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3Com XLPCI User Manual

Etherlink xl pci 10 mbps network interface cards
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Part No. 09-1139-001
Published June 1998
EtherLink
Network Interface Cards
User Guide
Member of the 3Com EtherLink XL family of
network interface cards
XL PCI 10 Mbps
®

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  • Page 1 Part No. 09-1139-001 Published June 1998 EtherLink ® Network Interface Cards User Guide Member of the 3Com EtherLink XL family of network interface cards XL PCI 10 Mbps...
  • 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 BOUT UIDE Finding Specific Information in This Guide Conventions NSTALLING THE Preparing for Installation Inserting the NIC Connecting to the Network RJ-45 Port BNC Port AUI Port Interpreting the Link LED NSTALLING THE Windows 95 Windows 95 Build 950 Windows 95 OSR2 Confirming Installation Windows NT...
  • Page 4 Removing NIC Software Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0 Windows NT 3.51 Frequently Asked Questions HANGING Using the DOS Configuration Program Running the 3Com NIC Diagnostics Program Displaying Configuration Settings Changing Configuration Settings Enabling PACE Support PECIFICATIONS AND Specifications Cabling Requirements...
  • Page 5 Eliminating Potential Causes of Problems Troubleshooting Hubs with Crossover Cable ECHNICAL UPPORT Support from Your Network Supplier Online Technical Services World Wide Web Site 3Com Bulletin Board Service Access by Analog Modem Access by Digital Modem 3ComFacts Automated Fax Service NDEX ORPORATION FCC C...
  • Page 7 Connecting to the BNC Port on the 3C900B-COMBO NIC Connecting to the AUI Port on the 3C900B-COMBO NIC Selected NIC Screen of the Configuration and Diagnostic Program 3Com NIC Diagnostics General Screen Diagnostics Screen Echo Test Responder Screen Echo Test Sender Screen...
  • Page 8 ABLES Notice Icons Text Conventions 3C900B NIC Models LED Interpretation Network Driver Text File Names Frequently Asked Questions Option Settings Unshielded Twisted-pair Cable Categories viii 2-14 3-10...

  • Page 9: About

    This guide describes how to install, configure, and troubleshoot 3Com network interface cards (NICs). If a release note is shipped with this product, and the information in the release note differs from the information in this guide, follow the instructions in the release note.

  • Page 10: Conventions

    BOUT UIDE Conventions Table 1 and Table 2 list conventions that are used throughout this guide. Table 1 Notice Icons Icon Notice Type Information note Caution Warning Table 2 Text Conventions Convention Screen displays The words “enter” and “type” Keyboard key names Menu commands and buttons Words in...

  • Page 11: Installing The Network Interface Card

    NSTALLING THE ETWORK This chapter describes the 3Com 10 Mbps 3C900B network interface cards (NICs). Procedures are provided for installing the NIC hardware and software and connecting each version of the NIC to an Ethernet network. Figure 1-1 shows the two versions of the 3C900B NIC.

  • Page 12: Preparing For Installation

    EtherLink XL PCI NIC (3C900B) EtherLink XL PCI Network Interface Cards User Guide (this guide) 3Com 3C900B EtherDisk diskettes 1 and 2 You also need to know the following about your network environment: The kind of network cabling that is used to connect to the network at your site.

  • Page 13: Inserting The Nic

    Inserting the NIC The following instructions apply to installing the 3C900B NIC in most PCs. If these instructions are not appropriate for your PC, refer to the documentation that accompanied your PC. CAUTION: Each NIC is packed in antistatic packaging to protect it during shipment.
  • Page 14 1: I HAPTER NSTALLING THE Figure 1-2 Installing the 3C900B NIC 4 Remove and discard the backplate. 5 Ensure that the shape and length of the edge connector on the NIC match the slot that you intend to use (Figure 1-2). 6 Carefully insert the NIC into the slot.

