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Lifetime Limited Warranty 3Com’s EtherLink®, Fast EtherLink, OfficeConnect®, TokenLink®, TokenLink Velocity®, ATMLink™ PCI, FDDILink™, and Token Ring-in-Fast Ethernet Server network interface cards have a Lifetime Limited Warranty. For further details, please see 3Com’s Limited Warranty statement in this guide. To ensure the very best 3Com service and support, take the time to complete the product registration card.
Customers in the countries or regions shown below should send the completed registration card to the appropriate address. Customers in other non-U.S. locations should send the registration card to the U.S. address on the front of the card. ■ Asia 3Com Asia Ltd., Marketing Department Room 2506-07, 25/F.
OfficeConnect® Fast Ethernet Network Interface Card User Guide Member of the 3Com OfficeConnect family http://www.3com.com/ Part No.
3Com Corporation ■ 5400 Bayfront Plaza ■ Santa Clara, California ■ 95052-8145 Copyright © 1998, 3Com Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of this documentation may be reproduced in any form or by any means or used to make any derivative work (such as translation, transformation, or adaptation) without written permission from 3Com Corporation.
CONTENTS ABOUT THIS GUIDE Conventions 9 Year 2000 Compliance 10 1 GETTING STARTED What This Guide Covers 11 What This Chapter Covers 11 Understanding Networking 12 Peer-to-Peer Networks 13 Client/Server Networks 14 Ethernet and Fast Ethernet Networking Protocols Understanding Network Interface Cards 15 About the OfficeConnect NIC 15 Required Hardware 16 Required Cabling 16 Required Software 16 2 INSTALLING THE NETWORK INTERFACE CARD Preparing for Installation 17 Inserting the NIC 18 Connecting the NIC t
Verifying Successful Installation 32 Windows 95 and Windows 98 32 Windows NT 4.0 34 Windows NT 3.51 34 4 TROUBLESHOOTING INSTALLATION PROBLEMS Basic Troubleshooting Tips 35 Interpreting the LEDs 36 Starting the 3Com NIC Diagnostics Program 37 Running the NIC Self-Tests 39 Running the Echo Test 40 Accessing the Help System 43 Viewing Release Notes, Frequently Asked Questions, and KnowledgeBase Topics 44 Accessing 3Com Support Services 44 Removing NIC Software 46 Windows 95 and Windows 98 46 Windows NT 4.
B TECHNICAL SUPPORT Online Technical Services 61 World Wide Web Site 61 3Com FTP Site 61 3Com Bulletin Board Service 62 Access by Analog Modem 62 Access by Digital Modem 62 3ComFacts Automated Fax Service 63 Support from Your Network Supplier 63 Support from 3Com 63 Returning Products for Repair 65 GLOSSARY INDEX 3COM CORPORATION LIMITED WARRANTY FCC CLASS B STATEMENT FCC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY 3COM END USER SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT
FIGURES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Sample Network 12 OfficeConnect NIC 15 Inserting the NIC 19 Connecting the Network Cable to the NIC New Hardware Found Dialog Box 24 Update Device Driver Wizard 26 Add New Hardware Wizard 28 Network Settings Window 31 Device Manager Screen 33 General Screen 38 Diagnostics Screen 39 Echo Test Responder Screen 41 Echo Test Sender Screen 42 Echo Test Statistics Screen 42 Support Screen 45 General Screen 53 NIC Details Screen 53 Properties Screen 55 20
TABLES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Notice Icons 9 Text Conventions 10 Cable Guidelines 17 LED Descriptions 36 Frequently Asked Questions 48 OfficeConnect NIC Configuration Settings Unshielded Twisted-pair Cable Categories 51 58
ABOUT THIS GUIDE This guide describes how to install, configure, and troubleshoot the 3Com® OfficeConnect® Fast Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC). This guide is appropriate for anyone who is familiar with the basic elements of a PC and is interested in connecting a PC to a network. If release notes are shipped with your product and the information there differs from the information in this guide, follow the instructions in the release notes.
