3Com Network Card 10 100BASE T4 User Manual

FAST ETHERLINKâ  
PARALLEL TASKINGâ  
10/100BASE-T4 PCI  
NETWORK ADAPTER  
USER GUIDE  
®
A member of the 3Com Fast EtherLink family  
of adapters  
Part No. 09-0808-000  
Published January 1996  
 
LIFETIME WARRANTY  
®
3Com’s EtherLinkâ, TokenLinkâ, Fast EtherLink,  
FDDILinkä, and 3Com Impactä ISDN ISA adapters  
have a Lifetime Warranty.  
To ensure the very best 3Com service and support, take  
the time to complete the product registration card.  
Any defective 3Com adapter will be repaired or  
replaced, at 3Com’s option, for as long as the adapter  
resides in its original IBMâ Personal Computer,  
Personal System/2â, or compatible computer (driver  
software is covered by the standard 90-day limited  
software warranty).  
 
Customers in the countries 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  
Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Malta  
3Com Asia Ltd., Marketing Department  
Room 2506-07, 25/F., Citibank Tower  
Citibank Plaza, Central  
3Com Mediterraneo Srl,  
Marketing Department  
Via Michelangelo Buonarroti, 1  
20093 Cologno Monzese MI  
Italy  
Hong Kong  
Australia, New Zealand  
Japan  
3Com Australia, Marketing Department  
99 Walker Street  
Level 7  
North Sydney  
New South Wales 2060  
Australia  
3Com Japan, Marketing Department  
Shinjuku Sumitomo Building 23F  
2-6-1 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku  
Tokyo 163-02  
Japan  
Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg  
Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark  
3Com Benelux B.V., Marketing Department  
Nevelgaarde 8-9  
3436 ZZ  
Nieuwegein  
Netherlands  
3Com Nordic, Marketing Department  
Torshamsgatan 39  
Box 1110  
164 22 KISTA  
Sweden  
France, Israel  
United Kingdom, Eire  
3Com France, Marketing Department  
Immeuble McKinley  
BP 965  
3Com UK Ltd., Marketing Department  
Pacific House  
Third Avenue  
1, Avenue de l’Atlantique  
91976 Les Ulis Courtaboeuf Cedex  
France  
Globe Park Marlow-on-Thames  
Buckinghamshire, SL7 1YL  
England  
Germany, Austria, Switzerland  
3Com GmbH, Marketing Department  
Gustav-Heinemann-Ring 123  
D-81739 Muenchen  
Munich  
West Germany  
 
CONTENTS  
ABOUT THIS GUIDE  
Introduction  
How to Use This Guide  
1
1
1 INTRODUCTION  
Adapter Features 1-3  
PCI Technology 1-4  
2 INSTALLING THE ADAPTER  
Inspecting the Adapter 2-1  
Installing the Boot PROM 2-2  
Installing the Adapter 2-2  
Connecting to the Network 2-3  
3 LOADING THE NETWORK DRIVERS  
Summary of Driver Loading Procedures 3-1  
Using the EtherDisk Diskette 3-2  
Accessing DOS 3-2  
Using Windows 95 3-3  
Confirming Adapter Installation for Windows 95 3-4  
Using NetWare ODI 3-5  
One Adapter in a Client 3-5  
AutoLink Requirements 3-5  
AutoLink Installation 3-6  
Multiple Adapters in a Client 3-8  
Finding the Adapter’s Port Number 3-10  
One or More Adapters in a Server 3-11  
 
Loading NDIS Drivers 3-11  
Updating NDIS Drivers 3-12  
Auto Select Media Type 3-12  
Transcend PC Link SmartAgent Driver Agents 3-13  
Desktop Management Interface 3-13  
4 PERFORMING TROUBLESHOOTING AND  
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS  
Troubleshooting with the Diagnostic Tests 4-1  
Before Running the Tests 4-2  
Types of Tests 4-2  
Starting the Diagnostic Program 4-3  
Running the Group 1 Tests 4-3  
Running the Group 3 Test 4-4  
Setting Up an Echo Server 4-5  
Getting Help If a Test Fails 4-7  
Changing the Test Setup 4-9  
Miscellaneous Checks 4-9  
LEDs 4-10  
A CABLING  
Adapter Cabling Requirements A-1  
Twisted-Pair Cable A-2  
10BASE-T Operation A-3  
10BASE-T Specifications A-3  
100BASE-T Standard A-4  
100BASE-TX Operation A-4  
100BASE-T4 Operation A-5  
100BASE-FX Operation A-5  
RJ-45 Connector Pin Assignments A-6  
B CONFIGURING SOFTWARE SETTINGS  
Changing Software Settings B-2  
 
C SPECIFICATIONS  
Network Interface C-1  
Physical Dimensions C-1  
Environmental Operating Range C-1  
Power Requirements C-1  
D TECHNICAL SUPPORT  
On-line Technical Services D-1  
3Com Bulletin Board Service D-1  
Access by Modem D-1  
Access by ISDN D-2  
World Wide Web Site D-2  
3ComForum on CompuServe D-2  
3ComFacts Automated Fax Service D-3  
Support from Your Network Supplier D-3  
Returning Products for Repair D-4  
GLOSSARY  
INDEX  
LIMITED WARRANTY  
FCC CLASS B CERTIFICATION  
CISPR B COMPLIANCE  
CE NOTICE  
 
FIGURES  
1-1 10/100BASE-T4 PCI Adapter 1-2  
2-1 PCI Computer with PCI and EISA Slots 2-3  
2-2 Connecting Twisted-Pair Cable 2-4  
3-1 AutoLink Information Screen 3-7  
3-2 Main Menu 3-7  
A-1 RJ-45 Connector Pin Assignments A-6  
B-1 Multiple Adapter Option Configuration B-3  
B-2 Changing Adapter Options B-4  
 
TABLES  
1
2
Text Conventions  
2
Notice Icons  
3-1 Summary of Driver Loading Procedures 3-1  
3-2 Accessing DOS from Other Operating Systems 3-3  
4-1 Adapter and Diagnostic Program Names (10 Mbps Adapter  
Only) 4-6  
4-2 Fast EtherLink 10/100BASE-T4 PCI Adapter LEDs 4-10  
B-1 Option Settings B-2  
 
ABOUT THIS GUIDE  
Introduction  
This guide explains how to install the 3Comâ Fast EtherLinkâ  
Parallel Taskingâ 10/100BASE-T4 PCI adapter. Also included is  
information about loading drivers, troubleshooting the  
adapter, and using the diagnostic tests if a malfunction occurs.  
How to Use This Guide  
The following table shows where to find specific information  
in this guide.  
If you are looking for:  
Turn to:  
Overview of the Fast EtherLink 10/100BASE-T4 PCI adapter  
Instructions for installing the adapter  
Chapter 1  
Chapter 2  
Chapter 2  
Chapter 3  
Procedures for connecting the adapter to the network  
Instructions for loading network drivers  
Details on troubleshooting and running the diagnostic tests Chapter 4  
Information about 10/100 Mbps cabling standards  
Procedures for changing default configuration settings  
A list of the adapter’s technical specifications  
3Com technical support information  
Appendix A  
Appendix B  
Appendix C  
Appendix D  
 
     
2
ABOUT THIS GUIDE  
Conventions  
The following tables list text and icon conventions that are  
used throughout this guide:  
Table 1 Text Conventions  
Convention Description  
Text represented as This typeface is used to represent displays that appear on  
screendisplay your terminal screen, for example:  
NetLogin:  
Text represented as This typeface is used to represent commands that you  
commands  
enter, for example:  
print autolink.log  
Keys  
When specific keys are referred to in the text, they are called out  
by their labels, such as “the Return key” or “the Escape key,” or  
they may be shown as [Return] or [Esc].  
If two or more keys are to be pressed simultaneously, the keys are  
linked with a plus sign (+), for example:  
Press [Ctrl]+[Alt]+[Del].  
Table 2 Notice Icons  
Icon  
Type  
Description  
Information Note  
Information notes call attention to important features  
or instructions.  
Caution  
Cautions alert you to personal safety risk, system  
damage, or loss of data.  
Warning  
Warnings alert you to the risk of severe personal injury.  
 
         
INTRODUCTION  
1
The 3Comâ Fast EtherLinkâ Parallel Taskingâ 10/100BASE-T4  
PCI adapter is a 32-bit adapter for use in a personal computer  
with a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) computer bus.  
It operates whether or not bus mastering is enabled.  
This adapter (model number 3C595-T4) is a dual-speed adapter  
that can be connected to an Ethernet or Fast Ethernet network  
with a single connection over unshielded twisted-pair (UTP)  
cable. The adapter supports all UTP cable types, including  
Category 3, 4, and 5 UTP as well as screened Category 5 UTP.  
For 10BASE-T operation, the 10/100BASE-T4 adapter requires  
two pairs of Category 3, 4, or 5 UTP. For 100BASE-T4 operation,  
the 10/100BASE-T4 requires four pairs of Category 3, 4, or 5 UTP.  
The adapter automatically senses and switches to either  
10 Mbps or 100 Mbps operation depending on the type of  
hub to which the adapter is connected, as follows:  
When the adapter is connected to a hub that supports 10BASE-T  
Ethernet (10 Mbps), it switches to a network speed of 10 Mbps.  
When the adapter is connected to a hub that supports  
100BASE-T4 Fast Ethernet, it switches to a network speed of  
100 Mbps.  
The bus master drivers supplied with this adapter are  
compatible with the Fast EtherLink 10/100BASE-TX PCI and  
EISA adapters. The bus master drivers shipped on the 3C59X  
EtherDiskâ diskette are compatible with the 3C59X family of  
adapters; they are not backward-compatible with the 3C5X9  
family of EtherLink III adapters.  
The computer’s PCI BIOS automatically configures the I/O port  
address and IRQ. All other required parameters are set to  
factory-default values.  
 
