Instruction/ maintenance manual of the product XLPCI 3Com
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http://www .3com.com/ EtherLink ® XL PCI 1 0 Mbps Network Interface Car ds User Guide Member of the 3Com EtherLink XL family of network interface cards Part No.
ii 3Com Corporation ■ 5400 Bayfront Plaza ■ Santa Clara, Califor nia ■ 95052-8145 Copyright © 1998, 3Com Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of this documentation may be repr oduced in an.
iii C ONTENTS A BOUT T HIS G UIDE Finding Specific Information in This Guide 1 Conventions 2 1 I NSTALLING THE N ETWORK I NTERFACE C ARD Preparing for Installation 1-2 Inserting the NIC 1-3 Connectin.
iv 3Com DOS Diagnostic Program 3-2 3Com NIC Diagnostics Program 3-2 Running NIC T ests 3-2 Running the Echo T est 3-4 3Com Support Services 3-7 Accessing the Help System 3-8 Release Notes, Frequently Asked Questions, and KnowledgeBase T opics 3-8 Removing NIC Software 3-9 Windows 95 and W indows NT 4.
v Changing Ranges and Protocols B-4 C T ROUBLESHOOTING N ETWORK C ONNECTION P ROBLEMS Eliminating Potential Causes of Problems C-1 T roubleshooting Hubs with Cr ossover Cable C-2 D T ECHNICAL S UPPORT.
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vii F IGURES 1-1 3C900B Network Interface Cards 1-1 1-2 Installing the 3C900B NIC 1-4 1-3 Connecting to the RJ-45 Port on the 3C900B NIC 1-5 1-4 Connecting to the BNC Port on the 3C900B-COMBO NIC 1-6 .
viii T ABLES 1 Notice Icons 2 2 T ext Conventions 2 1-1 3C900B NIC Models 1-2 1-2 LED Interpretation 1-8 2-1 Network Driver T ext File Names 2-14 3-1 Frequently Asked Questions 3-10 4-1 Option Setting.
A BOUT T HIS G UIDE About This Guide provides an overview of this guide, describes guide conventions, and tells you where to look for specific information. This guide describes how to install, configure, and troubleshoot 3Com ® EtherLink ® XL PCI 10 Mbps (3C900B) network interface cards (NICs).
2 A BOUT T HIS G UIDE Conventions T able 1 and T able 2 list conventions that are used throughout this guide. T able 1 Notice Icons Icon Notice Type Description Information note Important features or .
1 I NSTALLING THE N ETWORK I NTERFACE C ARD This chapter describes the 3Com ® EtherLink ® XL PCI 10 Mbps 3C900B network interface cards (NICs). Procedur es are pr ovided for installing the NIC hardwar e and software and connecting each version of the NIC to an Ethernet network.
1-2 C HAPTER 1: I NSTALLING THE N ETWORK I NTERFACE C ARD Preparing for Installation Before you install the 3C900B NIC, verify that you have all of the components. If any of these items are damaged or missing, contact your shipper or network supplier .
Inserting the NIC 1-3 Inserting the NIC The following instructions apply to installing the 3C900B NIC in most PCs. If these instructions are not appr opriate for your PC, refer to the documentation that accompanied your PC. CAUTION: Each NIC is packed in antistatic packaging to protect it during shipment.
1-4 C HAPTER 1: I NSTALLING THE N ETWORK I NTERFACE C ARD Figure 1-2 Installing the 3C900B NIC 4 Remove and discar d the backplate. 5 Ensur e that the shape and length of the edge connector on the NIC match the slot that you intend to use (Figure 1-2).
Connecting to the Network 1-5 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 dif ferent network ports, as shown in Figure 1-1. Follow the procedur e for the network port on the NIC that you install.
1-6 C HAPTER 1: I NSTALLING THE N ETWORK I NTERFACE C ARD 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.
Connecting to the Network 1-7 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.
1-8 C HAPTER 1: I NSTALLING THE N ETWORK I NTERFACE C ARD 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 .