10 ABOUT THIS GUIDE Table 2 Text Conventions Convention Description Screen displays This typeface represents information as it appears on the screen. The words “enter” and “type” When you see the word “enter” in this guide, you must type something, and then press the Return or Enter key. Do not press the Return or Enter key when an instruction simply says “type.” Keyboard key names If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key names are linked with a plus sign (+).
1 GETTING STARTED The 3Com® OfficeConnect® Fast Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC) allows you to connect your personal computer (PC) to an Ethernet (10BASE-T) or Fast Ethernet (100BASE-TX) network. The OfficeConnect NIC is specifically designed for the small office/home office environment. What This Guide Covers This guide provides all the information you need to install the OfficeConnect NIC and connect it to a network. It tells you how to: ■ Insert the NIC into a PC.
12 CHAPTER 1: GETTING STARTED Understanding Networking A computer network is a group of computers and other associated devices, such as printers, fax machines, and modems, that are connected to one another so they can share resources and information. A network allows you to: ■ Share resources — You and others on the network can share resources, such as a data file or directory, hard disk drive, printer, scanner, or modem.
Understanding Networking 13 Every network requires special software, called a network operating system (NOS) (such as Windows NT or NetWare), to control the flow of information between users. Each PC that you want to connect as part of the network must have an operating system (such as Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows NT) that can communicate with the NOS. In a peer-to-peer networking architecture, the operating system that is installed on each PC acts as the NOS.
14 CHAPTER 1: GETTING STARTED Client/Server Networks A client/server network is ideal for organizations that require fast network access for large applications such as multimedia, databases, and video. In a client/server network, all shared applications and files are stored on one central computer known as the server. Network users (client PCs) can store their own files on their own PCs, and then use the server to access shared files and peripherals, such as printers, fax machines, and modems.
Understanding Network Interface Cards 15 Understanding Network Interface Cards A network interface card (NIC) is a printed circuit board that plugs into a PC expansion slot in your computer to provide a connection to a network. Once the NIC is installed in your PC, you connect it to the network media (cabling, such as unshielded twisted-pair [UTP]), which in turn connects to all the devices on the network.
16 CHAPTER 1: GETTING STARTED After the NIC is installed, these LEDs show whether there’s an active connection between the NIC and the network, and the speed at which you’re connected. (See “Interpreting the LEDs” in Chapter 4 for more information.) Required Hardware You can install the OfficeConnect NIC in any IBM-compatible PC with an available PCI expansion slot. Almost all PCs currently on the market have such slots.
2 INSTALLING THE NETWORK INTERFACE CARD This chapter explains how to install the OfficeConnect NIC in your PC and connect it to an Ethernet or Fast Ethernet network. Preparing for Installation Before you install the OfficeConnect NIC, make sure that you have the following items: ■ OfficeConnect 10/100 Fast Ethernet NIC ■ OfficeConnect EtherDisk diskette If any of these items are damaged or missing, contact your shipper or network supplier.
18 CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE NETWORK INTERFACE CARD Inserting the NIC To insert the OfficeConnect NIC in your PC: 1 Remove all jewelry from your hands and wrists. CAUTION: The NIC is packed in an antistatic container to protect it during shipment. To avoid damaging any static-sensitive components on the NIC, before you remove it from the container, touch the metal chassis of your PC to discharge static electricity from your body. Also, be careful to handle the NIC by its edges only.
Inserting the NIC 19 Figure 3 Inserting the NIC 1 Remove slot cover 2 Insert NIC PCI slots 6 Fasten the NIC with the backplate screw you removed in step 4. 7 Replace the PC cover. 8 Reconnect any cables that you disconnected before you opened the PC. Do not turn on the power to the PC. The next step is to connect the NIC to your network.
20 CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE NETWORK INTERFACE CARD Connecting the NIC to Your Network This section describes how to connect the OfficeConnect NIC to a network device. For more information on networking or creating a peer-to-peer network, see the Network Assistant CD included in your package. To connect the OfficeConnect NIC to a network device: 1 Using an unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable, insert one of the RJ-45 connectors on the cable into the RJ-45 port on the installed NIC, as shown in Figure 4.