                   
1-2  
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION  
The 10/100BASE-T4 PCI adapter connects your PCI-compliant  
personal computer to an Ethernet network wired with  
IEEE 802.3 standard 10BASE-T or 100BASE-T4 twisted-pair  
cable. For information on the IEEE 802.3 standard as it relates  
to twisted-pair cable, refer to Appendix A.  
The adapter interoperates with all 10BASE-T products and all  
10/100 T4 adapters and hub products. It is compatible with  
3Com’s SNMP network management software (Transcendâ  
WorkGroup Manager).  
The 10/100BASE-T4 PCI adapter (shown in Figure 1-1) can be  
installed in any PCI slot, either master or non-bus master.  
However, the adapter will produce higher levels of performance  
in a bus master slot.  
T4  
RJ-45  
connector  
T4  
Adapter  
LEDs  
ACT  
L
10  
N
K
100  
Figure 1-1 10/100BASE-T4 PCI Adapter  
 
             
Adapter Features  
1-3  
Check the documentation provided with the PCI computer to  
locate the bus master slots.  
Adapter Features  
The 10/100BASE-T4 PCI adapter provides the following  
features:  
Parallel Tasking architecture with bus mastering for high  
throughput and low processor utilization  
Automatic selection of 10 or 100 Mbps network operation  
Single-slot, 32-bit half-card  
Automatic PCI configuration without jumpers  
Three status LEDs, shown in Figure 1-1  
Single shielded RJ-45 connector for use at either speed (2 pair  
Category 3, 4, or 5 for 10BASE-T Ethernet networks, and 4 pair  
Category 3, 4, or 5 UTP for 100BASE-T4 Fast Ethernet networks)  
Diagnostic software and drivers on the 3C59X EtherDisk diskette  
AutoLinkä auto installation software, which installs and  
configures all Novellâ NetWareâ DOS ODI client software on  
your operating system  
Auto Select Media Type capability, which enables drivers to  
automatically detect the speed of the media that connects  
the adapter to the network  
The Desktop Management Interface (DMI), which increases  
the manageability of PCs by standardizing how information  
relating to PCs is made available and how it is accessed  
The 10/100BASE-T4 PCI adapter can be managed remotely  
with Transcend PC Link SmartAgentâ software. Driver agents  
for this adapter are provided on the 3C59X EtherDisk diskette.  
 
                 
1-4  
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION  
PCI Technology  
The PCI local bus is a high-performance bus that provides a  
processor-independent data path between the CPU in a PC and  
high-speed peripherals.This interconnect mechanism is  
designed specifically to accommodate multiple high-  
performance peripheral devices that support networking and  
disk subsystems, graphics, full-motion video, and multimedia.  
The PCI specification defines two types of PCI devices: a target  
and a master. A target is a device that accepts commands and  
responds to the requests of a master.The Fast Ethernet PCI T4  
adapter is a bus master device that can transfer information  
directly to system memory without interrupting the system  
processor.  
The PCI specification supports the following:  
High performance. The PCI bus runs at a clock speed of  
33 MHz and employs a 32-bit data bus that supports multiple  
peripheral components and add-on cards at a peak bandwidth  
of 132 Mbps, up to an order of magnitude greater than that of  
other PC buses (ISA, EISA, or MCA).  
Automatic configuration. A PCI adapter has configuration  
specifications set in on-board memory and provides installation  
information to the computer at start-up.  
Shared slots. The PCI specification calls for “shared slots,”  
which denotes the shared expansion backplate slot.This shared  
backplate slot provides access to one of two types of adapters:  
a PCI adapter and an ISA adapter, for example, or a PCI adapter  
and an EISA adapter. Only one adapter at a time can be  
installed in a shared slot. Manufacturers are currently producing  
computers that support the PCI bus in conjunction with  
conventional ISA and EISA buses in the same chassis.  
For detailed information about the PCI local bus, consult the  
PCI specification.  
 
       
INSTALLING THE ADAPTER  
2
This chapter discuses the following topics:  
Inspecting the Fast EtherLink 10/100BASE-T4 PCI adapter  
Installing the boot PROM  
Inserting the adapter  
Connecting to the network  
Inspecting the Adapter  
Before installing the adapter in your computer, you should  
visually inspect it for damage that might have occurred  
during shipment from the factory.  
CAUTION: Each adapter is packed in an antistatic container  
to protect it during shipment. To avoid damaging any  
static-sensitive components after removal from the  
container, be sure to reduce any static electricity on your  
person. One way to do this is to touch the metal chassis of  
your computer. You can maintain grounding by wearing a  
wrist strap attached to the chassis.  
1
Open the shipping container and carefully remove its  
contents.  
The package should contain the following items:  
3Com Fast EtherLink Parallel Tasking 10/100BASE-T4 PCI  
adapter  
Fast EtherLink Parallel Tasking 10/100BASE-T4 PCI Adapter  
User Guide  
3C59X EtherDisk diskette (version 5.1 or above)  
 
           
2-2  
CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE ADAPTER  
2
Verify that you have received all items listed in step 1, and  
inspect each item for damage.  
If you find any omissions or damage, contact your network  
supplier and the carrier that delivered the package.  
Installing the Boot PROM  
The boot PROM is optional and can be purchased separately.  
If you are installing it onto the adapter, follow the  
instructions that accompanied the boot PROM.  
Installing the Adapter  
This adapter is equipped with a backplate that allows  
installation of the Fast EtherLink 10/100BASE-T4 PCI adapter  
in any standard PCI computer with ISA or EISA slots. The slot  
can be a bus master slot or a non-bus master slot.  
To install the adapter into the computer, follow these steps:  
1
Unplug the computer and disconnect all cables that are  
connected to the main system unit.  
2
3
4
Remove all jewelry from your hands and wrists.  
Use only insulated or nonconductive tools.  
Remove the computer’s cover and select any of the  
available PCI expansion slots.  
5
Insert the adapter in the slot and secure the screw.  
The PCI slots in some PCI computers need to be enabled  
with a special setup program. Refer to your hardware  
documentation to see if this is necessary.  
Install the Fast EtherLink 10/100BASE-T4 PCI adapter only in a  
PCI slot (see Figure 2-1).  
 
           
Connecting to the Network  
2-3  
EISA slot  
PCI slot  
Figure 2-1 PCI Computer with PCI and EISA Slots  
The adapter’s backplate should be flush with the computer’s  
chassis. Be sure that the adapter’s connector fingers are  
completely seated in the slot.  
6
Replace the computer cover and reconnect all previously  
connected cables.  
Refer to the documentation provided by the computer’s  
manufacturer for details on installing expansion boards.  
Connecting to the Network  
This section describes how to connect the Fast EtherLink  
10/100BASE-T4 PCI adapter to the network.  
You must connect the adapter to the network before loading  
drivers.  
The backplate of the Fast EtherLink PCI adapter contains one  
RJ-45 connector, as shown in Figure 1-1. The adapter  
automatically senses and switches speed based on the type  
of hub to which it is connected.  
 
           
2-4  
CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE ADAPTER  
For both 10BASE-T and 100BASE-T4 Ethernet networks, the  
Fast EtherLink PCI adapter uses Category 3, 4, or 5 unshielded  
twisted-pair (UTP) cable. Refer to Appendix A for more  
information on cabling.  
Figure 2-2 shows the backplate of an installed adapter with  
its RJ-45 connector.  
RJ-45  
T4  
L
N
K
T4  
ATC  
10  
connector  
10  
Figure 2-2 Connecting Twisted-Pair Cable  
The Fast EtherLink 10/100BASE-T4 PCI adapter is equipped  
with an on-board transceiver for connection to twisted-pair  
cable. To establish a valid 10 Mbps connection, the cable  
must be connected to a 10BASE-T hub. To establish a valid  
100 Mbps connection, the cable must be connected to a  
100BASE-T4 hub.  
Connect the network cable as follows:  
1
Make sure that the connector on your cable is wired  
appropriately for standard 10BASE-T or 100BASE-T4  
adapters.  
 
         
Connecting to the Network  
2-5  
100BASE-T4 connections use all 4 pairs of wire normally  
contained in a bundle of Category 3, 4, or 5 UTP cable. The  
“straight through” connection should be made from the Fast  
EtherLink PCI adapter through the cable and connectors to  
the hub. No crossover in the cable is required.  
Refer to Appendix A for RJ-45 connector pin assignments.  
2
Align the RJ-45 connector on the end of the twisted-pair  
insert it into the adapter connector.  
3
4
For 100 Mbps operation, be sure the connection is to a  
100BASE-T4 hub port.  
The next step is to install network drivers, as explained in  
Chapter 3.  
 
 
LOADING THE NETWORK  
DRIVERS  
3
This chapter describes how to load the network drivers  
required to let the 3C595-T4 PCI adapter operate with your  
network operating system. This information is arranged  
according to the following topics:  
Summary of driver loading procedures  
Using the EtherDisk diskette  
Accessing DOS  
Loading network drivers  
Summary of Driver Loading Procedures  
Table 3-1 summarizes the driver loading procedures based  
on the network operating system running on your computer.  
Table 3-1 Summary of Driver Loading Procedures  
Network Operating System Driver Loading Procedure  
Windows 95  
Windows 95 will detect the presence of the T4 adapter  
Windows 95.”  
NetWare ODI:  
client environment  
AutoLink auto installation software loads all NetWare client  
software, including drivers, if a single adapter is being  
installed in a NetWare DOS ODI client. Refer to the section  
“One Adapter in a Client” under “Using NetWare ODI.”  
NetWare ODI:  
server environment  
(versions 3.1X, 4.0X, 4.X)  
Load the appropriate server drivers from the EtherDisk  
diskette. Refer to the section “One or More Adapters in a  
Server” under “Using NetWare ODI.”  
DECâ PATHWORKSâ  
Banyanâ VINESâ  
Load the appropriate NDIS driver from the EtherDisk  
diskette. Refer to the section “Loading NDIS Drivers.”  
IBMâ LAN Server  
Microsoftâ LAN Manager  
Artisoftâ LANtasticâ  
Windows NT 3.5x  
Windows for Workgroups  
Follow the instructions in the README.TXT file on the  
EtherDisk diskette. If updating a driver, refer to the  
section “Updating NDIS Drivers.”  
 