2 I NSTALLING THE N ETWORK D RIVER This chapter describes how to install the network driver that allows the 3C900B NIC to transmit and receive data over an Ethernet network. T o obtain the latest shipping version of a network driver , go to the 3Com World Wide Web site: http://www.
2-2 C HAPTER 2: I NSTALLING THE N ETWORK D RIVER 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 scr een, under System: ■ If 4.
Windows 95 2-3 ■ Y our workgroup name A workgroup (for example, your department name) is composed of the PCs you usually communicate with and the workgroup’ s shar ed resour ces (for example, printers). If you use peer -group networking, the workgroup name is your peer group.
2-4 C HAPTER 2: I NSTALLING THE N ETWORK D RIVER 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.
Windows 95 2-5 If you use peer -gr oup 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.
2-6 C HAPTER 2: I NSTALLING THE N ETWORK D RIVER Confirming Installation Follow these steps to confirm that the NIC is installed and functioning correctly: 1 Right-click the My Computer icon, click Properties , and then click the Device Manager tab.
Windows NT 2-7 ■ The name of the Windows NT server domain or workgroup that you belong to ■ The IP address that you will use if your network does not have a DHCP server (TCP/IP only) Windows NT 4.0 Follow these steps to install the network driver in a PC running Windows NT 4.
2-8 C HAPTER 2: I NSTALLING THE N ETWORK D RIVER 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 pr ompted for network information, enter the information supplied by your MIS department.
Windows NT 2-9 d Click OK in the Network Settings window and then click Restart Now . e After rebooting, r epeat step 2. 3 Click Add Adapter . The Add Network Adapter window appears. 4 Click the down arr ow to expand the list box, select <Other> Requires disk from manufacturer , and then click Continue .
2-10 C HAPTER 2: I NSTALLING THE N ETWORK D RIVER Novell NetW ar e Client Driver This section describes how to install the Novell NetW are client driver for a PC running DOS, Windows 3.x, or Windows for Workgroups. Y ou use 3Com AutoLink software to install DOS client softwar e and drivers for Novell NetW are 3.
Novell NetWare Server Driver 2-11 6 When the auto installation pr ocess is completed, remove EtherDisk diskette 1 and r eboot the PC. If you are running Windows 3.1x, after you connect to the NetWare server , run the INST ALL.EXE program for full Windows support.
2-12 C HAPTER 2: I NSTALLING THE N ETWORK D RIVER 3 Add the following two lines to the AUTOEXEC.NCF file: load C:NWSERVER3C90X.LAN slot=<slot> NAME=<name> FRAME=<frametype> bind ipx to <name> net=<number> 4 Save and exit the file, and then r eboot the server .
Novell NetWare Server Driver 2-13 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> ar e differ ent numbers.
2-14 C HAPTER 2: I NSTALLING THE N ETWORK D RIVER Supported Network Drivers T able 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.
3 T ROUBLESHOOTING I NSTALLATION P ROBLEMS This chapter explains how to use troubleshooting techniques and 3Com diagnostic programs to isolate and solve pr oblems that may occur when you install the 3C900B NIC. If you have trouble installing your 3C900B NIC, follow these basic troubleshooting tips befor e you run the diagnostic programs.
3-2 C HAPTER 3: T ROUBLESHOOTING I NSTALLATION P ROBLEMS 3Com DOS Diagnostic Pr ogram Use the 3Com DOS diagnostic program to tr oubleshoot problems or change configuration settings for a 3C900B NIC installed in a PC running DOS, Windows 3.x, Windows for Workgroups, or Windows NT 3.
Running Diagnostic Programs 3-3 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.
3-4 C HAPTER 3: T ROUBLESHOOTING I NSTALLATION P ROBLEMS Figure 3-2 Diagnostics Screen 4 Click Start . A six-test sequence begins. The test status is displayed in the Status column as each test is completed. Y ou can click Stop to stop the tests at any point.
Running Diagnostic Programs 3-5 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 Figur e 3-2.