Connecting the NIC to Your Network 21 2 Insert the other end of the UTP cable into an active network port. An active network port may be on a network hub or switch, or a peripheral device (such as a printer) that is network-ready (that is, it already has a NIC inside it). Do not turn on the power to the PC. The next step is to install the network driver. Go to Chapter 3.
INSTALLING THE NETWORK DRIVER 3 This chapter describes how to install the network driver in your PC. You must install the network driver so that the OfficeConnect NIC can transmit and receive data over the network. Instructions are provided for the following operating systems supported by the OfficeConnect NIC: ■ Windows 95 ■ Windows 98 ■ Windows NT Go to the appropriate section in this chapter for your operating system.
24 CHAPTER 3: INSTALLING THE NETWORK DRIVER 2 Check the version number on the General screen, under System: ■ If 4.00.950 or 4.00.950A is displayed, follow the procedure for Windows 95 Version A. ■ If 4.00.950B is displayed, follow the procedure for Windows 95 Version B. Windows 95 Version A To install the network driver in a PC running version A of Windows 95: 1 Make sure that the NIC is installed in your PC and that it’s connected to the network, as described in Chapter 2.
Windows 95 25 4 Insert the EtherDisk diskette in drive A and make sure that A:\ appears in the Copy files from entry box. 5 Click OK. ■ If this is the first time that networking is being installed on your PC, the Identification tab of the Network window is displayed. Go to step 6. ■ If networking has already been installed, you’re prompted for the Windows 95 CD. In this case, go to step 7.
26 CHAPTER 3: INSTALLING THE NETWORK DRIVER 9 Enter your user name and password, and then click OK. The driver installation is complete. To confirm successful installation, go to “Verifying Successful Installation” later in this chapter. Windows 95 Version B To install the network driver in a PC running version B of Windows 95: 1 Make sure that the NIC is installed in your PC and that it’s connected to the network, as described in Chapter 2. 2 Turn on the power to the PC. Windows 95 detects the NIC.
Windows 95 27 4 Click Finish. The Insert Disk dialog box prompts you for the OfficeConnect EtherDisk diskette. 5 Click OK. The Copying Files dialog box appears. 6 Make sure that A:\ appears in the Copying files from entry box, and then click OK. ■ If this is the first time that networking is being installed on your PC, the Identification tab of the Network window is displayed. Go to step 7. ■ If networking has already been installed, you’re prompted for the Windows 95 CD. In this case, go to step 8.
28 CHAPTER 3: INSTALLING THE NETWORK DRIVER 9 Remove the EtherDisk diskette from drive A, and then click Yes. You must reboot your PC to complete the installation. After Windows restarts, you’re prompted for your user name and password. 10 Enter your user name and password, and then click OK. The driver installation is complete. To confirm successful installation, go to “Verifying Successful Installation” later in this chapter.
Windows 98 29 3 Insert the EtherDisk diskette in drive A, and then click Next. 4 Select Search for the best driver for your device (Recommended), and then click Next. 5 Select Floppy disk drives, and then click Next. Windows finds the driver file for the device. 6 Click Next. Files are copied. If the Insert Disk window appears, prompting you to insert the EtherDisk diskette, click OK. You’re then prompted for the Windows 98 CD. 7 Insert the Windows 98 CD in the CD-ROM drive, and then click OK.
30 CHAPTER 3: INSTALLING THE NETWORK DRIVER Windows NT This section describes how to install the network driver in a PC running Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 or 3.51. Windows NT 4.0 To install the network driver in a PC running Windows NT 4.0: 1 Make sure that the NIC is installed in your PC and that it’s connected to the network, as described in Chapter 2. 2 Turn on the power to the PC. 3 Double-click the My Computer icon, then the Control Panel icon, and then the Network icon. The Network window appears.
