NETGEAR GA 620 Reference Manual
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NETGEAR GA 620 Reference Manual

Gigabit ethernet cards
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GA620/620T.Manual.R2
6/12/00
1:55 PM
Page 1
Gigabit Ethernet Cards
Reference Guide
M O D E L
GA
M O D E L
GA
620
620
T

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  • Page 1 GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 1 Gigabit Ethernet Cards Reference Guide M O D E L M O D E L...
  • Page 2 In the interest of improving internal design, operational function, and/or reliability, NETGEAR reserves the right to make changes to the products described in this document without notice. NETGEAR does not assume any liability that may occur due to the use or application of the product(s) or circuit layout(s) described herein.
  • Page 3 • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. EN 55 022 Statement This is to certify that the NETGEAR Model GA620 and Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card are shielded against the generation of radio interference in accordance with the application of Council Directive 89/336/EEC, Article 4a.
  • Page 4 Defective or damaged merchandise can be returned to your point-of-purchase representative. Internet/World Wide Web NETGEAR maintains a World Wide Web home page that you can access at the universal resource locator (URL) http://www.NETGEAR.com. A connection to the Internet and a Web browser such as Internet...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 5 CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 Introduction Benefits Features CHAPTER 2 Hardware Installation Package Contents Requirements Hardware Descriptions Preparing to Install Your Gigabit Ethernet Card Installing Your Gigabit Ethernet Card Connecting the Network Cables CHAPTER 3 Windows NT Driver Software Installing the Driver Software Changing Configuration Parameters Updating the Driver Software...
  • Page 6 GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 6 CHAPTER 5 NetWare Driver Software Pre-Installation Requirements Installing the Driver Software Installing the Driver: NetWare Already Installed Installing the Driver: Initial Installation of NetWare 5.0 Editing the STARTUP.NCF File 5-10 Verifying or Modifying Card Parameters 5-11 CHAPTER 6 Troubleshooting...
  • Page 7 GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 7 FIGURES Figure 2-1. Front Panel of the Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card Figure 2-2. Front Panel of the Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card Figure 2-3. Fiber Connector for the Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card figures...
  • Page 8 GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 8 TABLES Table 2-1. Software and Hardware Requirements Table 2-2. Model GA620 Port LEDs Table 2-3. Model GA620T Port LEDs Table 2-4. Model GA620 (1000BASE-SX) Cable Characteristics Table 2-5. Model GA620T (10/100/1000BASE-T) Cable Characteristics 2-10 Table 3-1.

  • Page 9: Introduction

    Performance is optimized and network overhead on the host system is minimized with the use of the Model GA620 and Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Cards.These devices introduce CruiseControl, a NETGEAR feature that uses a set of functions to offload the host PC by providing interrupt coalescing and zero host copy.

  • Page 10: Features

    – Flow Control (IEEE 802.3x) An Ethernet switch with a Gigabit port (for example, the NETGEAR Model FS509 Fast Ethernet Switch) or a buffered repeater meets the criteria for inter- operability with the Model GA620 and Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card.
  • Page 11 GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 11 • Standard Ethernet frame size (up to 1,518 bytes) • Adaptive interrupt frequency Adaptive interrupt frequency minimizes CPU utilization, therefore maximizing PCI bus and network throughput. • 33/66 MHz, 32/64-bit PCI bus master (Local Bus Revision 2.2 compliant) with adaptive DMA channels The Model GA620 and Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Cards each contain two independent DMA channels for simultaneous read and write operations.

  • Page 12: Hardware Installation

    1:55 PM Page 13 CHAPTER 2: HARDWARE INSTALLATION This chapter provides information about the package contents, system requirements, and installation of the NETGEAR Model GA620 and Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Cards. Package Contents The product package should contain: • Model GA620 or Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card •...