3-6 C HAPTER 3: T ROUBLESHOOTING I NSTALLATION P ROBLEMS Figure 3-4 Echo T est Sender Screen b Click Start on the Echo T est Sender screen (Figur e 3-4). T est statistics appear in the list box of the window , as shown in Figure 3-5. Figure 3-5 Echo T est Statistics Screen c Close all open windows when the Echo test is finished.
Running Diagnostic Programs 3-7 3Com Support Services The Support screen of the 3Com NIC Diagnostics pr ogram provides access to several support services. Click the Support tab on the 3Com Diagnostics General screen to display the Support screen, shown in Figur e 3-6.
3-8 C HAPTER 3: T ROUBLESHOOTING I NSTALLATION P ROBLEMS Accessing the Help System The 3C900B NIC Help system is a Windows Help application that includes 3C900B release notes, fr equently asked questions, and a KnowledgeBase of known compatibility issues.
Removing NIC Software 3-9 Click the Help button on the screen to obtain general information about the function of the screen. T o 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.
3-10 C HAPTER 3: T ROUBLESHOOTING I NSTALLATION P ROBLEMS 3 Click Ye s . The Network Settings window is displayed. The 3C900B NIC no longer appears in the Installed Adapter Cards panel. 4 Click OK . The 3C900B NIC driver and diagnostic software ar e removed fr om the PC.
Frequently Asked Questions 3-11 What interrupts should I avoid? You should avoid using any interrupts used by ISA/EISA boards that do not properly support shared interrupts (level-triggered). If you do not know or are unsure whether other devices or adapters in your PC support shared interrupts, then avoid using them.
3-12 C HAPTER 3: T ROUBLESHOOTING I NSTALLATION P ROBLEMS Does the 3C900B NIC support Windows NT version 3.51 on the DEC Alpha PC? The 3C900B NIC network driver supports only Windows NT 4.0. In Windows 95, what should I do if a yellow exclamation point (!) appears next to the NIC name? 1 In the Device Manager, double-click Other Devices .
Frequently Asked Questions 3-13 What are the PC and network requirements to run Fast IP? ■ Client requirements: PC running Windows 95 or Windows NT (versions 4 or 3.
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4 C HANGING C ONFIGURATION S ETTINGS This chapter describes how to display and change configuration settings for the 3C900B NIC using 3Com diagnostic programs.
4-2 C HAPTER 4: C HANGING C ONFIGURATION S ETTINGS Using the DOS Configuration Pr ogram The configuration section of the DOS diagnostic program is used to configure the 3C900B NIC when it is installed in a PC running DOS, Windows 3.x, W indows for Workgr oups, or Windows NT 3.
Running the 3Com NIC Diagnostics Program 4-3 Figure 4-1 3Com NIC Diagnostics General Screen 3 Click NIC Details to display the NIC Details scr een, as shown in Figure 4-2. Figure 4-2 NIC Details Screen Each configuration setting is displayed with the current value.
4-4 C HAPTER 4: C HANGING C ONFIGURATION S ETTINGS If a Help button appears on a screen, click the Help button to obtain general information about the function of the screen. T o 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.
Enabling P ACE Support 4-5 Enabling P ACE Support P ACE technology enables you to establish class-of-service ranking to prioritize multimedia and real-time network data traffic. Prioritization makes sur e that critical data for selected applications gets through as fast as possible.
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A S PECIFICATIONS AND C ABLING R EQUIREMENTS This appendix lists the specifications, cable requir ements, and connector pin assignments for the 3C900B NIC.
A-2 A PPENDIX A: S PECIFICATIONS AND C ABLING R EQUIREMENTS T wisted-Pair Cable T wisted-pair cable consists of copper wires surrounded by an insulator . T wo wires ar e twisted together (the twisting prevents interfer ence problems) to form a pair , and the pair forms a circuit that can transmit data.
RJ-45 Connector Pin Assignments A-3 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-curr ent pulses rather than modulating them onto separate carrier frequencies.
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B C ONFIGURING A DVANCED PACE O PTIONS This appendix describes how to use advanced P ACE options to configure operational settings and additional ranges and protocols of applications for which you have enabled P ACE support.
