was installed with the network driver. To display the 3Com Help system, follow these steps: 1 Install the 3C905B-TX NIC, connect it to the network (Chapter 2 Click the Windows Start menu.

  • Page 36: Running The Nic Self-Test

    NIC. 1 Make sure that the 3C905B-TX NIC is installed and connected to the network network driver is installed 2 Start the 3Com NIC Diagnostics program by clicking the Windows Start menu. 3 Select Programs. 4 Select 3Com NIC Utilities.
  • Page 37 Click the Help button to display help for this screen. Click the question mark (?) at the top of the screen, drag it to a test, and click. The pop-up box displays information about the selected test and what to do if the test fails. 3Com NIC Diagnostics Program Figure 4-3.

  • Page 38: Running The Echo Test

    The echo test tests the 3C905B-TX NIC’s ability to transmit and receive data while on the network. You need two PCs with 3Com NICs installed to run an echo test: one PC to send data and one PC to receive data.

  • Page 39: 3Com Support Services

    3Com BBS telephone numbers and modem speeds 3Com World Wide Web information 3Com problem report generator 1 To access the 3Com NIC Diagnostics support screen, click the Support tab on the 3Com NIC Diagnostics program main screen, shown in The 3Com NIC Diagnostics Program Support screen...

  • Page 40: Generating A Problem Report

    ROUBLESHOOTING Click Diagnostics to run the 3Com NIC Diagnostics program. Refer to the beginning of this chapter for information on how to use the 3Com NIC Diagnostics program. Click Release Notes to display the 3C905B-TX Release Notes, Frequently Asked Questions, and the 3C905B-TX KnowledgeBase.
  • Page 41 3Com NIC Diagnostics Program Figure 4-5 Problem Report Main Screen Figure 4-6 Computer Information Screen...
  • Page 42 Select your PC processor speed using the pull-down menu. 6 Click Next to display the Problem Description screen. 7 Enter your problem description and the 3Com case number if you have one. 8 Use the pull-down menu to select whether you can reproduce the problem or not, and if so, how often.

  • Page 43: Removing The 3C905B-Tx Nic Pace And 3Nicdiags Software

    Packet settings are enabled. a Click the Network Neighborhood icon. b Click Properties. c Double-click the 3Com NIC icon and click the Advanced tab. Make sure that Wake on Link and Wake on Magic Packet are enabled. If these settings do not exist, either the NIC is not a Remote Wake-Up NIC or the driver installation file...

  • Page 44: 3Com Dos Diagnostic Program

    Wake-Up cable in the PC and recheck the PC. If the PC works, contact your network vendor for a replacement of the 3Com NIC. After you verify with a known good working NIC that the PC still does not wake up, there may be a problem with the motherboard.

  • Page 45: Crossover Cable Troubleshooting Tips

    Crossover Cable Troubleshooting Tips When you work with network cabling, concentrators, and NICs from different vendors, it is possible to connect everything and still have no communication between file servers and workstations. When there are several unknown variables, it is difficult to determine which component is broken.

  • Page 46: Troubleshooting Hubs With Crossover Cable

    4-14 4: T HAPTER ROUBLESHOOTING Using wires from opposing pairs can cause signals to be lost. For a 100BASE-TX cable, pins #1 and #2, and #3 and #6 must be on the same twisted strand. Troubleshooting Hubs with Crossover Cable When there is doubt whether a hub is performing correctly, or if the impedance settings are in question, a crossover cable can help you isolate the failing component.

  • Page 47: Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions describes some common questions and answers Answer 3Com PCI NICs are designed to work in any bus mastering PCI slot, preferably slot 1. Avoid any PCI slot next to an ISA slot. This is often a shared slot and does not support bus mastering.The...
  • Page 48 Windows NT version 3.51 on the DEC Alpha PC? (continued) Answer 1 Double-click the 3Com icon to start the 3Com NIC Diagnostics program. 2 In the right bottom corner of the main window, click the Enable Tray Control check box to remove the check mark.
  • Page 49 The 3C905B-TX does not support NetWare versions 3.11 or 4.0x. These versions require the use of a server driver that conforms to the HSM 3.2 specification. 3Com no longer develops NetWare server drivers to the HSM 3.2 specification. standby or suspend mode using a wake-up packet that is sent through the LAN.
  • Page 50 By creating switched shortcuts, Fast IP allows end stations to bypass the router and transfer data across wire-speed switched paths. Fast IP is part of 3Com’s DynamicAccess software, an advanced network driver that brings intelligence to end systems to provide improved network performance and control.