Windows NT 31 Windows NT 3.51 To install the network driver in a PC running Windows NT 3.51: 1 Make sure that the NIC is installed in your PC and that it’s connected to the network, as described in Chapter 2. 2 Turn on the power to the PC. 3 In the Main window of the Program Manager, double-click the Control Panel icon and then the Network icon. The Network Settings window (Figure 8) appears. Figure 8 Network Settings Window 4 Click Add Adapter. The Add Network Adapter window appears.
32 CHAPTER 3: INSTALLING THE NETWORK DRIVER 8 Make sure that 3Com OfficeConnect 10/100 Fast Ethernet NIC is selected, and then click OK. Files are copied. The 3Com NIC Diagnostics screen appears. 9 Click Close to continue the installation. The Network Settings window reappears. 10 Click OK in the Network Settings window. If the TCP/IP Configuration screen appears, enter the requested information, and then click OK. For help with this information, click the Help button on the TCP/IP Configuration screen.
Verifying Successful Installation 33 Figure 9 Device Manager Screen 2 Double-click Network adapters. The name of the installed OfficeConnect NIC appears, as shown in Figure 9. If a yellow exclamation point (!) or a red X appears next to the NIC name, the installation wasn’t successful. Go to “Frequently Asked Questions” in Chapter 4 to troubleshoot the NIC. 3 Double-click the name of the NIC to display a description of the NIC and its current status.
34 CHAPTER 3: INSTALLING THE NETWORK DRIVER Windows NT 4.0 To confirm that the NIC is installed correctly in a PC running Windows NT 4.0: 1 Double-click the Network icon in the Control Panel. 2 Click the Adapters tab. The OfficeConnect NIC should appear in the list of network adapters. If it doesn’t appear, see Chapter 4 for troubleshooting information. Windows NT 3.51 To confirm that the NIC is installed correctly in a PC running Windows NT 3.51: 1 Double-click the File Manager icon.
4 TROUBLESHOOTING INSTALLATION PROBLEMS This chapter explains how to isolate and solve problems that may occur when you install the OfficeConnect NIC. Basic Troubleshooting Tips If you have trouble installing your OfficeConnect NIC, or if the installation failed (as described in “Verifying Successful Installation” in Chapter 3), follow these basic troubleshooting tips. CAUTION: Before inserting or removing the NIC from your PC, turn the power off to the PC and unplug the power cord.
36 CHAPTER 4: TROUBLESHOOTING INSTALLATION PROBLEMS Interpreting the LEDs The OfficeConnect NIC has three light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that can help indicate when there are problems with your network connection. See Figure 2 in Chapter 1 for a picture of the LEDs. Table 4 explains the LED states. Table 4 LED Descriptions LED State Meaning 10 LNK (link) On If the network driver is installed, as described in Chapter 3, the connection to the 10BASE-T Ethernet network is active.
Starting the 3Com NIC Diagnostics Program 37 Starting the 3Com NIC Diagnostics Program The 3Com NIC Diagnostics program allows you to run diagnostic tests, change NIC configuration settings, and access 3Com support services and Help topics. This section describes how to use the 3Com NIC Diagnostics program to help troubleshoot problems you may encounter with the NIC. For instructions on changing NIC configuration settings, see Chapter 5.
38 CHAPTER 4: TROUBLESHOOTING INSTALLATION PROBLEMS 2 Click OK. The 3Com NIC Diagnostics General screen (Figure 10) appears. Figure 10 General Screen Click the Help button to receive information about the diagnostic screen that’s currently active. The General screen displays general information about the NIC. It also allows you to show or not show the 3Com icon in the Windows system tray by clicking the Enable Tray Control check box.
Running the NIC Self-Tests 39 Running the NIC Self-Tests The first tests to run when you have a problem with the OfficeConnect NIC are the NIC self-tests. The NIC self-tests can verify that the OfficeConnect NIC is working correctly by checking the physical components, connectors, and circuitry on the NIC. To run the NIC self-tests: 1 Double-click the 3Com icon in the Windows system tray.