                 
3-2  
CHAPTER 3: LOADING THE NETWORK DRIVERS  
Using the EtherDisk Diskette  
The EtherDisk diskette contains the latest versions of the  
network drivers available when 3Com shipped the adapter.  
It also contains other important information concerning  
Fast EtherLink and EtherLink III adapters and their  
configuration.  
To obtain network operating system drivers not included on  
the EtherDisk diskette, contact the manufacturer of that  
network operating system or application. To obtain a list of  
supported drivers along with software driver updates and  
patches for the drivers on the EtherDisk diskette, use one of  
the bulletin board services listed in Appendix D. For example,  
Document 9071 in 3Com’s automated fax service contains a  
list of all available drivers and drivers still being developed.  
Refer to your network operating system manuals for specific  
instructions for using the driver with your network operating  
system.  
The drivers on the 3C59X EtherDisk diskette are compatible  
with the following bus master adapters:  
Fast EtherLink PCI 10/100BASE-T (3C595)  
EtherLink III PCI 10 Mbps (3C590)  
Fast EtherLink EISA 10/100 (3C597)  
EtherLink III EISA 10 Mbps (3C592)  
The 3C59X drivers are not backward-compatible with the  
3C5X9 family of EtherLink III adapters (ISA, EISA, or MCA).  
Accessing DOS  
The 3Com program for loading drivers is a DOS-based program  
that loads network drivers, modifies some adapter parameters,  
and runs diagnostic tests on the adapter. If you are using an  
operating interface other than DOS, such as OS/2â or  
Windows 3.x, and you want to use the EtherDisk diskette to  
load the drivers, you must exit from that interface before  
 
         
Using Windows 95  
3-3  
installing the drivers. Table 3-2 provides the procedures to use  
to access DOS from various operating systems.  
Table 3-2 Accessing DOS from Other Operating  
Systems  
Operating System Procedure  
Windows 95  
1 Turn on your computer.  
2 Press [F8] as soon as you see this message:  
Starting Windows 95  
3 Press [7], then press [Enter].  
4 Type installat the DOS command prompt to  
run the 3Com install program.  
OS/2  
1 Boot your computer from a plain DOS diskette.  
2 Type installat the DOS command prompt to  
run the 3Com install program.  
Windows 3.x  
1 Exit Windows completely (select File, Exit  
Windows, OK).  
2 Type installat the DOS command prompt to  
run the 3Com install program.  
Using Windows 95  
If you have Windows 95 running on your computer, you  
should load the driver from the EtherDisk diskette. Follow  
these steps:  
1
2
After inserting the Fast EtherLink PCI adapter and  
connecting it to the network, turn on your computer.  
Windows 95 will notify you that new hardware has been  
found and is located in slot number “X.”  
Select the following option when prompted for the driver  
for your new hardware:  
Driver from disk by hardware manufacturer  
3
4
Click OK.  
You are prompted to insert the manufacturer’s disk into  
the drive selected.  
a Insert the EtherDisk diskette.  
 
               
3-4  
CHAPTER 3: LOADING THE NETWORK DRIVERS  
b In the panel at the bottom of the dialog box, type the  
drive name and pathname from which Windows 95  
should copy the manufacturer’s files.  
(An information file on the diskette tells Windows 95  
where to find the information it needs, for example A:\.)  
5
Click OK.  
This imports the driver from the EtherDisk diskette.  
For on-line help information about any of the fields in the  
Windows 95 display boxes, click the question mark (?) in the  
upper right corner of the box and move the cursor to the field  
of interest and click again.  
Confirming Adapter Installation for Windows 95  
To confirm that the 10/100BASE-T4 PCI adapter is properly  
installed in your computer running Windows 95, complete  
the following:  
1
2
3
Double-click the My Computer icon.  
Double-click the Control Panel icon.  
Double-click the System icon.  
The System Properties box appears, detailing your system  
setup.  
4
5
Click the Device Manager tab.  
A list of devices appears, arranged by type.  
Click the Network Adapters tab.  
The name of the installed 3Com adapter appears, as follows:  
3Com Fast EtherLink 10/100 Mb Bus-Master PCI  
Ethernet Adapter  
This confirms the adapter’s installation.  
 
     
Using NetWare ODI  
3-5  
6
7
Double-click the adapter name to display a description of  
the adapter and its current status.  
The next dialog box confirms that the adapter is working  
properly.  
Click the Cancel button to leave each dialog box and  
return to the Control Panel.  
Using NetWare ODI  
This section describes how to load NetWare drivers in the  
following networking situations:  
One or more adapters in a client  
One or more adapters in a server  
One Adapter in a Client  
3Com’s AutoLink installation program automatically installs all  
necessary NetWare DOS ODI client software, including drivers  
and modifies the CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files. It  
automatically logs on to the server and updates the client  
software if your system administrator has already configured  
a 3Install account on the server. Instructions for configuring  
a 3Install account are contained in the README.TXT file  
located in the \QINSTALL\SERVER directory on the  
3C59X EtherDisk diskette.  
AutoLink Requirements  
To use the AutoLink program to install the NetWare DOS ODI  
driver, your computer must meet the following requirements:  
Use the Novell NetWare 2.x, 3.1x, or 4.x network operating  
system  
Have only one 3C595-T4 adapter installed  
Have at least 1 MB of hard disk space available  
Be intended for use as a NetWare DOS ODI client  
If this does not describe your network environment, refer to  
the appropriate section later in this chapter.  
 
                         
3-6  
CHAPTER 3: LOADING THE NETWORK DRIVERS  
AutoLink Installation  
To use the AutoLink program to install NetWare DOS ODI client  
software on a PC with a single adapter, follow these steps:  
1
2
Make sure that you have booted the computer under DOS,  
version 3.1 or later, and that your computer is connected  
to the network, as detailed in Chapter 2.  
Insert the EtherDisk diskette in a floppy drive on your  
computer and make that drive the active drive.  
For example, if the floppy drive is A, type the following  
command:  
A: [Enter]  
3
At the prompt, type:  
INSTALL [Enter]  
Alternatively, at the prompt, type:  
AUTOLINK [Enter]  
If you type AUTOLINK instead of INSTALL, you will bypass the  
EtherDisk diskette menu program (skipping steps 5 and 6)  
and advance to step 7.  
4
The first time you use the diskette to install an adapter, a  
license screen appears. To accept the terms and conditions  
of the 3Com end-user software license agreement, type  
the following:  
Y
To view the full text of the license agreement, press [F1].  
Once you have agreed to the terms and conditions of the  
3Com license agreement, the license screen will not appear  
again.  
The Auto Installation Information screen appears, as shown in  
Figure 3-1.  
 
           
Using NetWare ODI  
3-7  
5
6
Read the screen and press [Enter].  
When the main menu screen shown in Figure 3-2 appears,  
select NetWare DOS ODI Client, and press [Enter].  
EtherDisk-3C59X Fast EtherLink/EtherLink III Bus Master Adapter Family v.4.2  
ESC=Cancel  
3Com's auto installation software (AutoLink) automatically configures your  
adapter and workstation for use as a NetWare client. To use AutoLink:  
* Have only one 3Com Etherlink III PCI adapter installed  
* Use NetWare v2.X, v3.1X, or v4.X as your network operating system  
* Have DOS on the client being installed  
AutoLink edits your AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files and saves the old  
versions. Select General Information/Release Notes in the main menu for  
information on AutoLink server support. To manually set up your adapter  
or for information/drivers for other NOSs, use the options under Standard  
Installation and Configuration in the main menu.  
(C) Copyright 1995, 3Com Corporation. All Rights Reserved  
[ENTER]=Continue  
[ESC]=Exit Program  
Figure 3-1 AutoLink Information Screen  
EtherDisk-3C59X Fast EtherLink/EtherLink III Bus Master Adapter Family v.4.2  
ESC=Cancel  
F1=Help  
MAIN  
MENU  
Auto Installation with Configuration (AutoLink)  
NetWare DOS ODI Client  
Standard Installation and Configuration  
Network Drivers ...  
Configuration/Diagnostic/Troubleshooting ...  
General Information/Release Notes  
This option will install a complete DOS ODI client.  
(C) Copyright 1995, 3Com Corporation. All Rights Reserved  
[ENTER]=Execute Function  
[
•¯]=Scroll  
[F1]=Help [ESC]=<Cancel>  
Figure 3-2 Main Menu  
 
         
3-8  
CHAPTER 3: LOADING THE NETWORK DRIVERS  
Auto installation may take a few moments. Several messages  
appear while the AutoLink program is running. A final  
message indicating successful installation appears.  
If you experience problems that occur only when using the  
AutoLink program, access the AUTOLINK.LOG file, as described  
in the section “Getting Help If a Test Fails” in Chapter 4.  
7
When the auto installation process is finished, remove the  
diskette and reboot the computer.  
When you do this, a DOS ODI client starts.  
This concludes the procedure for installing a single adapter in  
a NetWare DOS ODI client using the AutoLink program.  
Multiple Adapters in a Client  
multiple protocols or to connect to more than one network.  
For information on running multiple protocols, refer to the  
documentation accompanying your operating system.  
Before proceeding, make sure you know each adapter’s port  
number. To find the adapter’s port number, refer to the next  
section, “Finding the Adapter’s Port Number.”  
If you are running NetWare and you need to install multiple  
10/100BASE-T4 PCI adapters in a client computer, follow  
these steps to load the NetWare ODI drivers:  
1
Make sure your computer is turned off. Install the first  
adapter.  
2
3
Connect the network cable to the adapter.  
Turn on the computer, insert the EtherDisk diskette, and  
run the AutoLink program.  
Refer to the section “AutoLink Installation” earlier in this  
chapter for instructions.  
 
