Configuring The Gigabit Ethernet Controller; High-Performance Ethernet Modes - IBM xSeries 305 Type 8673 User Manual

Configuring the Gigabit Ethernet controller

The Ethernet controller is integrated on the system board. This controller provides
an interface for connecting to 10-Mbps, 100-Mbps, or 1000-Mbps networks and
provides full duplex (FDX) capability, which enables simultaneous transmission and
reception of data on the Ethernet local area network (LAN). You do not need to set
any jumpers or configure the controller for your operating system before you use
the Ethernet controller. However, you must install a device driver to enable your
operating system to address the Ethernet controller. The device drivers are provided
on the ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD.
When you connect your server to the network, the Ethernet controller automatically
detects the data-transfer rate (10-Mbps, 100-Mbps, or 1000-Mbps) on the network
and then sets the controller to operate at the appropriate rate. In addition, if the
Ethernet ports that your server is connected to support auto-negotiation, the Gigabit
Ethernet controller will set the appropriate duplex state. That is, the Ethernet
controller will adjust to the network data rate, whether the data rate is standard
Ethernet (10BASE-T), Fast Ethernet (100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T), half duplex
(HDX), or full duplex (FDX). The controller supports half-duplex (HDX) and
full-duplex (FDX) modes at both speeds.
For information on configuring your Ethernet controller, see the Broadcom
NetXtreme Gigabit Ethernet Software CD that comes with your server. For updated
information on configuring your Ethernet controller, go to the IBM Support Web site
at http://www.ibm.com/pc/support and navigate to the area for your specific server
type. From this area, you can download documentation, the most current device
drivers for your server, and software that supports advanced networking functions.
After downloading, run the downloaded program launch.exe.

High-performance Ethernet modes

Your Ethernet controller supports optional modes, such as teaming, priority packets,
load balancing, fault tolerance, and virtual LANs, which provide higher performance,
security, and throughput for your server. These modes apply to the integrated
Ethernet controller and to the controllers on supported Ethernet adapters.
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xSeries 305 Type 8673: User's Guide