  • Page 51: Accessing The 3Com World Wide Web Page

    The 3Com Web site features news and information about 3Com products, customer service and support, 3Com’s latest drivers, technical information, and more. To access 3Com’s World Wide Web site, enter the 3Com URL into your Internet browser: http://infodeli.3com.com/infodeli/swlib/n_i_c.htm/ The Customer Support section has the latest troubleshooting...

  • Page 53: Changing Configuration

    This chapter describes how to display and change configuration settings for the 3C905B-TX NIC using the 3Com NIC Diagnostics program. Before you change the settings, contact your system administrator. Configuration Settings Table 5-1 lists each configuration option, the default setting, and the available settings.

  • Page 54: Displaying Configuration Settings

    Changing Configuration Settings To change the 3C905B-TX NIC configuration settings with the 3Com NIC Diagnostics program, follow these steps: 1 Click the Properties tab on the 3Com NIC Diagnostics General screen, shown in The 3Com NIC Diagnostics Properties screen appears, as...
  • Page 55 Changing Configuration Settings Figure 5-1 3Com NIC Diagnostics Program General Screen Figure 5-2 3Com NIC Diagnostics Properties Screen...

  • Page 56: Changing Pace Configuration

    Prioritization makes sure that critical data for the selected applications gets through as fast as possible. To use PACE technology, you must have a switched connection over 3Com switches that are enabled for PACE technology. Selecting PACE Applications To select PACE applications, follow these steps: 1 On the Properties screen shown in PACE Configuration.

  • Page 57: Changing Pace Ranges And Protocols

    Changing PACE Ranges and Protocols You can add information for PACE applications not listed on the PACE Applications screen. You must specify the port or socket ranges as well as the network protocol being used. Refer to the PACE application user guide. The PACE network driver uses these ranges to determine whether a packet should be treated as high-priority.

  • Page 58: Pace Advanced Options

    In this environment, any application that uses TCP/IP or Microsoft Networking over TCP/IP, FTP, or HTTP can use Fast IP. For a detailed explanation of Fast IP, go to the 3Com Web site at: http://www.3com.com/ 1 Click the Fast IP tab on the PACE Applications screen.

  • Page 59: Specifications

    This appendix lists the specifications and connector pin assignments for the 3C905B-TX NIC. Specifications Network Interface 10 Mbps Ethernet 10BASE-T 100 Mbps Ethernet 100BASE-TX Physical Dimensions Height: Length: Environmental Operating Range Operating temperature: 0˚ to 70 ˚C (32˚ to 158 ˚F) Humidity: Power Requirements Operating voltage:...

  • Page 60: Rj-45 Connector Pin Assignments

    A: S PPENDIX PECIFICATIONS RJ-45 Connector Pin Assignments Figure A-1 the 3C905B-TX NIC. D A T A A C T 1 0 0 Figure A-1 RJ-45 Connector Pin Assignments shows the RJ-45 connector pin assignments for 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 TD _ RD _...

  • Page 61: B Technical Support

    3Com Bulletin Board Service 3ComBBS contains patches, software, and drivers for all 3Com products, as well as technical articles. This service is available through analog modem or digital modem (ISDN) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

  • Page 62: Access By Analog Modem

    3ComFacts Automated Fax Service 3Com Corporation’s interactive fax service, 3ComFacts, provides data sheets, technical articles, diagrams, and troubleshooting instructions on 3Com products 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 3ComFacts using your Touch-Tone telephone using one of these international access numbers: Country U.K.