           
Using NetWare ODI  
3-9  
4
5
6
7
When the AutoLink installation is complete, remove the  
diskette.  
Turn off the computer, install the second adapter, and  
connect the network cable to the adapter.  
Turn on the computer and access the C:\NWCLIENT  
subdirectory.  
In the C:\NWCLIENT subdirectory access the NET.CFG file  
by typing:  
edit net.cfg  
8
Scroll through the NET.CFG file to the LINK DRIVER 3C59X  
section.  
In the LINK DRIVER 3C59X section, you will see the  
Link Driver statement that was created during the AutoLink  
installation process. A sample Link Driver statement is shown  
below:  
LINK DRIVER 3C59X  
Frame Ethernet_802.2  
FED0  
int 3  
9
Copy the Link Driver statement, paste it below the first  
statement, and edit it to reflect the second installed  
adapter. For example:  
LINK DRIVER 3C59X  
Frame Ethernet_II  
FEA0  
int 11  
The frame types (Frame Ethernet_802.2, Frame Ethernet_II),  
port designations (FED0, FEA0), and interrupts (int 3, int 11)  
shown above are examples; yours may be different. Refer to  
the section “Changing Software Settings” in Appendix B for  
instructions for changing interrupt levels.  
Each frame type, port number, and interrupt must be different,  
as shown in the example above. Refer to Novell’s DOS ODI client  
manual for information on the frame types to use.  
 
     
3-10  
CHAPTER 3: LOADING THE NETWORK DRIVERS  
10 Repeat step 9 for any additional adapters that you may  
have installed.  
11 Reboot the computer.  
Finding the Adapters Port Number  
When working in a NetWare environment with multiple  
adapters in a client computer, you must know each adapter’s  
port number. To find the adapter’s port number after  
inserting the adapters, follow these steps.  
1
Access the main menu on the EtherDisk diskette.  
a Boot the computer under DOS.  
b Insert the EtherDisk diskette in a floppy drive and make  
that drive the active one.  
c
At the prompt, type:  
INSTALL [Enter]  
The main menu appears.  
2
3
Select Configuration/Diagnostic/Troubleshooting, and  
press [Enter].  
Select Configuration and Diagnostic Program and press  
[Enter].  
The next screen lists the installed adapters.  
4
5
Select each adapter individually, press [Enter], and select  
Display Configuration.  
The port number appears with each listed adapter.  
Exit the program.  
If you are using an ODI driver with multiple adapters already  
installed and you have not updated the NET.CFG file, specify  
which adapter you want the driver to recognize by adding  
the port number to the NET.CFG file using the PORT XXX  
parameter, where XXX is the port number.  
 
       
Loading NDIS Drivers  
3-11  
One or More Adapters in a Server  
If you are running NetWare and have installed one or more  
adapters in a PCI computer that is functioning as a server,  
follow the instructions in the readme file on the EtherDisk  
diskette to load the NetWare 4.x server driver.  
The 3C59X EtherDisk diskette contains the NetWare 4.x  
server driver (3C59X.LAN) and the NetWare Loadable  
Modules (NLMs) that enable the NetWare 4.x server driver to  
be used with NetWare 3.11, 3.12, 4.0x, or 4.1 software.  
For complete details on loading the NetWare 4.x server driver,  
refer to the following readme files in the \NETWARE\SERVER  
subdirectory:  
README.40X  
README.41  
README.311  
README.312  
Loading NDIS Drivers  
To load the NDIS driver in a computer running one of the  
following network operating systems, complete these steps.  
DEC PATHWORKS  
IBM LAN Server  
Microsoft LAN Manager  
Artisoft LANtastic  
1
2
3
Follow steps 1 through 5 in the section “AutoLink  
Installation” earlier in this chapter.  
When the main menu screen shown in Figure 3-2 appears,  
select Network Drivers and press [Enter].  
When the Network Drivers screen appears, select NDIS  
Driver Installation and Information and press [Enter].  
 
                               
3-12  
CHAPTER 3: LOADING THE NETWORK DRIVERS  
4
5
From the displayed list of network operating systems select  
the appropriate operating system for your environment and  
press [Enter].  
Follow the instructions on the subsequent screen to load  
the driver.  
Updating NDIS Drivers  
To update one of the following drivers, complete these steps.  
OS/2 NDIS 2.01 driver  
Windows NT 3.5 driver  
Windows for Workgroups NDIS 3 driver  
1
2
3
4
5
6
Follow steps 1 through 5 in the section “AutoLink  
Installation” earlier in this chapter.  
When the main menu screen shown in Figure 3-2 appears,  
select Network Drivers and press [Enter].  
When the Network Drivers screen appears, select NDIS  
Driver Installation and Information and press [Enter].  
When the NDIS Drivers screen appears, select Update  
NDIS Drivers and press [Enter].  
From the list of NDIS drivers, select the driver for the  
appropriate operating system and press [Enter].  
Follow the instructions displayed in the subsequent screens.  
Auto Select Media Type  
The Auto Select Media Type function is implemented by the  
drivers contained on the 3C59X EtherDisk diskette supplied with  
the 3C595-T4 PCI adapter.This includes NetWare ODI drivers and  
NDIS 2.01 drivers. It also includes NDIS 3.0 drivers for Windows  
for Workgroups, Windowsâ 95, and Windows NTä.The NDIS  
drivers function with 486 and Pentiumâ processors.  
 
                 
Transcend PC Link SmartAgent Driver Agents  
3-13  
If you have one of these drivers installed, as soon as you  
connect a network cable to the system, the Auto Select  
Media Type function detects the type of cable making the  
connection and automatically selects that media type, which  
for the 3C595-T4 PCI adapter would be one of the UTP cable  
types, including Category 3, 4, or 5 UTP.  
Transcend PC Link SmartAgent Driver Agents  
3Com’s SmartAgentâ driver agents, which provide network  
management capabilities for adapters and PCs, are available  
with Transcend PC Link SmartAgent software or from 3Com’s  
bulletin board service (BBS). (For information on 3Com‘s BBS,  
refer to Appendix D,“Technical Support.”) The driver agents  
occupy less than 6 KB on client PCs. They are fully SNMP-  
compliant when used with SmartAgent SoftHubâ/DOS or  
SoftHub/NLM software, one copy of which is included with  
each copy of Transcend PC Link SmartAgent and Transcend  
WorkGroup Manager software.  
For more information on WorkGroup Manager software,  
contact your authorized 3Com representative.  
Desktop Management Interface  
3Com’s support of the Desktop Management Interface (DMI)  
makes the management of PCs and 3C595-T4 PCI adapters  
easier. Support of DMI allows any DMI-compatible management  
application to seamlessly access 3Com adapter information.  
3Com’s SmartAgent driver agents can take full advantage of  
the Management Information File (MIF), which is included  
with the DMI software. DMI supports NetWare ODI DOS and  
NDIS DOS drivers.  
For information about DMI software and instructions on how  
to install it, access 3Com’s bulletin board service, as described  
in Appendix D.  
 
             
PERFORMING  
TROUBLESHOOTING AND  
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS  
4
This chapter explains how to isolate and solve  
10/100BASE-T4 PCI adapter problems.  
Make sure that the adapter is correctly installed. (See Chapter 2  
for installation instructions.)  
This chapter contains information about the following topics:  
Diagnostic tests overview  
Starting the diagnostic program  
Getting help if a test fails  
Changing the test setup  
Miscellaneous checks  
The 3Com diagnostic program is a DOS program. If you are  
running an operating system or interface other than DOS,  
refer to the section “Accessing DOS” in Chapter 3.  
Troubleshooting with the Diagnostic Tests  
The diagnostic tests on the 3C59X EtherDisk diskette check the  
adapter’s overall operation and permit the isolation of faults.  
You can run the diagnostic tests after installing the  
10/100BASE-T4 PCI adapter, or when a fault is suspected.  
If the tests in their default configuration do not isolate the  
problem, you can change the test parameters to meet specific  
situations.  
 
               
4-2  
CHAPTER 4: PERFORMING TROUBLESHOOTING AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTS  
Before Running the Tests  
When the DOS operating system first loads, it executes the  
AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files. These files are user-  
definable files that set up the computer environment and  
may also load memory managers and drivers into memory.  
If you are using DOS 6.x in a plain DOS environment, you can  
bypass the CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files by holding  
down the right shift key while starting the computer. If you  
are running under DOS 6.2, pressing [F5] while starting the  
computer will also bypass the same two files.  
After performing the diagnostic tests, reboot your computer.  
Types of Tests  
The diagnostic tests are divided into three groups, of which  
only the Group 1 and Group 3 tests apply to the  
Fast EtherLink 10/100BASE-T4 PCI adapter.  
The Group 1 test checks the physical components and  
circuitry on the adapter. These tests are run as default tests.  
The Group 2 test (Network Loopback Test) is not used on  
twisted-pair adapters such as the Fast EtherLink 10/100BASE-T4  
PCI adapter.  
The Group 3 test (the Echo Exchange Test) tests the adapter’s  
ability to transmit and receive data while on the network.  
CAUTION: Running the Group 3 test while connected to an  
active network can cause intermittent failures. To avoid this,  
connect to an inactive network on which only the computer  
being tested is operating.  
If you run the diagnostic tests successfully, you rule out a  
hardware failure on the computer. If the adapter passes all  
the tests and there still appears to be a problem, look at  
cabling, software, and other issues that affect functionality on  
the network.  
 