  • Page 13: Requirements

    GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 14 Requirements Before installing the Model GA620 or Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card, verify the software and hardware requirements outlined in Table 2-1. Table 2-1. Software and Hardware Requirements System Requirements Windows NT Hardware A Pentium-based server that meets Windows NT 4.0 software requirements One open 32-bit or 64-bit PCI slot Minimum 64 MB memory Operating...
  • Page 14 GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 15 Table 2-1. Software and Hardware Requirements (continued) System Requirements NetWare Hardware A Pentium-based server that meets NetWare 4.2 or NetWare 5.0 software requirements One open 32-bit or 64-bit PCI slot Minimum 64 MB memory Operating If you are using NetWare 4.2, you must have the most recent support pack System...

  • Page 15: Hardware Descriptions

    As illustrated in Figure 2-1, the Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card has a Tx (transmit) port, an Rx (receive) port, and the two port LEDs described in Table 2-2. GA 620 1000 Mbps SX 8907EA Figure 2-1. Front Panel of Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card Table 2-2.
  • Page 16 GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 17 As illustrated in Figure 2-2, the Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card has an RJ-45 connector port and four port LEDs. 10/100/1000 BASE-T DATA 1000 9614EA Figure 2-2. Front Panel of Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card The front panel of the Model GA620T has four LEDs: one for each port speed option (10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, and 1000 Mbps), to indicate which link is active, and one LED for data transfer status.

  • Page 17: Preparing To Install Your Gigabit Ethernet Card

    GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 18 Table 2-3. Model GA620T Port LEDs Label Activity Description DATA Blinking Brief bursts of data detected on the port. Streams of data detected on the port. No data detected on the port. 1000 Good 1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet link. No 1000 Mbps link;...

  • Page 18: Installing Your Gigabit Ethernet Card

    GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 19 3. Turn off the power to your PC. • If you are running Windows, close all applications and click on Start from the desktop menu, select Shut Down, and then select Shut down the computer. •...

  • Page 19: Connecting The Network Cables

    GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 20 3. Insert the card into the PCI expansion slot. Note: To avoid damaging any components on the card, handle it by the edges, using your thumbs to push it securely into the PCI slot. Do not use excessive force, but make sure the card is fully inserted into the slot to prevent the PC operating system from freezing at startup.
  • Page 20 GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 21 Connect one end of the cable to the Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card, as shown in Figure 2-3. Warning: Fiber optic equipment can emit laser or infrared light that might injure your eyes. Never look into an optical fiber or connector port. Always assume that fiber optic cables are connected to a light source.

  • Page 21: Table 2-5. Model Ga620T (10/100/1000Base-T) Cable Characteristics

    GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 22 The Model GA620T has one RJ-45 connector used for attaching the system to an Ethernet copper-wire segment. When link negotiation is disabled, the port supports 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, or 1000 Mbps signaling and either half-duplex or full-duplex operation.

  • Page 22: Windows Nt Driver Software

    CHAPTER 3: WINDOWS NT DRIVER SOFTWARE This chapter provides information about the Microsoft Windows NT driver software. Use the Windows NT driver software if you installed the NETGEAR Model GA620 or Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card in a PC that is operating in a Windows NT environment.
  • Page 23 GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 24 To install the driver software if you are operating in a Windows NT environment: 1. Start your Windows NT system and log in. You must have Network Administrator privileges to install the driver software. 2.
  • Page 24 GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 25 3. Double-click on the Network icon. The Network window opens. If there are any previously installed Model GA620 or Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card drivers listed, the drivers must be updated (as outlined in “Updating the Driver Software”...
  • Page 25 GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 26 4. Click on the Adapters tab, and then click on Add. The Select Network Adapter window opens. 5. Click on Have Disk. The Insert Disk window opens. windows nt driver software...
  • Page 26 In this example, the letter e: is the CD-ROM drive. The Select OEM Option window opens, and NETGEAR GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card is highlighted. 7. Click on OK. The driver is copied onto your system, and the NETGEAR GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card installation window opens. windows nt driver software...