  • Page 15: Connecting To The Network

    Connecting to the Network This section describes how to connect the 3C900B NIC to an Ethernet network using an RJ-45, BNC, or AUI port. Each 3C900B NIC provides different network ports, as shown in Figure 1-1. Follow the procedure for the network port on the NIC that you install.

  • Page 16: Bnc Port

    1: I HAPTER NSTALLING THE BNC Port Follow these steps to connect the BNC port on the COMBO NIC to the network: 1 Connect the BNC connector on the thin Ethernet coaxial cable to the BNC port on the NIC. See Figure 1-4.

  • Page 17: Aui Port

    AUI Port Follow these steps to connect the AUI port (Figure 1-5) on the 3C900B COMBO NIC to the network: 1 Locate the 15-pin AUI port on the NIC and move the slide latch down to the open position. Figure 1-5 Connecting to the AUI Port on the 3C900B-COMBO NIC 2 Connect the thick Ethernet coaxial cable to the AUI port on the NIC.

  • Page 18: Interpreting The Link Led

    1: I HAPTER NSTALLING THE Interpreting the Link LED The 3C900B NICs have one light-emitting diode (LED). When the LED is on (but before the driver is loaded), the LED indicates that the NIC is receiving power. Other than indicating that the NIC is receiving power, the LED serves no other purpose for either an AUI or a BNC media connection.

  • Page 19: Installing The Network

    3C900B NIC to transmit and receive data over an Ethernet network. To obtain the latest shipping version of a network driver, go to the 3Com World Wide Web site: http://www.3com.com/ Before attempting to install a network driver, ask your network administrator which driver to install.

  • Page 20: Windows 95 Build 950

    2: I HAPTER NSTALLING THE Follow these steps to determine the Windows 95 version installed on your PC: 1 Right-click the My Computer icon and click Properties. The System Properties window is displayed. 2 Check the version number on the General screen, under System: If 4.00.950 is displayed, follow the procedure for Windows 95 Build 950.
  • Page 21 Your workgroup name A workgroup (for example, your department name) is composed of the PCs you usually communicate with and the workgroup’s shared resources (for example, printers). If you use peer-group networking, the workgroup name is your peer group. Peers can see each other when they look in the Network Neighborhood.

  • Page 22: Windows 95 Osr2

    2: I HAPTER NSTALLING THE Windows 95 OSR2 Follow these steps to install the network driver in a PC running the OSR2 version of Windows 95: 1 Install the NIC, connect to the network, and turn the power on. Windows 95 detects the NIC. The Update Device Driver Wizard starts and prompts you for a diskette or CD.
  • Page 23 If you use peer-group networking, the workgroup name is your peer group. Peers can see each other when they look in the Network Neighborhood. For information on peer-to-peer networking, see the W95NDIS.TXT file in the HELP directory on EtherDisk diskette 1. A description of your computer Filling in this field is optional.

  • Page 24: Confirming Installation

    A list of devices appears, arranged by type. 2 Double-click Network adapters. The name of the installed NIC appears: 3Com EtherLink XL xxx 10 Mb Ethernet NIC (3C900B-xxx) where xxx represents the NIC model installed in your PC, for example, TPO.

  • Page 25: Windows Nt 4.0

    6 Insert EtherDisk diskette 2 in drive A, enter the path to drive A if it is not already displayed, and click OK. The OEM Option dialog box appears. 7 If not already selected, select 3Com Fast EtherLink/EtherLink XL PCI Busmaster NIC, and click OK.

  • Page 26: Windows Nt 3.51

    2: I HAPTER NSTALLING THE 8 Click OK. The 3Com NIC Diagnostics window appears, confirming successful driver installation. 9 Click Close. The Network window appears, displaying the name of the installed NIC. 10 Click Close. If you are prompted for network information, enter the information supplied by your MIS department.
  • Page 27 NIC displayed and selected. 5 Click OK. Windows copies files, and then the Setup Message dialog box confirms that 3Com dRMON SmartAgent software has been successfully installed. 6 Click OK. The 3Com NIC Diagnostics window is displayed, confirming successful installation of the Windows driver.