           
Starting the Diagnostic Program  
4-3  
Starting the Diagnostic Program  
Always run diagnostic tests with no device drivers or memory  
managers (EMM386.EXE and HIMEM.SYS) installed. Whenever  
you plan to run the diagnostic tests, you must first start your  
computer from a DOS diskette containing no device drivers, or  
you must exit to DOS if you have an operating system other  
than DOS. (Refer to the section “Accessing DOS” in Chapter 3.)  
To use the 3C59X EtherDisk diskette Configuration and  
Diagnostic Program, follow these steps:  
1
2
In the main menu, select Configuration/Diagnostic/  
Troubleshooting and press [Enter].  
Refer to Chapter 3 for instructions for accessing the main menu.  
When the Configuration and Diagnostic screen appears,  
select Configuration and Diagnostic Program, and press  
[Enter].  
If you are testing multiple adapters, a screen displaying  
descriptions of each installed adapter appears. Select the  
adapter you want to test and press [Enter]. A screen appears,  
showing the selected adapter.  
3
Continue with the instructions given in the next section,  
“Running the Group 1 Tests.”  
Group 1 tests are the default.  
You can also run the tests from the command line. At the  
system prompt, type:  
3C595CFG  
Running the Group 1 Tests  
To run the Group 1 tests, follow these steps:  
1
Under the Test pull-down menu, select Run Tests. Press  
[Enter].  
The Run dialog box appears, with Start highlighted.  
 
           
4-4  
CHAPTER 4: PERFORMING TROUBLESHOOTING AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTS  
2
Press [Enter] to start the tests.  
Group 1 tests (the default setting) run ten times unless you  
specify otherwise.The test results are displayed on the screen  
in the Results column.  
To run the tests continuously, go to the Repetitions box on  
the Test Setup screen, and select Continuous (and deselect  
Halt on Error in the Errors box).  
The Group 1 tests include:  
Register Access Test  
EEPROM Test  
FIFO Loopback Test  
Ethernet Core Loopback Test  
Encoder/Decoder Loopback Test  
Interrupt Test  
For a description of each Group 1 test, access help by  
pressing [F1].  
Running the Group 3 Test  
The Group 3 test (Echo Exchange Test) tests the adapter’s  
ability to transmit and receive data while on the network.  
To run the Group 3 test on the network, you need a second  
computer set up as an echo server. The echo server receives  
packets from the adapter being tested and echoes them  
back to the adapter.  
The second computer must contain a 3Com adapter running  
at the same speed as the Fast EtherLink 10/100BASE-T4 PCI  
adapter (10 Mbps or 100 Mbps). The diagnostic program  
that comes with the Fast EtherLink PCI adapter supports the  
EtherLink III echo server diagnostic program.  
 
         
Starting the Diagnostic Program  
4-5  
Setting Up an Echo Server  
To test 10 Mbps operation of the 10/100BASE-T4 PCI  
adapter, use a computer as an echo server that contains an  
EtherLink III adapter or another 10/100BASE-T4 PCI adapter.  
To test for 100 Mbps operation of the 10/100BASE-T4 PCI  
adapter, use another Fast EtherLink PCI adapter in the  
computer being used as the echo server.  
In either case, select the Echo Server menu item under the  
Test menu, and click Start to make the computer an echo  
server.  
If you are setting up an echo server on a computer with a  
10 Mbps 3Com adapter other than an EtherLink III adapter,  
follow these steps:  
1
2
Select a computer to use as an echo server.  
Insert the EtherDisk diskette for the installed adapter in a  
floppy drive.  
The EtherDisk diskette that accompanied the adapter  
contains the diagnostic program.  
3
Start the diagnostic program on the echo server.  
The diagnostic program that you use depends on the  
adapter board that is installed in the echo server. After the  
system prompt of the drive containing the Configuration and  
Diagnostic Program, enter the name of the program (3CXXX),  
as indicated in Table 4-1.  
The diagnostic programs listed in Table 4-1 come on the  
EtherDisk diskette that accompanies the adapter.  
4
From the main menu, select Echo Server Setup.  
The program notifies you that your computer is now set up  
as an echo server.  
 
   
4-6  
CHAPTER 4: PERFORMING TROUBLESHOOTING AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTS  
Table 4-1 Adapter and Diagnostic Program Names (10 Mbps Adapter Only)  
Diagnostic Program Name  
Adapter  
3C503  
EtherLink IIâ or II TP  
EtherLink II/16 or II/16 TP  
3C505  
EtherLink Plusâ  
3C507  
EtherLink 16 or EtherLink 16 TP  
EtherLink III family  
3C5X9CFG  
3C523  
EtherLink/MC  
3C523TP  
3C527  
EtherLink/MC TP  
EtherLink/MC 32  
3C589CFG  
3C59XCFG  
EtherLink III PC Card family  
EtherLink III PCI/EISA Bus Master family  
Starting the Group 3 Test  
To run the Group 3 test on a Fast EtherLink PCI adapter,  
follow these steps:  
1
Start the Configuration and Diagnostic Program.  
This program must be on the computer containing the  
adapter you want to test.  
2
3
4
5
6
7
Select Test Setup from the Test menu.  
Select Group 3 from the Group Select box.  
Enable the Group 3 test by highlighting Enable Group.  
Select OK and press [Enter].  
Go to the Run dialog box to start the tests.  
After the test is completed:  
a End the program on the echo server.  
b Exit the diagnostic program.  
 
     
Getting Help If a Test Fails  
4-7  
Getting Help If a Test Fails  
If any test fails, you can get additional information as follows:  
1
2
Highlight the test that failed in the Run Tests dialog box  
and press [Enter].  
Highlight the Zoom button and press [Enter].  
If the diagnostic tests fail, the adapter may not be defective.  
The problem may be caused by incorrect option settings,  
option settings that conflict with the settings of other boards,  
or improper installation. Complete the following steps to test  
the adapter further.  
CAUTION: Make sure to turn the power off and disconnect all  
cables from the adapter before inserting or removing it from  
the computer.  
Check the adapter installation by reviewing the installation  
instructions in Chapter 2.  
Make sure the adapter is seated correctly in the slot.  
Inspect all cables and connections.  
Make sure that the PCI slot containing the adapter is activated.  
PCI computers allow PCI slots to be activated or deactivated  
through the computer‘s BIOS setup, or in some cases, with a  
special PCI utility. Refer to your computer documentation for  
information about activating PCI slots.  
In addition, bus mastering is not supported on all PCI slots in  
all computers. The Fast EtherLink PCI adapter provides better  
performance in a bus master slot, but will work in a non-bus  
master slot. Refer to your computer documentation.  
The original slot may be defective.  
Make sure that you booted your computer under  
DOS version 3.1 or later, and that no device drivers or memory  
managers are loaded.  
 
         
4-8  
CHAPTER 4: PERFORMING TROUBLESHOOTING AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTS  
If you are running the Group 3 test, make sure that the  
adapter is connected to a properly cabled and inactive  
network and that an echo server is set up on the network.  
Replace the failed adapter with a working adapter and run  
the diagnostic tests again.  
If the working adapter passes all tests, the original adapter is  
probably defective. For information on returning products  
for repair, refer to Appendix D,“Technical Support.”  
Install the adapter in another functioning PCI computer and  
run the tests again.  
Your computer may be defective. If the adapter passes the  
tests in the second computer, contact the reseller or  
manufacturer of the original computer.  
Replace all other PCI adapters from the computer and run  
the tests again. If the tests pass, the other PCI adapters may  
be causing contention.  
If you experience problems that occur only when using the  
AutoLink program, display or print the AUTOLINK.LOG file as  
follows:  
To display the file, type:  
type autolink.log | more  
To print the file, type:  
print autolink.log  
The AUTOLINK.LOG file contains a log of all the events that  
occurred during the AutoLink installation and configuration  
process.  
 
Changing the Test Setup  
4-9  
Changing the Test Setup  
To change the test parameters, follow these steps:  
1
Choose Test Setup from the Test menu in the main  
window of the Configuration and Diagnostic Program, or  
select the Test Setup button in the Run Tests dialog box.  
2
3
Press [Tab] to highlight any of the fields within the Test  
Setup dialog box.  
To change a setting in any field, follow these steps:  
a In the Group Select box, use the arrow keys to select a  
test group.  
b In the Group X Tests box, use the arrow keys to highlight a  
test. Press the [Space Bar] to enable or disable an  
individual test.  
c
In the Repetitions box, specify the number of times you  
want to run the tests, or use the arrow keys to select the  
Continuous option.  
d In the Errors box, press the [Space Bar] to select or  
deselect the Halt on Error parameter.  
4
5
When you are satisfied with the new test setup, highlight  
the OK button and press [Enter].  
To run the tests, choose Run Tests from the Test menu and  
select the Start button.  
Miscellaneous Checks  
Check for specific hardware problems, such as broken traces  
or loose/broken solder connections.  
If you have installed the adapter correctly and you still  
experience problems, check the software.  
 