40 CHAPTER 4: TROUBLESHOOTING INSTALLATION PROBLEMS For a description of each test, click the Help button on the screen or click the question mark (?) at the top of the screen, move it over the test, and click once. A pop-up box displays information about the test. 4 Click Start in the Self-Test panel. A six-test sequence begins. The status of each test (such as Passed or In Progress) is displayed in the Status column next to each test as the tests run and are completed.
Running the Echo Test 41 To run the Echo test: 1 On both PCs: a From the Windows Start menu, select Programs. b Select 3Com NIC Utilities. c Click 3nicdiag. d Click OK. e Click the Diagnostics tab to display the Diagnostics screen, shown in Figure 11. 2 On the second PC (the responding PC): a Click Respond in the Echo Test panel. The Echo Test Responder screen (Figure 12) appears. Figure 12 Echo Test Responder Screen b Click Start.
42 CHAPTER 4: TROUBLESHOOTING INSTALLATION PROBLEMS Figure 13 Echo Test Sender Screen b Click Start. The two PCs attempt to transmit data to each other. Statistics appear in the window, as shown in Figure 14.
Accessing the Help System 43 If the values of the Bytes Received, Bytes Transmitted, Packets Received, or Packets Transmitted statistics increase, the two PCs are successfully transmitting data over the network. ■ If the values of the statistics remain at zero, or if there are excessive collisions, the two PCs aren’t transmitting data successfully over the network.
44 CHAPTER 4: TROUBLESHOOTING INSTALLATION PROBLEMS Viewing Release Notes, Frequently Asked Questions, and KnowledgeBase Topics The 3Com NIC Diagnostics program contains a substantial database of support-related and service-related data that you can access in the following categories: release notes, frequently asked questions, and KnowledgeBase topics. To access the support database: 1 Double-click the 3Com icon in the Windows system tray.
Accessing 3Com Support Services 45 2 Click OK. 3 Click the Support tab. The Support screen (Figure 15) appears. Figure 15 Support Screen ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Click Diagnostics to run the 3Com NIC diagnostic tests. See “Running the NIC Self-Tests” and “Running the Echo Test” earlier in this chapter for information on how to run the 3Com NIC diagnostic tests.
46 CHAPTER 4: TROUBLESHOOTING INSTALLATION PROBLEMS Removing NIC Software This section describes how to remove a NIC’s network driver and software from your PC so that you can reinstall the software or physically remove the NIC from your PC. If you want to reinstall the OfficeConnect NIC network driver and software, you must first remove the driver and software, as described in this section.
Removing NIC Software 47 Windows NT 4.0 To remove NIC software in a PC running Windows NT 4.0: 1 Double-click the My Computer icon, then the Control Panel icon, and then the Network icon. The Network screen appears. 2 Click the Adapters tab. 3 Select the name of the NIC in the Network Adapters box, and then click Remove. 4 Click Yes to confirm the removal. 5 Click Close to close the Network screen. The NIC driver and diagnostic software are removed from the PC. You’re prompted to restart the PC.
48 CHAPTER 4: TROUBLESHOOTING INSTALLATION PROBLEMS 4 Click OK. The NIC driver and diagnostic software are removed from the PC. The Network Settings Change dialog box appears, prompting you to restart. ■ If you’re physically removing the NIC from the PC, click No. Don’t restart the PC until you shut down the system, turn the power off, and remove the NIC from the PC. ■ If you’re reinstalling the NIC software, click Restart Now.
Frequently Asked Questions 49 Table 5 Frequently Asked Questions (continued) Question Answer How do I remove the 3Com icon from my Windows system tray? 1 Double-click the 3Com icon to start the 3Com NIC Diagnostics program. 2 In the bottom-right corner of the main window, click the Enable Tray Control check box to remove the check mark. 3 Exit the program and the icon will not appear anymore.
CONFIGURING THE NIC 5 This chapter describes how to display and change configuration settings for the OfficeConnect NIC. Table 6 describes the configurable settings for the OfficeConnect NIC. The default setting for each option is in bold in the Available Settings column. . Table 6 OfficeConnect NIC Configuration Settings Option Description Available Settings Network Driver Optimization Specifies how to optimize the network driver for your network environment.
