User`s guide

SGI Gigabit Ethernet Adapter For Windows NT
About the SGI Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
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The adapter driver intelligently adjusts host interrupt frequency based on traffic conditions, in
order to increase overall application throughput. In light traffic, 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.
Dual DMA Channels
The PCI interface on the SGI Gigabit Ethernet Adapter contains two independent DMA chan-
nels for simultaneous read and write operations.
32-bit or 64-bit PCI Bus Master
Compliant with PCI Local Bus Rev 2.1, the PCI interface on the SGI Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
is compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit PCI buses. As a bus master, the adapter requests
access to the PCI bus instead of waiting to be polled.
ASIC with Embedded RISC Processor
The core control for the SGI Gigabit Ethernet Adapter resides in a tightly integrated, high-per-
formance ASIC. The ASIC includes dual RISC processors. This provides the flexibility to add
new features to the card and adapt it to future network requirements via software download.
This also enables the adapter drivers to exploit the built-in host off-load functions on the
adapter as host operating systems are enhanced to take advantage of these functions.