     
4-10  
CHAPTER 4: PERFORMING TROUBLESHOOTING AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTS  
Make sure the cable segment is compliant with 10BASE-T or  
100BASE-T4 specifications. Maximum length for all types of  
cabling for this adapter is 100 meters (330 feet).  
Make sure that you have installed the correct driver for the  
network operating system you are running (refer to  
Chapter 3,“Loading the Network Drivers”).  
If any problem persists, refer to Appendix D, “Technical  
Support.”  
LEDs  
Each 10/100BASE-T4 PCI adapter has three LEDs, as shown in  
Figure 1-1 and described in Table 4-2.  
The adapter must be physically connected to the network and  
network drivers must be loaded for the LEDs to work.  
Table 4-2 Fast EtherLink 10/100BASE-T4 PCI Adapter LEDs  
LED  
10 LNK Green:  
Shows link  
Description Flashing  
Steady  
Off  
Reversed cable Good 10BASE-T  
polarity  
No connection between  
connection between adapter and hub  
adapter and hub  
integrity  
100 LNK Green:  
Shows link  
Not applicable Good 100BASE-T4  
No connection between  
connection between adapter and hub  
integrity  
adapter and hub  
ACT  
Yellow:  
Network traffic  
Not applicable  
No traffic  
Indicates port present  
traffic for  
either speed  
If you experience any problems, first make sure that the  
appropriate driver is loaded, that the proper cable is  
connected to the adapter port, and that the hub complies  
with the adapter specifications (10 Mbps 10BASE-T or  
100 Mbps 100BASE-T4). Then recheck the LED.  
 
         
CABLING  
A
This appendix discusses the following topics:  
Adapter cabling requirements  
Twisted-pair cable and the EIA/TIA cable categories  
10BASE-T operation and specifications  
100BASE-T specifications, including 100BASE-TX,  
100BASE-T4, and 100BASE-FX  
Pin assignments for the RJ-45 connector  
Adapter Cabling Requirements  
When properly connected to a 10BASE-T network, the  
Fast EtherLink 10/100BASE-T4 PCI adapter operates in 10BASE-T  
mode and requires standard 10BASE-T cable topologies and  
types, including 2 pairs of Category 3, 4, or 5 UTP for 10 Mbps.  
When properly connected to a 100BASE-T4 network, the  
Fast EtherLink PCI adapter operates in 100BASE-T4 mode and  
requires 4 pairs of Category 3, 4, or 5 UTP for 100 Mbps.  
In either case, the cable, quality, distance, and connectors must  
comply with the EIA/TIA 568 “Commercial Building Wiring  
Standard” and the Technical Services Bulletin TSB38 standards.  
The maximum UTP cable distance is 100 meters (330 feet) at  
either speed.  
 
               
A-2  
APPENDIX A: CABLING  
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. Shielded twisted pair (STP)  
provides protection against crosstalk. Twisted-pair cable is  
now commonly used in Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, token ring,  
and other network topologies.  
The Electronic Industries Association/Telecommunications  
Industries Association (EIA/TIA) defines the following five  
categories of twisted-pair cable:  
Category 1—Traditional telephone cable.  
Category 2—Cable certified for data transmissions up to  
4 MHZ.  
Category 3—Used for voice and data transmission up to  
16 Mbps. The cable has four pairs of wires and three twists  
per foot. Category 3 is the most common type of previously  
installed cable found in corporate wiring schemes and  
normally contains 4 pairs in a bundle.  
Category 4—Used for voice and data transmission up to  
20 Mbps. The cable normally has four pairs of wire. This grade  
of UTP is not common.  
Category 5—Used for voice and data transmission up to  
100 Mbps. The cable normally has four pairs of copper wire.  
Category 5 is the most popular cable used in new  
installations today.  
 
         
10BASE-T Operation  
A-3  
10BASE-T Operation  
10BASE-T is the Institute of Electrical and Electronics  
Engineers (IEEE) 802.3 standard for Ethernet signaling over  
unshielded twisted-pair wire at 10 Mbps.  
Ethernet, as the most widely-used network protocol, uses  
10BASE-T as its primary cabling scheme. Ethernet’s  
characteristics include:  
A data rate of 10 Mbps  
A maximum station separation of 2.8 kilometers (1.7 miles)  
using fiber  
A broadcast architecture  
A specific media-access control (MAC) scheme  
The specified networking technology for Ethernet is its MAC  
protocol called Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision  
Detection (CSMA/CD). Ethernet uses CSMA/CD to prevent  
network failures or collisions when two devices try to access  
the network at the same time.  
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 being modulated onto separate carrier  
frequencies. This is a feature of the Ethernet architecture.  
A wiring topology using 10BASE-T specifies a wiring hub, cable  
arranged in a star configuration, and unshielded twisted-pair  
cable. Each node has a separate cable run that must not  
exceed 328 feet (100 meters) from the node to the hub.  
The 10BASE-T four-repeater (hub) rule states that you can use  
no more than four repeaters between major LAN segments.  
If you add a fifth repeater, the timing of the packets can be  
impaired and the CSMA/CD media-sharing scheme may  
break down.  
 
                 
A-4  
APPENDIX A: CABLING  
100BASE-T Standard  
The 100BASE-T standard defines a network architecture  
based on the 10BASE-T standard that retains almost all of the  
original IEEE 802.3 Ethernet specification, while greatly  
increasing the network’s overall throughput.  
100BASE-T has the following similarities to 10BASE-T:  
Uses the same CSMA/CD access method and MAC functions  
Retains a hub-based architecture  
Runs over unshielded twisted-pair or fiber cabling  
Employs the same network management tools  
The maximum span of a 100BASE-T network using only  
twisted-pair cable is 205 meters (672.4 feet).  
100BASE-T media specifications allow Fast Ethernet to run on  
the most common Ethernet wiring, including Categories 3, 4,  
and 5 unshielded twisted-pair, shielded twisted-pair, and fiber.  
100BASE-TX Operation  
100BASE-TX designates the IEEE 802.3 specification for  
100 Mbps with CSMA/CD over two pairs of Category 5 UTP  
or STP wire. Most 100BASE-TX equipment only supports  
100 ohm UTP cable. The pairs of wires used for transmitting  
and receiving signals are the same as those used for  
10BASE-T. This means that the same cabling used for  
10BASE-T can be used for 100BASE-TX with no change to  
cable termination. Also, the connectors used for 100BASE-TX  
at the hub or end station are the common Category 5  
certified RJ-45 connector for UTP.  
 
           
100BASE-T Standard  
A-5  
100BASE-T4 Operation  
100BASE-T4 is the IEEE 802.3 specification for Ethernet  
signaling for 100 Mbps over four pairs of Category 3 or better  
UTP cable.This physical layer standard was specifically defined  
to allow 100BASE-T to be deployed over the large installed  
base of Category 3 voice-grade UTP.  
100BASE-T4 uses four pairs of Category 3, 4, or 5 UTP cable, at  
distances of up to 100 meters. Transmission requires four pairs  
of cable to lower emissions and meet FCC requirements. You  
must have four pairs of UTP available for each node to run  
100BASE-T4.  
100BASE-FX Operation  
100BASE-FX is the IEEE 802.3 specification for 100 Mbps Ethernet  
signaling over two strands of fiber cabling. 100BASE-FX is used  
for transmissions over extended distances (up to 2 kilometers  
[1.24 miles] between nodes), downlinks, and backbones, and is  
especially useful in any environment subject to electrical  
interference.  
 
         
A-6  
APPENDIX A: CABLING  
RJ-45 Connector Pin Assignments  
Figure A-1 shows the RJ-45 connector pin assignments.  
T4  
T4  
BI_DI4–(8)  
BI_DI4+(7)  
RD–(6)  
BI_DI3–(5)  
BI_DI3+(4)  
RD+(3)  
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
12345678  
TD–(2)  
TD+(1)  
Figure A-1 RJ-45 Connector Pin Assignments  
 
         
CONFIGURING SOFTWARE  
SETTINGS  
B
The Fast EtherLink 10/100BASE-T4 PCI adapter is automatically  
configured by the PCI’s computer’s BIOS with the following  
basic configuration parameters:  
I/O Port Address  
Interrupt Request Level (IRQ)  
This is done automatically when the computer with the  
installed Fast EtherLink PCI adapter is turned on for the first  
time after installation of the adapter. Other required  
parameters are preset on the adapter so that it will function  
without further action.  
Additional default settings can be changed in the following  
situations:  
You have a boot PROM.  
You want to manually select the network speed for the adapter.  
You want to optimize driver performance for Windows.  
You want to enable the Full Duplex option for 10 Mbps  
operation.  
The Full Duplex setting can only be utilized in a 10 Mbps  
network with a hub or a switch that supports it.  
Table B-1 lists each software option and the options’ default  
setting and available settings. Refer to the on-line help (press  
[F1] when the option is highlighted) for more information  
about each setting.  
 