52 CHAPTER 5: CONFIGURING THE NIC Displaying Configuration Settings Use the 3Com NIC Diagnostics program to display and change configuration settings for the OfficeConnect NIC. The 3Com NIC Diagnostics program is automatically installed when you install the network driver. To display the current configuration settings for the OfficeConnect NIC: 1 Make sure that the NIC is installed and is connected to the network and that the network driver is installed.
Displaying Configuration Settings Figure 16 General Screen Click the Help button to receive information about the diagnostic screen that’s currently active. 4 Click NIC Details. The NIC Details screen (Figure 17) appears.
54 CHAPTER 5: CONFIGURING THE NIC Each configuration setting is displayed with its current value. For a description of each setting, click the question mark in the upper right corner of the screen, drag it to a setting, and click once. A pop-up box appears, displaying information for the selected setting. 5 Click OK to exit this screen. Changing Configuration Settings To change OfficeConnect NIC configuration settings: 1 Double-click the 3Com icon in the Windows system tray.
Changing Configuration Settings 55 Figure 18 Properties Screen 4 Change the NIC’s configuration: ■ To automatically configure the NIC to nonconflicting values with your PC, click Optimal Settings. ■ To manually configure the NIC: a Select an option in the Individual Settings panel. For a description of each option, see Table 6 at the beginning of this chapter. b Click the down arrow in the list box and select a new value for the option.
SPECIFICATIONS AND CABLING REQUIREMENTS A This appendix lists the specifications and cable requirements for the OfficeConnect NIC. Specifications Network Interface 10 Mbps Ethernet 10BASE-T Ethernet IEEE 802.3 industry standard for a 10 Mbps baseband CSMA/CD local area network 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Ethernet IEEE 802.3u industry 100BASE-TX standard for a 100 Mbps baseband CSMA/CD local area network Physical Dimensions Height: 8.57 cm (3.75 in.) Length: 12.07 cm (4.75 in.
58 APPENDIX A: SPECIFICATIONS AND CABLING REQUIREMENTS Unshielded Twisted-Pair Cable Twisted-pair cable consists of copper wires surrounded by an insulator. Two wires are twisted together (the twisting prevents interference problems) to form a pair, and the pair forms a circuit that can transmit data. A cable is a bundle of one or more twisted pairs surrounded by an insulator. Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) is the most commonly used type of twisted-pair cable.
Cabling Requirements 59 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-current pulses rather than modulating them onto separate carrier frequencies. A wiring topology using 10BASE-T specifies a wiring hub, cable arranged in a star configuration, and unshielded twisted-pair cable.
B TECHNICAL SUPPORT 3Com provides easy access to technical support information through a variety of services. This appendix describes these services. Information contained in this appendix is correct at time of publication. For the very latest, 3Com recommends that you access the 3Com Corporation World Wide Web site.
62 APPENDIX B: TECHNICAL SUPPORT To connect to the 3Com FTP site, enter the following information into your FTP client: ■ Hostname: ftp.3com.com (or 192.156.136.12) ■ Username: anonymous ■ Password: A user name and password are not needed with Web browser software such as Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer. 3Com Bulletin Board Service The 3Com BBS contains patches, software, and drivers for 3Com products.
Support from Your Network Supplier 63 3ComFacts Automated Fax Service The 3ComFacts automated fax service provides technical articles, diagrams, and troubleshooting instructions on 3Com products 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 3ComFacts using your Touch-Tone telephone: 1 408 727 7021 Support from Your Network Supplier If additional assistance is required, contact your network supplier.
64 APPENDIX B: TECHNICAL SUPPORT Below is a list of worldwide technical telephone support numbers: Country Asia Pacific Rim Australia Hong Kong India Indonesia Japan Malaysia New Zealand Pakistan Philippines P.R. of China Singapore S. Korea From anywhere in S. Korea: From Seoul: Taiwan, R.O.C.