  • Page 63: 3Comforum On Compuserve Online Service

    Italy 1678 99085 3ComForum on CompuServe Online Service 3ComForum contains patches, software, drivers, and technical articles about all 3Com products, as well as a messaging section for peer support. To use 3ComForum, you need a CompuServe account. To use 3ComForum: 1 Log on to your CompuServe account.

  • Page 64: Support From 3Com

    Support from 3Com If you are unable to receive support from your network supplier, technical support contracts are available from 3Com. Contact your local 3Com sales office to find your authorized service provider using one of these numbers: Regional Sales Office 3Com Corporation P.O.
  • Page 65 Regional Sales Office 3Com GmbH Czech Republic/Slovak Republic Germany (Central European HQ) Hungary Poland 3Com Iberia Portugal Spain 3Com Latin America U.S. Headquarters Northern Latin America Argentina Brazil Chile Colombia Mexico Peru Venezuela 3Com Mediterraneo Italy 3Com Middle East 3Com Nordic AB...

  • Page 66: Returning Products For Repair

    PPENDIX ECHNICAL Returning Products for Repair Before you send a product directly to 3Com for repair, you must first obtain a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number. Products sent to 3Com without RMA numbers will be returned to the sender unopened, at the sender’s expense.

  • Page 67: Glossary

    Transcend Edge Monitor System to provide full RMON network management in switched and Fast Ethernet networks. DynamicAccess software 3Com proprietary technology that optimizes network performance. DynamicAccess features include PACE Interactive Access technology, dRMON (distributed RMON) support, Efficient Multicast Control, and support for PACE real-time and multimedia class of service applications.
  • Page 68 Parallel Tasking II architecture 3Com’s third-generation Ethernet NIC architecture. Parallel Tasking technology accelerates data transfer by processing data packets simultaneously instead of sequentially. Peripheral Component Interconnect. An advanced high-performance local bus that supports multiple peripheral devices.
  • Page 69 NDEX Numbers 10/100 auto-negotiation (NWay) 1-3, 3C90X.LAN file 3-10 3Com Bulletin Board Service (3ComBBS) B-1 3Com NIC Diagnostics program echo test 4-6 NIC self test 4-4 3Com sales offices B-4 3Com URL B-1 3ComFacts B-2 3ComForum B-3 Artisoft LANtastic 3-12 AUTOEXEC.BAT file 3-9...
  • Page 70 B-6 RJ-45 connector pin assignments A-2 server driver, Novell NetWare 3-10 support services 4-7 switch port, setting full-duplex 5-1 technical support 3Com URL B-1 bulletin board service B-1 CompuServe service B-3 fax service B-2 network suppliers B-3 product repair B-6...
  • Page 71 Windows 3.1x 3-9 Windows 95 1-3, 3-1 confirming NIC installation 3-4 installing network driver 3-1, 3-12 Windows for Workgroups 3-9, 3-12 Windows NT 3-5, 3-12 version 3.51 3-7 version 4.0 3-5 World Wide Web (WWW) 4-19, B-1 NDEX...
  • Page 73 ARDWARE 3Com warrants its hardware products to be free from defects in workmanship and materials, under normal use and service, for the following lengths of time from the date of purchase from 3Com or its Authorized Reseller: Network interface cards...
  • Page 74 IMITATION OF IABILITY TO THE FULL EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, 3COM ALSO EXCLUDES FOR ITSELF AND ITS SUPPLIERS ANY LIABILITY, WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), FOR INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR FOR LOSS OF...
  • Page 75 This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Stock No. 004-000-00345-4. NOTE: In order to maintain compliance with the limits of a Class B digital device, 3Com requires that you use quality interface cables when connecting to this device. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by 3Com could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
  • Page 76 TRADE SECRETS; TITLE: You acknowledge and agree that the structure, sequence and organization of the Software are the valuable trade secrets of 3Com and its suppliers. You agree to hold such trade secrets in confidence. You further acknowledge and agree that ownership of, and title to, the Software and all subsequent copies thereof regardless of the form or media are held by 3Com and its suppliers.
  • Page 77 NOTES...
  • Page 78 NOTES...

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