  • Page 27: Table 3-1. Parameter Descriptions

    GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 28 8. Refer to Table 3-1 to set the parameters in the entry fields. Table 3-1. Parameter Descriptions Parameter Entry Field Description Adapter Adapter Instance:To distinguish each network card installed in the system, each is assigned a unique instance number.Typically, the first network card detected is instance 1, and the next is instance 2.

  • Page 28: Changing Configuration Parameters

    GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 29 9. Click on OK to accept the changed parameters. The Network window opens. 10. Click on Close. If other cards in your system use TCP/IP bindings, the Microsoft TCP/IP Properties window opens. Set any necessary TCP/IP configurations, and click on OK when finished.

  • Page 29: Updating The Driver Software

    1:55 PM Page 30 3. Click on the Adapter tab. 4. Click on NETGEAR GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card, and then click on Properties. The Properties window opens. 5. Click on the parameter boxes to disable (not selected) or enable (selected) the parameter.

  • Page 30: Moving The Network Card To A Different Slot

    GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 31 8. Insert the Model GA620/GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card Driver and Documentation CD into the CD-ROM drive in your PC when prompted. 9. Type the path to the driver that matches your system, and then click on OK. For example, enter the following path: In this example, the letter e: is the CD-ROM drive.

  • Page 31: Internal Loopback Test

    Internal Loopback Test The Tech Support tab in the GA620 Driver Properties window displays information about how to contact NETGEAR’s Technical Support and access to the Windows NT- based internal loopback diagnostic test for the card. Use the internal loopback test to verify that the card firmware is configured and operating correctly.
  • Page 32 GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 33 2. When the Network window opens, select the Adapters tab. 3. Select the card and click the Properties button. The driver properties window is displayed. windows nt driver software 3-11...
  • Page 33 GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 34 4. If you want to run internal diagnostics on an card, select the NIC Status and Configuration tab is selected, then select the card that will be tested. 5. Click the Tech Support tab. The Tech Support window is displayed: This window provides contact information and access to the internal diagnostic test.
  • Page 34 GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 35 8. To run the internal loopback test for the card, click the Test button. If you have not yet rebooted the system after installing the card driver, a dialog box is displayed, prompting you to reboot the system. For best results, click the OK button to reboot the system prior to running diagnostics.

  • Page 35: Windows 2000 Driver Software

    CHAPTER 4: WINDOWS 2000 DRIVER SOFTWARE This chapter provides information about the Microsoft Windows 2000 driver soft- ware. Use the Windows 2000 driver software if you installed the NETGEAR Model GA620 or Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card in a PC that is operating in a Windows 2000 environment.
  • Page 36 GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 38 2. Start your Windows 2000 system and log in. You must have Network Administrator privileges to install the driver software. When you boot up the Windows 2000 system after installing the Gigabit Ethernet card, a series of Found New Hardware Wizard windows is displayed. 3.
  • Page 37 GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 39 4. In the Locate Driver Files window, check the CD-ROM drives box. windows 2000 driver software...

  • Page 38: Changing Configuration Parameters

    GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 40 5. In the Driver Files Search Results window, verify that the correct path to the driver software is shown, then click the Next button. Once installation of the driver software has been completed, you are ready to configure card properties.
  • Page 39 3. Scroll down the list of hardware devices to Network Adapters. Click the plus (+) to the left of the icon to display the list of cards that are currently configured. 4. Double-click on the NETGEAR GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card you want to configure.
  • Page 40 GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 42 5. Click the Advanced tab. A window showing the list of configurable properties (and default values) is displayed: 6. Change the operating parameters as desired. To change operating parameters listed under the Advanced tab, click on the options listed under Property and then use the window under Value to change the default or assigned value.
  • Page 41 GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 43 negotiation, or if there is a problem establishing a link between the card and the connecting device. For the 1000BASE-SX GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card, the link will be set for full-duplex at 1 Gbps; unless otherwise specified. The default signaling speed for the 10/100/1000BASE-T GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card is 1 Gbps.