Returning Products for Repair 65 Country Telephone Number Latin America Argentina Brazil Chile Colombia Mexico Peru Puerto Rico Venezuela AT&T +800 666 5065 0800 13 3266 1230 020 0645 98012 2127 01 800 CARE (01 800 2273) AT&T +800 666 5065 800 666 5065 AT&T +800 666 5065 North America 1 800 NET 3Com (1 800 638 3266) Returning Products for Repair Before you send a product directly to 3Com for repair, you must first obtain a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number.
66 APPENDIX B: TECHNICAL SUPPORT Country Telephone Number Fax Number Latin America 1 408 326 2927 1 408 326 3355 U.S.A.
GLOSSARY 10BASE-T Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.3 standard for Ethernet signaling over unshielded twisted-pair wire at 10 Mbps. 100BASE-TX IEEE 802.3u standard for Ethernet signaling over Category 5 unshielded twisted-pair wire at 100 Mbps. BIOS Basic Input/Output System. Collection of services on a ROM (read-only memory) chip that enables hardware and software, operating systems and applications, and applications and users to communicate with one another.
68 GLOSSARY Fast Ethernet 100 Mbps technology based on the 10BASE-T Ethernet network protocol. full-duplex Communication setup in which a device or line transmits data simultaneously in both directions (the PC is sending and receiving data at the same time). half-duplex Communication setup in which a device or line transmits data in only one direction at a time. hub Device that serves as the central location for attaching wires from workstations.
GLOSSARY 69 PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect. Advanced, high-performance local bus that supports multiple peripheral devices. A local bus is one that is connected directly to the PC’s central processing unit (CPU). peer-to-peer network Networking architecture in which PCs and other devices, such as printers and fax machines, are connected directly to one another or to a central point, usually a hub. Unlike a client/server network, a peer-to-peer network does not use a server.
INDEX Numbers 100BASE-TX cabling 17 link LED 36 operation 59 specifications 59 10BASE-T cabling 17 link LED 36 operation 58 specifications 59 3Com bulletin board service (3Com BBS) 45, 62 3Com icon, in Windows system tray removing 49 showing 38 3Com NIC Diagnostics program changing configuration 54 starting 37 3Com support services 44 3Com URL 61 3ComFacts 63 A accessing Help 43 online support 44 B bulletin board service 45, 62 C cabling requirements 16, 57 specifications 17 troubleshooting 35 client 13
72 INDEX F Fast Ethernet protocol characteristics of 59 overview 14 fax service (3ComFacts) 63 frequently asked questions 48 viewing online 44 H hardware, required 16 Help, accessing 43 hub 13 I installing drivers verifying successful installation 32 Windows 95 23 Windows 98 28 Windows NT 30 installing the NIC 17 interrupts 49 ISA slots 18, 49 network interface 57 network interface cards, overview 15 network operating system (NOS) 13 network supplier support 63 network, connecting to 20 networking, ove
INDEX T technical support 3Com URL 61 bulletin board service 62 fax service 63 network suppliers 63 product repair 65 tests Echo 40 NIC 39 troubleshooting 35 cable 35 LEDs 36 running NIC self-tests 39 testing network connection 40 using the 3Com NIC Diagnostics program 37 twisted-pair cable 100BASE-TX 59 10BASE-T 59 description 58, 69 U unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable 17, 20, 58 URL 61 V verifying successful driver installation 32 viewing online support databases 44 W Windows 95 confirming NIC insta
3Com Corporation LIMITED WARRANTY HARDWARE 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 from the date of purchase from 3Com or its authorized reseller: Network Interface Cards Lifetime Other hardware products *unless otherwise specified above 1 year* Spare parts and spares kits 90 days If a product does not operate as warranted above during the applicable warranty period, 3Com shall, at its opt
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 than thirty (30) days after the date of purchase, and this is verified by 3Com, it will be considered deador defective-on-arrival (DOA) and a replacement shall be provided by advance replacement.
WARNING: 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.These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
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. You may reproduce and provide one (1) copy of the Software and supporting documentation for each such workstation or network server on which the Software is used as permitted hereunder.
