Pci Bus; Flow Control - D-Link DFE-530TX+ User Manual

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Appendix A - Technology Basics

PCI Bus

Your DFE-530TX+ Adapter delivers outstanding performance by fully exploiting the advance features of your computer's PCI

bus. DFE-530TX+ Adapters utilize the Bus Master Mode of the PCI bus, allowing direct transfers of Ethernet packet content

between computer memory and the adapter's controller, thus minimizing network demands on the CPU. The adapter's controller

function provides the additional benefit of reduced command processing overhead.

The working relationship between a DFE-530TX+ adapter and main memory working in Bus Master mode is powered by the

Bridge/Memory Controller of the PCI bus. This reduces the CPU role in network operations, thus freeing the CPU to service other

tasks, with resulting improvement in overall computing (multitasking) performance. At the same time, it produces superior

network throughput by reducing latency (waiting for CPU service) during transmissions and receptions.

The DFE-530TX+ implements IEEE 802.3x compliant flow control for full-duplex, which provides traffic management functions

for full-duplex operation. Flow control allows for enhanced full-duplex operation with switches. When operating at full-duplex

(requiring a direct connection to a switch) and the switch's data buffer is about to overflow, a Pause frame will be transmitted to

the DFE-530TX+.The ensuing idle time keeps the buffer from overflowing and prevents data from being lost. This enhancement

can improve network throughput, avoid collisions and prevent lost data, helping the network achieve optimal performance.

D-Link DFE-530TX+ User Manual

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