  • Page 42: Moving The Network Card To A Different Slot

    GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 44 – When Tx flow control is on and link negotiation is off, you must turn on Full Duplex in order for Tx flow control to work properly.Tx flow control will not function under half duplex operation. –...

  • Page 43: Netware Driver Software

    CHAPTER 5: NETWARE DRIVER SOFTWARE This chapter provides information about the Novell NetWare driver software. Use the NetWare driver software if you installed the NETGEAR Model GA620 or Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card in a PC that is operating in a NetWare environment.

  • Page 44: Pre-Installation Requirements

    GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 46 Table 5-1. NetWare Device Installation Methods Method/Program OS Support Advantage Drawback AUTOEXEC.NCF NetWare 5, Quick, efficient Text file interface requires you to NetWare 4.2 accurately enter parameters, using correct syntax. Cannot be used for initial installation of NetWare 5.0 on a server.

  • Page 45: Installing The Driver Software

    GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 47 Table 5-2. NetWare Support Files NetWare OS File Name File(s) to be Installed Support Pack 4 NW5SP4.EXE (or latest file) (or the latest support pack) Support Pack 8 NW4SP8A.EXE (or latest file) (or the latest support pack) Note: NetWare 5.0: If you are installing NetWare 5.0 for the first time on a server, you will install the card driver during the OS installation procedure.

  • Page 46: Installing The Driver: Netware Already Installed

    The NetWare drivers are located in the following driver CD-ROM directory: GA620:\NETWARE\ Note: If you acquired the software on a floppy disk or from the NETGEAR support website, enter the path to where the driver files reside on your system.
  • Page 47 End Of Daylight Savings Time = (OCTOBER SUNDAY LAST 2:00:00 AM) set Default Time Server Type = SINGLE # Note: The Time zone information mentioned above # should always precede the SERVER name. set Bindery Context = O=NETGEAR file server name MARS ipx internal net 34881EEE load conlog maximum=100 ;...

  • Page 48: Table 5-3. Card Load Parameters

    GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 50 Table 5-3. Card Load Parameters Parameter Descriptions slot= n Identifies the slot number for the specific card currently being configured. This parameter is not necessary if only a single card is installed. frame= type Defines the frame type being used by this load instance.

  • Page 49: Installing The Driver: Initial Installation Of Netware 5.0

    GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 51 Table 5-3. Card Load Parameters (continued) Parameter Descriptions txflow= n If link negotiation has been disabled, you can turn 802.3x transmit flow control on or off. • A value of 1 (one), the default, allows the card to negotiate 802.3x transmit flow control with the device at the other end of the link.

  • Page 50: Table 5-4. Card Configuration Parameters

    • The auto setting activates the IEEE 802.3 compliant link negotiation. All NETGEAR Gigabit Ethernet cards and switches use link negotiation by default. • When off is selected, only link signal detection is used. Use this setting when...
  • Page 51 GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 53 Table 5-4. Card Configuration Parameters (continued) Parameter Description Duplex When you disable link negotiation while installing a Gigabit Ethernet card, you can select either half-duplex or full-duplex operation. If you select this field and press Enter, you are prompted to choose between full and half settings: •...

  • Page 52: Editing The Startup.ncf File

    GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 54 Editing the STARTUP .NCF File To ensure optimum card performance, add at least 1024 packet receive buffers for each card in the system. Note: Depending on your system configuration, the number of clients being sup- ported, and other requirements, more than 1024 packet receive buffers may be needed for each card.

  • Page 53: Verifying Or Modifying Card Parameters

    End Of Daylight Savings Time = (OCTOBER SUNDAY LAST 2:00:00 AM) set Default Time Server Type = SINGLE # Note: The Time zone information mentioned above # should always precede the SERVER name. set Bindery Context = O=NETGEAR file server name MARS ipx internal net 34881EEE load conlog maximum=100 ;...
  • Page 54 GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 56 load GA620 slot=4 frame=Ethernet_802.2 name=alt_1_e82_2 bind ipx alt_1_e82_2 net=aaaa load GA620 slot=4 frame=Ethernet_802.3 name=alt_1_e82_3 bind ipx alt_1_e82_3 net=bbbb mount all set immediate purge of deleted files = on set upgrade low priority threads = on set display spurious interrupt alerts = on set display lost interrupt alerts = on Note: If you modify any card parameters, you must reboot the system before...