  • Page 28: Novell Netware Client Driver

    This section describes how to install the Novell NetWare client driver for a PC running DOS, Windows 3.x, or Windows for Workgroups. You use 3Com AutoLink software to install DOS client software and drivers for Novell NetWare 3.1x or 4.x.

  • Page 29: Novell Netware Server Driver

    6 When the auto installation process is completed, remove EtherDisk diskette 1 and reboot the PC. If you are running Windows 3.1x, after you connect to the NetWare server, run the INSTALL.EXE program for full Windows support. INSTALL.EXE gives you a full complement of NetWare requester installation files.

  • Page 30: Netware 4.10 And 4.11

    <name2> net=<net2> The values <slot1> and <slot2> are the values of the PCI slots for the 3C900B NIC. You can use the 3Com DOS diagnostic program to verify the PCI slot number that the NIC is installed in. See Figure 2-1.
  • Page 31 For example, if the server uses Ethernet_802.2, the workstation must also use Ethernet_802.2. The values <net1> and <net2> are unique numbers assigned by the network administrator to each NIC. Make sure that <net1> and <net2> are different numbers. See the appropriate Novell NetWare manuals for further information.

  • Page 32: Supported Network Drivers

    2-14 2: I HAPTER NSTALLING THE Supported Network Drivers Table 2-1 provides the text file and driver names for supported network drivers. These text files, which describe how to install the associated network driver, are located in the HELP directory on EtherDisk diskette 1. Table 2-1 Network Driver Text File Names Network Operating System...

  • Page 33: Troubleshooting Installation Problems

    This chapter explains how to use troubleshooting techniques and 3Com diagnostic programs to isolate and solve problems that may occur when you install the 3C900B NIC. If you have trouble installing your 3C900B NIC, follow these basic troubleshooting tips before you run the diagnostic programs.

  • Page 34: 3Com Dos Diagnostic Program

    Chapter 4. The 3Com NIC Diagnostics program is installed when you install the network driver for the 3C900B NIC. The network driver must be installed before you can run the 3Com NIC Diagnostics program. Running NIC Tests Run the NIC tests to check the physical components, connectors, and circuitry on the NIC.
  • Page 35 If the 3Com icon has been disabled and is not visible in the system tray, follow these steps: a Click Start in the Windows taskbar. b Select Programs, and then select 3Com NIC Utilities. c Click 3nicdiag. A warning message appears.

  • Page 36: Running The Echo Test

    To run the Echo test, you need two PCs networked together. In addition, the two PCs must each have a 3Com NIC installed. Also make sure that the network driver is installed.
  • Page 37 Follow these steps to run the Echo test: 1 On both PCs: a Click the Windows Start menu. b Select Programs. c Select 3Com NIC Utilities. d Click 3nicdiag. e Click the Diagnostics tab to display the Diagnostics screen, shown in Figure 3-2.
  • Page 38 3: T HAPTER ROUBLESHOOTING Figure 3-4 Echo Test Sender Screen b Click Start on the Echo Test Sender screen (Figure 3-4). Test statistics appear in the list box of the window, as shown in Figure 3-5. Figure 3-5 Echo Test Statistics Screen c Close all open windows when the Echo test is finished.

  • Page 39: 3Com Support Services

    3Com Support Services The Support screen of the 3Com NIC Diagnostics program provides access to several support services. Click the Support tab on the 3Com Diagnostics General screen to display the Support screen, shown in Figure 3-6. Figure 3-6 3Com NIC Diagnostics Support Screen Click Diagnostics to run the 3Com NIC Diagnostics program.

  • Page 40: Accessing The Help System

    2 Click 3nichelp. The 3Com NIC Diagnostics General tab appears. 3 Click the links and tabs to display information about each of the four 3Com NIC Diagnostics program tabs. Release Notes, Frequently Asked Questions, and KnowledgeBase Topics The Help application within the 3Com NIC Diagnostics...