B-2 A PPENDIX B: C ONFIGURING A DVANCED PACE O PTIONS Although a video server can support up to 32 connections, a client may want to conference with only four other people at a time. The recommended setting is 16. Low-Priority Ratio When P ACE support is enabled, high-priority packets are always transmitted befor e low-priority packets.
Changing Operational Settings B-3 Disabling switch packet prioritization affects only the switch; it does not change the behavior of the P ACE driver in any way . Regardless of the switch setting, high-priority packets are transmitted ahead of most non-P ACE packets on the workstation.
B-4 A PPENDIX B: C ONFIGURING A DVANCED PACE O PTIONS Changing Ranges and Pr otocols Follow these steps to change P ACE ranges and protocols: 1 Place the cursor in the Range Start entry box and enter a port or socket start range for the application.
C T ROUBLESHOOTING N ETWORK C ONNECTION P ROBLEMS This appendix provides information about using a cr ossover cable to troubleshoot network pr oblems when you know that the 3C900B NIC is working, but you cannot send or receive network traf fic.
C-2 A PPENDIX C: T ROUBLESHOOTING N ETWORK C ONNECTION P ROBLEMS T roubleshooting Hubs with Cr ossover Cable A crossover cable can be used to identify the type of failur e when hub performance or connectivity is in question.
D T ECHNICAL S UPPORT Support fr om Y our Network Supplier If assistance is requir ed, contact your computer supplier for support and service of your 3Com network interface card.
D-2 A PPENDIX D: T ECHNICAL S UPPORT World Wide W eb Site Access the latest networking information on the 3Com Corporation World Wide Web site by entering the URL into your Internet browser: http://www.
Online T echnical Ser vices D-3 Access by Digital Modem ISDN users can dial in to the 3Com BBS using a digital modem for fast access up to 56 Kbps. T o access the 3Com BBS using ISDN, use the followin.
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I 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 Diagnost.
2 I NDEX Windows for Workgroups 2-10 Windows NT version 3.51 2-8 version 4.0 2-6, 2-7 E Echo test 3-4 EIA/TIA 568 standards A-1 Ethernet cable thick coaxial 1-7 thin coaxial 1-6 Ethernet protocol, cha.
I NDEX 3 O online technical services D-1 operating voltage requirements A-1 P P ACE driver 4-5 enabling support for 4-5 option description 4-1 technology B-1 P A THWORK.
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3Com Corporation L IMITED W ARRANTY H ARDWARE 3Com warrants its hardware products to be free from defects in workmanship and materials, under normal use and service, for the following lengths of time .
Dead- or Defective-on-Arrival. In the event a product completely fails to function or exhibits a defect in materials or workmanship within the first forty-eight (48) hours of installation but no later.
W ARNING: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules, and the Canadian Department of Communications Equipment Standards entitled, “Digital Apparatus,” ICES-003.
The Software is licensed to be used on any workstation or any network server owned by or leased to you, provided that the Software is used only in connection with a 3Com adapter.
An important point after buying a device 3Com XLPCI (or even before the purchase) is to read its user manual. We should do this for several simple reasons:
If you have not bought 3Com XLPCI yet, this is a good time to familiarize yourself with the basic data on the product. First of all view first pages of the manual, you can find above. You should find there the most important technical data 3Com XLPCI - thus you can check whether the hardware meets your expectations. When delving into next pages of the user manual, 3Com XLPCI you will learn all the available features of the product, as well as information on its operation. The information that you get 3Com XLPCI will certainly help you make a decision on the purchase.
If you already are a holder of 3Com XLPCI, but have not read the manual yet, you should do it for the reasons described above. You will learn then if you properly used the available features, and whether you have not made any mistakes, which can shorten the lifetime 3Com XLPCI.
However, one of the most important roles played by the user manual is to help in solving problems with 3Com XLPCI. Almost always you will find there Troubleshooting, which are the most frequently occurring failures and malfunctions of the device 3Com XLPCI along with tips on how to solve them. Even if you fail to solve the problem, the manual will show you a further procedure – contact to the customer service center or the nearest service center