  • Page 55: Troubleshooting

    The Tech Support tab in the GA620 Driver Properties window in Windows NT displays information on how to contact NETGEAR technical support and provides access to the Windows NT-based internal loopback diagnostic test for the card. Please refer back to Chapter 3 “Windows NT Driver Software”...
  • Page 56 GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 58 In the command line: • The letter e is the designation of the CD-ROM drive on your system. • The optional -c parameter is used for specifying which card to test. By default, DDTP tests only the first card detected in the system. •...
  • Page 57 GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 59 pkts:0 secs:0pkts:48 secs:1pkts:144 secs:2pkts:240 secs:3pkts:320 secs:4pkts:416 secs:5pkts:512 secs:6pkts:592 secs:7pkts:688 secs:8pkts:784 secs:9pkts:864 secs:10pkts:960 secs:11 1000 packets transmitted successfully 1000 packets received successfully 0 errors detected external Loopback Test pkts:0 secs:0pkts:96 secs:1pkts:192 secs:2pkts:288 secs:3pkts:368 secs:4pkts:464 secs:5pkts:544 secs:6pkts:640 secs:7pkts:736 secs:8pkts:816...

  • Page 58: Checking The Port Leds

    GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 60 Checking the Port LEDs Model GA620 Card (1000BASE-SX) Two port LEDs are located on the faceplate of the Model GA620 (1000BASE-SX) card: one to indicate link status and one for data transfer status (see Figure 2-1 on page 2-4).

  • Page 59: Using The Troubleshooting Checklist

    GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 61 2. Verify that the card status LEDs operate as described in the Table 6-2. Table 6-2. Model GA620T (10/100/1000Base-T) Port LED Activity State Description Data Blinking Brief bursts of data detected on the port. Streams of data detected on the port.

  • Page 60: Table 6-3. Pci Bios Parameters

    GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 62 • Check the network card installation by reviewing Chapter 2 “Hardware Installation.” Make sure that the network card is properly seated in a PCI slot. Check for specific hardware problems, such as broken traces or loose/broken solder connections.

  • Page 61: Appendix A Specifications

    GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 63 APPENDIX A: SPECIFICATIONS This appendix provides specifications for the NETGEAR Model GA620 and Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card. Link Characteristics Model GA620 (1000BASE-SX) Medium Diameter Frequency Cable Type Operating Range 62.5 Microns Shortwave Multimode fiber 6.5 to 902 feet (2 to 275 meters)

  • Page 62: Technical Specifications

    GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 64 Technical Specifications Specification Standards Compatibility IEEE 802.3z 1000BASE-SX Gigabit Ethernet IEEE 802.3x Flow Control Model GA620 Duplex SC fiber connector for 62.5/125- or 50/125-micron multimode fiber Network Connection Full-duplex 2,000 Mbps (1,000 Mbps each way) Gigabit Ethernet Model GA620T RJ-45 connector for Category 5 UTP cable Network Connection...
  • Page 63 GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 65 BIOS, list of parameters 6-6 network card, moving 3-9, 4-8 Novell NetWare software driver installation 5-3 verifying or modifying 5-11 CruiseControl 1-1 customer support iv package contents 2-1 port LEDs, description 2-4, 2-6 Development and Diagnostic Test Program 5-1 software, requirements 2-2, 2-3 features 1-2 specifications A-1...
  • Page 64 GA620/620T.Manual.R2 6/12/00 1:55 PM Page 67 NETGEAR, Inc. 4401 Great America Parkway Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA Phone: 1-888-NETGEAR www.NETGEAR.com *M-GA620NA-2* June 2000...

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