  • Page 41: Removing Nic Software

    Click the Help button on the screen to obtain general information about the function of the screen. To obtain specific information about any topic on the screen, click the question mark (?) at the top of the screen, move it over the topic, and click.

  • Page 42: Frequently Asked Questions

    (continued) NSTALLATION 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 NICs perform best in those slots that support bus-mastering data transfers.
  • Page 43 Enable Tray Control check box to remove the check mark. 3 Exit the program and the icon will not appear anymore. Obtain the SCO driver from the 3Com World Wide Web site: http://www.3com.com/ Yes, the 3C900B NIC supports full-duplex at 10 Mbps.
  • Page 44 The 3C900B NIC 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 that conform to the HSM 3.2 specification.
  • Page 45 Frequently Asked Questions Answer Client requirements: PC running Windows 95 or Windows NT (versions 4 or 3.51), 3Com 3C900B NIC, and the TCP/IP stack Network requirements: Switched path between stations and single broadcast domain Fast IP is designed to bypass the router, particularly where the router is a bottleneck, as well as to leverage the switched infrastructure.
  • Page 47 This chapter describes how to display and change configuration settings for the 3C900B NIC using 3Com diagnostic programs. Before you change the settings, contact your system administrator. Table 4-1 lists the configurable options for the 3C900B NIC, the default setting for each option, and other settings that are available for each option.

  • Page 48: Changing Configuration Settings

    2 Double-click the 3Com icon in the system tray. A warning message appears. If the 3Com icon has been disabled and is not visible in the system tray, follow this procedure: a Click Start in the Windows taskbar.
  • Page 49 Running the 3Com NIC Diagnostics Program Figure 4-1 3Com NIC Diagnostics General Screen 3 Click NIC Details to display the NIC Details screen, as shown in Figure 4-2. Figure 4-2 NIC Details Screen Each configuration setting is displayed with the current...

  • Page 50: Changing Configuration Settings

    Changing Configuration Settings Follow these steps to change 3C900B NIC configuration settings using the 3Com NIC Diagnostics program: 1 Click the Properties tab on the 3Com NIC Diagnostics General screen, shown in Figure 4-1. The 3Com NIC Diagnostics Properties screen appears, as shown in Figure 4-3.

  • Page 51: Enabling Pace Support

    Follow these steps to select applications for PACE support: 1 On the Properties screen shown in Figure 4-3, click PACE Configuration. The 3Com DynamicAccess Setup screen appears, as shown in Figure 4-4. Figure 4-4 3Com DynamicAccess Setup Screen 2 Select the Enable radio button in the PACE Support panel.

  • Page 53: Pecifications And Cabling Requirements

    This appendix lists the specifications, cable requirements, and connector pin assignments for the 3C900B NIC. Specifications Network Interface 10 Mbps Ethernet 10BASE-T Physical Dimensions Length: Width: COMBO Length: Width: Environmental Operating Range Operating temperature: 0˚ to 70 ˚C (32˚ to 158 ˚F) Humidity: Power Requirements Operating voltage:...

  • Page 54: Twisted-Pair Cable

    A: S PPENDIX PECIFICATIONS AND Twisted-Pair Cable Twisted-pair cable consists of copper wires surrounded by an insulator. Two wires are twisted together (the twisting prevents interference problems) to form a pair, and the pair forms a circuit that can transmit data. A cable is a bundle of one or more twisted pairs surrounded by an insulator.

  • Page 55: 10Base-T Specifications

    10BASE-T Specifications The 10BASE-T name indicates a signaling speed of 10 Mbps and twisted-pair wiring. Base stands for baseband, which denotes a technique for transmitting signals as direct-current pulses rather than modulating them onto separate carrier frequencies. A wiring topology using 10BASE-T specifies a wiring hub, cable arranged in a star configuration, and unshielded twisted-pair cable.

  • Page 57: Configuring Advanced Pace Options

    PACE O This appendix describes how to use advanced PACE options to configure operational settings and additional ranges and protocols of applications for which you have enabled PACE support. Advanced PACE options allow you to change ranges, add protocols, and define operational settings that regulate network traffic for PACE-supported applications running on your PC.

