Asic With Embedded Risc Processor; Supported Operating Environments; Network Link And Activity Indication - Dell Broadcom NetXtreme Family of Adapters User Manual

Functionality and Features: Broadcom NetXtreme II Network Adapter User Guide
throughput. When traffic is light, the adapter driver interrupts the host for each received packet, minimizing latency. When
traffic is heavy, the adapter issues one host interrupt for multiple, back-to-back incoming packets, preserving host CPU
cycles.

ASIC with Embedded RISC Processor

The core control for Broadcom NetXtreme II adapters resides in a tightly integrated, high-performance ASIC. The ASIC
includes a RISC processor. This functionality provides the flexibility to add new features to the card and adapts it to future
network requirements through software downloads. This functionality also enables the adapter drivers to exploit the built-in
host offload functions on the adapter as host operating systems are enhanced to take advantage of these functions.
Broadcom Advanced Control Suite
Broadcom Advanced Control Suite (BACS) is an integrated utility that provides useful information about each network adapter
that is installed in your system. The BACS utility also enables you to perform detailed tests, diagnostics, and analyses on
each adapter, as well as to modify property values and view traffic statistics for each adapter.

Supported Operating Environments

The Broadcom NetXtreme II adapter has software support for the following operating systems:
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Microsoft Windows
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Linux (32-bit and 64-bit extended)
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MS-DOS
ESX Server (VMware)
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NetWare
Oracle Solaris
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SCO UnixWare
SCO OpenServer

Network Link and Activity Indication

For copper-wire Ethernet connections, the state of the network link and activity is indicated by the LEDs on the RJ-45
connector, as described in
indicated by a single LED located adjacent to the port connector, as described in
also provides information about the status of the network link and activity (see
Table 1: Network Link and Activity Indicated by the RJ-45
Port LEDs
Port LED LED Appearance
Off
Link LED
Continuously illuminated Link
Off
Activity LED
Blinking
Table 2: Network Link and Activity Indicated by
the Port LED
LED Appearance
Off
Continuously illuminated Link
Blinking
Please read all Restrictions and
file:///T|/htdocs/NETWORK/BroadCom/71921/NetXtremeII/en/features.htm[9/26/2012 3:28:28 PM]
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(32-bit and 64-bit extended)
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Table 1. For fiber optic Ethernet connections and SFP+, the state of the network link and activity is
Network State
No link (cable disconnected)
No network activity
Network activity
Network State
No link (cable disconnected)
Network activity
Disclaimers.
Table 2. Broadcom Advanced Control Suite
Viewing Vital Signs).