 
B-2  
APPENDIX B: CONFIGURING SOFTWARE SETTINGS  
Table B-1 Option Settings  
Option  
Default Setting  
Disabled  
Available Settings  
Boot PROM  
Media Type  
Disabled, 8 K, 16 K, 32 K, 64 K  
100BASE-T4, 10BASE-T, Auto Select  
10BASE-T  
Network Driver  
Optimization*  
Normal  
Normal, Minimize CPU Utilization,  
Maximize Network Performance  
Full Duplex†  
Disabled  
Enabled (10 Mbps only), Disabled  
* This option specifies whether to optimize the network driver for a normal environment, a  
minimized CPU utilization environment, or a maximized network performance environment. You  
may choose to use a larger percentage of CPU resources under DOS in order to improve  
network throughput.  
In multitasking environments, choosing the Minimize CPU Utilization option saves the resources  
of the CPU for other tasks. If no other applications are making major demands on CPU resources,  
you may choose the Maximize Network Performance option.  
† Full duplex operation is possible only in 10 Mbps operation when used in an environment  
where the switch supports it. Do not enable the Full Duplex option unless your switching hub is  
set for full duplex.  
Changing Software Settings  
To change the software option settings, follow these steps:  
If this computer is an operating server, notify all users of the  
server to save their work and log out from the network. The  
Configuration and Diagnostic Program disrupts the normal  
operation of servers and workstations, so work that is not  
saved may be lost.  
1
Make sure the 10/100BASE-T4 PCI adapter has been  
properly installed in your computer.  
2
3
Boot your computer under DOS, version 3.1 or later.  
Place the EtherDisk diskette in a floppy drive on your  
computer and make that drive the active drive. For  
example:  
A: [Enter]  
4
Type at the prompt:  
Install [Enter]  
 
   
B-3  
5
6
When the auto installation screen appears, as shown in  
Figure 3-1 press [Enter].  
When the main menu appears with a list of options, as  
shown in Figure 3-2, select Configuration/Diagnostic/  
7
8
When the Configuration and Diagnostic screen appears,  
select Configuration and Diagnostic Program.  
Do one of the following:  
a If you have multiple adapters installed, as shown in  
Figure B-1, use the arrow keys to select the desired  
adapter and press [Enter]. When the Configure Adapter  
option is highlighted on the Install pull-down menu,  
press [Enter] again.  
b If you have a single adapter installed, the Configure Adapter  
option appears already highlighted on the Install pull-down  
menu. Press [Enter].  
Configuration and Diagnostic Program  
Quit  
Install Test  
View  
Select  
F1=Help  
Select Adapter  
Installed Adapters  
3C595-T4 PCI Dev./Slot 12 Node Address = A2 00 A2 00 A2 22  
3C595-T4 PCI Dev./Slot 14 Node Address = A2 00 A2 00 A2 20  
Select the adapter to be configured and/or tested.  
Select  
Cancel  
(C) Copyright 1995, 3Com Corporation. All Rights Reserved  
[ENTER]=<Select>  
[Alt]+<Highlighted Key>=Execute Function [•¯]=Scroll  
[TAB]=Next Field [SHIFT+TAB]=Previous Field [F1]=Help [ESC]=<Quit>  
Figure B-1 Multiple Adapter Option Configuration33  
 
 
B-4  
APPENDIX B: CONFIGURING SOFTWARE SETTINGS  
In both cases, a screen similar to the one shown in Figure B-2  
appears, showing the parameters for the selected adapter.  
Configuration and Diagnostic Program  
Quit  
Install Test  
View  
Select  
F1=Help  
Adapter Configuration  
Adapter Configuration  
Network Driver Optimization  
Full Duplex  
Boot PROM  
Media Type  
I/O Port Address  
Interrupt Level  
Normal  
Disabled  
Disabled  
Auto Select  
7000h (PCI)  
3 (PCI)  
Auto Configure  
Modify  
File Options  
OK  
Cancel  
(C) Copyright 1995, 3Com Corporation. All Rights Reserved  
[ENTER]=<Auto Configure> Automatically Configures the Adapter  
[Alt]+<Highlighted Key>=Execute Function  
[TAB]=Next Field [SHIFT+TAB]=Previous Field [F1]=Help [ESC]=Cancel  
Figure B-2 Changing Adapter Options  
9
Press [Tab] to highlight the main dialog box, and use the  
arrow keys to highlight one of the parameter options.  
Press [Enter].  
A second dialog box appears.  
10 Use the arrow keys to scroll through the list of settings for  
that option. Select a setting and press [Enter].  
11 Continue this procedure with any of the other options.  
Refer to the on-line help (press [F1] when the option is  
highlighted) for more information about each of the settings.  
12 Press [Tab] to highlight OK. Press [Enter].  
 
 
Changing Software Settings  
B-5  
You must highlight OK and press [Enter] to save the settings.  
If you want to use the same settings on other adapters, you  
can save the configuration settings to a file. Select Save under  
File Options in the Adapter Configuration dialog box. For  
example, type:  
D:\CONFIG\3C595.SET  
This saves the settings to the default file 3C595.SET in the  
CONFIG directory in drive D. Refer to the on-line help (press  
[F1]) for more information.  
 
SPECIFICATIONS  
C
This appendix lists the specifications for the Fast EtherLink  
10/100BASE-T4 PCI adapter. It also contains pin assignments  
for the adapter’s RJ-45 connector.  
Adapter 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  
Ethernet  
100BASE-T4  
Ethernet IEEE 802.3u industry standard  
for a 100 Mbps baseband CSMA/CD  
local area network  
Physical Dimensions  
Length:  
Height:  
17.46 cm (6.9 in)  
10.67 cm (4.2 in)  
Environmental Operating Range  
Operating  
temperature:  
Humidity:  
Altitude:  
0˚ to 70˚ C (32˚ to 158˚ F)  
10 to 90% noncondensing  
To 3,000 meters (9,840 ft)  
Power Requirements  
Operating voltage: +5 V ± 5% @ 1.0A max  
 
TECHNICAL SUPPORT  
D
3Com provides easy access to technical support information  
through the variety of services described in this appendix.  
On-line Technical Services  
3Com offers worldwide product support seven days a week,  
24 hours a day, through the following on-line systems:  
3Com Bulletin Board Service (3ComBBS)  
World Wide Web site  
3ComForum on CompuServeâ  
3ComFactsSM automated fax service  
3Com Bulletin Board Service  
3ComBBS contains patches, software, and drivers for all 3Com  
products, as well as technical articles. This service is available  
via modem or ISDN seven days a week, 24 hours a day.  
Access by Modem  
To reach the service by modem, set your modem to 8 data  
bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit.  
Call the telephone number nearest you:  
Country  
Data Rate  
Telephone Number  
(61) (2) 9955 2073  
Australia  
up to 14400 bps  
up to 14400 bps  
up to 9600 bps  
up to 14400 bps  
up to 14400 bps  
France  
(33) (1) 69 86 69 54  
Germany  
(49) (89) 627 32 188 or (49) (89) 627 32 189  
(852) 2537 5608  
Hong Kong  
Italy (fee required)  
(continued)  
(39) (2) 273 00680  
 
                   
D-2  
APPENDIX D: TECHNICAL SUPPORT  
Country  
Japan  
Data Rate  
Telephone Number  
(81) (3) 3345 7266  
(65) 534 5693  
up to 14400 bps  
up to 14400 bps  
up to 14400 bps  
up to 28800 bps  
up to 28800 bps  
Singapore  
Taiwan  
U.K.  
(886) (2) 377 5838  
(44) (1442) 278278  
(1) (408) 980 8204  
U.S.  
Access by ISDN  
ISDN users can dial-in to 3Com BBS using a digital modem  
for fast access up to 56 Kbps. To access 3ComBBS using ISDN,  
dial the following number:  
(408) 654-2703  
World Wide Web Site  
Access the latest networking information on 3Com’s World  
Wide Web site by entering our URL into your Internet browser:  
This service features news and information about 3Com  
products, customer service and support, 3Com’s latest news  
releases, selected articles from 3TECHä (3Com’s award-  
winning technical journal), and more.  
3ComForum on CompuServe  
3ComForum is a CompuServe-based service containing patches,  
software, drivers, and technical articles about all 3Com products,  
as well as a messaging section for peer support.To use  
3ComForum, you need a CompuServe account.  
To use 3ComForum:  
1
2
3
Log on to CompuServe.  
Enter go threecom.  
Press [Return] to see the 3ComForum main menu.  
 
       
Support from Your Network Supplier  
D-3  
3ComFacts Automated Fax Service  
3Com Corporation’s interactive fax service, 3ComFacts,  
provides data sheets, technical articles, diagrams, and  
troubleshooting instructions on 3Com products 24 hours a  
day, seven days a week.  
Call 3ComFacts using your touch-tone telephone.  
International access numbers are:  
Country  
Hong Kong  
U.K.  
Fax Number  
(852) 2537 5610  
(44) (1442) 278279  
(1) (408) 727 7021  
U.S.  
Local numbers are available within the following countries:  
Telephone  
Number  
Telephone  
Number  
Country  
Australia  
Belgium  
Denmark  
Finland  
France  
Country  
Netherlands  
Norway  
800 123853  
0800 71279  
800 17319  
06 0228049  
800 11062  
Portugal  
0505 442607  
98 001 4444  
05 90 81 58  
0130 8180 63  
1678 99085  
Russia (Moscow only) 956 0815  
Spain  
Sweden  
U.K.  
900 964445  
020 792954  
0800 626403  
Germany  
Italy  
Support from Your Network Supplier  
If additional assistance is required, contact your network  
supplier. Many suppliers are authorized 3Com service  
partners who are qualified to provide a variety of services,  
including network planning, installation, hardware  
maintenance, application training, and support services.  
When you contact your network supplier for assistance, have  
the following information ready:  
Diagnostic error messages  
A list of system hardware and software, including revision levels  
 