  • Page 58: Low-Priority Ratio

    Disable Switch Packet Prioritization This option disables modification of Ethernet packets used for prioritization of multimedia traffic within 3Com switch products. For example, disabling switch packet prioritization can sometimes prevent multimedia-connection failures between a PACE-enabled workstation and a non-PACE workstation.

  • Page 59: Disable Receive Packet Buffering

    This option disables the receive packet buffer. Changing Operational Settings Follow these steps to change PACE operational settings: 1 Click the Advanced button on the 3Com DynamicAccess Setup screen (Figure 4-4). The Advanced PACE Options screen is displayed, as shown in Figure B-1.

  • Page 60: Changing Ranges And Protocols

    5 Click Add. The range appears in the list box. To remove a range, select the range in the list box and click Remove. 6 Click OK to return to the 3Com DynamicAccess Setup screen (Figure 4-4). PACE O DVANCED...

  • Page 61: Troubleshooting

    This appendix provides information about using a crossover cable to troubleshoot network problems when you know that the 3C900B NIC is working, but you cannot send or receive network traffic. When you work with 10BASE-T cabling, concentrators, and NICs from different vendors, it is possible to connect everything but still have no communication between file servers and workstations.

  • Page 62: Troubleshooting Hubs With Crossover Cable

    C: T PPENDIX ROUBLESHOOTING Troubleshooting Hubs with Crossover Cable A crossover cable can be used to identify the type of failure when hub performance or connectivity is in question. 1 Connect a file server and a client PC back to back with a crossover cable to verify that the NIC and network operating system are properly configured.

  • Page 63: D Technical Support

    Support from Your Network Supplier If assistance is required, contact your computer supplier for support and service of your 3Com network interface card. When you contact your for assistance, have the following information ready: Product model name, part number, and serial number...

  • Page 64: World Wide Web Site

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

  • Page 65: Access By Digital Modem

    Online Technical Services Access by Digital Modem ISDN users can dial in to the 3Com BBS using a digital modem for fast access up to 56 Kbps. To access the 3Com BBS using ISDN, use the following number: 1 408 654 2703...

  • Page 67: Specifications A

    NDEX Numbers 10BASE-T specifications A-3 twisted-pair cable A-2 3C90X.LAN file 2-11 3Com bulletin board service (3Com BBS) D-2 3Com NIC Diagnostics program 4-2 changing configuration 4-4 Diagnostics screen 3-3 DynamicAccess Setup screen 4-5 Echo test 3-4 Echo Test Responder screen 3-5...
  • Page 68 NDEX Windows for Workgroups 2-10 Windows NT version 3.51 2-8 version 4.0 2-6, 2-7 Echo test 3-4 EIA/TIA 568 standards A-1 Ethernet cable thick coaxial 1-7 thin coaxial 1-6 Ethernet protocol, characteristics of A-2 external transceiver 1-7 Fast IP 3-12 fax service (3ComFacts) D-3 frequently asked questions 3-8, 3-10 full-duplex 4-1...
  • Page 69 (STP) cable A-2 slide latch, AUI port 1-7 static electricity 1-3 STP wire A-2 support services 3-7 supported network drivers 2-14 system tray, removing 3Com icon from 3-11 technical support 3Com URL D-2 bulletin board service D-2 fax service D-3...
  • Page 71 January 1, 2000, and Customer notifies 3Com before the later of April 1, 2000, or ninety (90) days after purchase of the product from 3Com or its authorized reseller, 3Com shall, at its option and expense, provide a software update which would...
  • Page 72 (48) hours of installation but no later than thirty (30) days after the date of purchase, and this is verified by 3Com, it will be considered dead- or defective-on-arrival (DOA) and a replacement shall be provided by advance replacement. The replacement product will normally be shipped not later than three (3) business days after 3Com’s...
  • Page 73 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 74 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.

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