       
D-4  
APPENDIX D: TECHNICAL SUPPORT  
Details about recent configuration changes, if applicable  
If you are outside the U.S. and Canada, contact your local  
3Com sales office to find your authorized service provider:  
Telephone  
Number  
Telephone  
Number  
Country  
Country  
Japan  
Australia (Sydney) (61) (2) 959 3020  
(Melbourne) (61) (3) 653 9515  
(81) (3) 33457251  
(525) 531 0591  
06 0227788  
Mexico  
Belgium*  
Brazil  
0800 71429  
Netherlands*  
Norway*  
Singapore  
South Africa  
Spain*  
(55) (11) 546 0869  
(905) 882 9964  
800 17309  
800 13376  
Canada  
Denmark*  
Finland*  
France*  
Germany*  
Hong Kong  
Ireland*  
Italy*  
(65) 538 9368  
(27) (11) 803 7404  
900 983125  
0800 113153  
05 917959  
Sweden*  
Taiwan  
020 795482  
0130 821502  
(852) 868 9111  
1 800 553117  
1678 79489  
(886) (2) 577 4352  
United Arab Emirates (971) (4) 349049  
U.K.*  
0800 966197  
* These numbers are toll-free.  
Returning Products for Repair  
A product sent directly to 3Com for repair must first be  
assigned a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number.  
A product sent to 3Com without an RMA number will be  
returned to the sender unopened, at the sender’s expense.  
To obtain an RMA number, call or fax:  
Country  
Telephone Number  
(800) 876 3266, option 2  
31 30 60 29900, option 5  
Fax Number  
U.S. and Canada  
Europe  
(408) 764 7120  
(44) (1442) 275822  
(1) (408) 764 7290  
Outside Europe, U.S., and Canada (1) (408) 492 1790  
 
       
GLOSSARY  
10BASE-T  
100BASE-FX  
100BASE-T  
100BASE-T4  
100BASE-TX  
ANSI  
The IEEE 802.3 standard for a 10 Mbps baseband network on  
twisted-pair cable.  
The IEEE 802.3 standard for a 100 Mbps baseband network  
over two optical fibers.  
The IEEE 802.3 standard for a 100 Mbps baseband network  
over twisted-pair cable.  
The IEEE 802.3 standard for a 100 Mbps baseband network  
over four pair Category 3, 4, or 5 UTP wire.  
The IEEE 802.3 standard for a 100 Mbps baseband network  
over two pair Category 5 UTP or STP wire.  
American National Standards Institute. A coordinating  
organization that publishes electronics standards for use in  
the United States.  
AutoLink  
Auto-installation and auto-configuration software for  
NetWare DOS clients. It automatically configures the adapter  
by selecting the correct interrupt level and I/O base address,  
checking for the network connection, and detecting the  
correct frame type.  
 
 
2
GLOSSARY  
Auto Select Media Type  
A utility that detects the type of network cable connected to the  
adapter and automatically selects that connection for packet  
transmission.This function is implemented by all NetWare ODI,  
Windows for Workgroups, NDIS 2.01, Windows NT, and  
Windows 95 drivers.  
Broadcast architecture  
The signaling scheme in which every node receives every  
broadcast from every other node at the same time.  
Bus  
An electronic pathway along which signals are transmitted  
from one area of a computer to another.  
Bus master adapter  
An adapter that contains its own processor, which allows the  
adapter to operate independently of the computer’s main  
processor.  
CSMA/CD  
Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection.  
A media-sharing scheme in which stations listen in to what is  
happening on the network media. If the cable is not in use,  
the station is permitted to transmit its message. If two or  
more nodes simultaneously start to transmit, a collision  
results. In this case each node stops transmitting for a  
specified interval of time, and then transmits the signal when  
the cable is clear.  
DMI  
Desktop Management Interface. The management scheme,  
developed by the Desktop Management Task Force (DMTF),  
to make management of a PC easier through standardized  
means of access to information from managed devices.  
The standard supported by the DMI defines how  
information on PCs is made available and accessible.  
 
GLOSSARY  
3
EIA/TIA  
Electronics Industries Association/Telecommunications  
Industries Association. The organization that develops wiring  
standards for the telecommunications industry. The EIA/TIA  
568 specification applies to all unshielded twisted-pair  
wiring schemes that work with Ethernet, Token Ring, ISDN  
and other networks.  
EISA  
Extended Industry Standard Architecture. The EISA 32-bit  
extended AT personal computer bus architecture is  
downward compatible with the 16-bit ISA architecture.  
EMM386  
Expanded Memory Manager. A dual-purpose memory  
manager that comes with MS-DOS. It provides access to the  
upper memory area, which enables you to free conventional  
memory by running device drivers in upper memory.  
EMM386 also uses extended memory to simulate expanded  
memory. Refer to Microsoft documentation for additional  
information.  
Ethernet  
A local area network standard defining a physical medium  
and its method of placing data, or packet signaling, on a  
cable. Access to the cable is based on CSMA/CD (carrier  
sense multiple access with collision detection).  
ISA  
Industry Standard Architecture. A 16-bit extension of the  
original IBMâ PC bus architecture. The IBM Personal  
Computer ATâ bus.  
Loopback  
A type of diagnostic test in which the transmitted signal is  
returned to the sending device after passing through all, or a  
portion of, a data communications link or network. A loopback  
test permits the comparison of a returned signal with the  
transmitted signal.  
 
4
GLOSSARY  
MAC  
Media access control. The operational scheme that gives  
each network node orderly access to the network cable.  
CSMA/CD is a MAC protocol that determines how nodes on  
the network share access to the cable.  
NDIS  
Network Driver Interface Specification. Defines the LAN Manager  
network driver architecture and interfaces that let a DOS or OS/2  
system support network adapters.This architecture provides a  
standardized way to write drivers for network adapters.  
NetWare  
A series of network operating systems and related products  
made by Novell, Inc.  
ODI driver  
Open Data-Link Interface. A MAC-level specification  
developed by Novell and Appleâ. Drivers complying with this  
specification can work with NetWare 2.x, 3.x, and 4.x. Like NDIS,  
ODI drivers support multiple protocols and adapters, and can  
be unloaded from memory to conserve conventional DOS  
RAM space.  
Parallel Tasking  
3Com’s third-generation Ethernet adapter architecture.  
Parallel Tasking technology accelerates data transfer by  
processing data packets simultaneously instead of  
sequentially. For example, when transmission is the task, the  
Parallel Tasking architecture begins to write data to the  
network even before an entire frame has been loaded into  
the adapter’s buffer memory. This permits complete  
parallelism in all data transfers.  
PCI  
Peripheral Component Interconnect. An advanced high-  
performance local bus that supports multiple peripheral  
devices. At 33 MHz, the PCI bus transfers 32 bits of data at up  
to 132 Mbps.  
 
GLOSSARY  
5
STP  
Shielded twisted-pair cable. Twisted-pair cabling with an  
overall shield to prevent the entry of outside interference,  
and individually shielded and twisted-pairs to prevent  
crosstalk.  
Transcend  
3Com’s integrated network management solution based on  
groups of logically related devices and including a variety of  
network management tools.  
Twisted-pair  
Wiring similar to that found in the telephone system,  
consisting of two insulated wires loosely twisted around each  
other to help cancel out induced noise in balanced circuits.  
UTP  
Unshielded twisted-pair cable. Twisted-pair cabling that does  
not have individual or overall shielding. The cable contains  
two or more pairs of twisted copper wires.  
 
INDEX  
adapters  
Numerics  
10/100BASE-T4 PCI adapter 1-3  
100BASE-FX  
description A-5  
100BASE-T  
media specifications A-4  
standard A-4  
100BASE-T4  
Auto Select Media Type 1-3, 3-12  
3-5  
description A-5  
Fast Ethernet 1-1  
100BASE-TX  
using 3-6  
description A-4  
Fast Ethernet 1-1  
10BASE-T  
Ethernet, 10 Mbps 1-1  
specifications A-3  
three-repeater rule A-3  
twisted-pair cable 1-2, A-3  
3C595.SET B-5  
Banyan VINES Client 3-11  
3C595-T4 1-1  
3C59X drivers 3-11  
3C59X.LAN server driver 3-11  
3C59XCFG 4-3  
3Com Bulletin Board Service  
(3ComBBS) D-1  
3Com sales offices D-4  
3ComFacts D-3  
3ComForum D-2  
802.3 IEEE standard 1-2  
C
cabling requirements 1-3, 2-4, 2-5, A-1  
Carrier Sense Multiple Access with  
Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) A-3  
command line, using 4-3  
configuration, automatic 1-1  
connecting to the network 2-3  
conventions  
notice icons 2  
text 2  
CPU utilization B-2  
A
adapter  
cabling requirements 1-3, A-1  
compatibility feature 1-1  
connecting to network 2-3  
diagnostic tests 4-1  
features 1-3  
installation capability 1-2  
installing 2-2  
loading drivers 3-1  
specifications C-1  
troubleshooting 4-1  
 
 
2
INDEX  
D
DEC PATHWORKS 3-11  
default option settings B-2  
Desktop Management Interface  
(DMI) 1-3, 3-13  
I
diagnostic program, starting 4-3  
diagnostic tests 4-1  
changing test setup 4-9  
echo server 4-5  
failed 4-7  
for specific adapters 4-6  
Group 1 4-2, 4-3, 4-4  
Group 2 4-2  
Group 3 (Echo Server) 4-2, 4-4  
starting 4-3  
DOS 3-6  
L
LEDs 4-10  
LINK DRIVER 3C59X section 3-9  
loading drivers  
NDIS 3-12  
accessing 3-2  
DOS NDIS 3-12  
DOS ODI client 1-3, 3-5, 3-7, 3-8  
driver agents 3-13  
drivers 1-1, 3-1  
compatibility 3-2  
NDIS 3-11, 3-12  
NetWare ODI 3-5  
summary of loading procedures 3-1  
Windows 95 3-3  
Windows 95 3-3  
MAC protocol A-3  
making valid hub connections 2-4  
Management Information File  
(MIF) 3-13  
Media Type option setting B-2  
multiple adapters  
E
echo exchange test 4-2  
echo server test 4-5  
EIA/TIA 568 standards A-1  
end-user software license  
agreement 3-6  
EtherDisk diskette 3-2, 3-5, 3-6, 3-8,  
3-10, 3-11, 4-1  
client 3-8  
server 3-11  
Ethernet protocol, characteristics of A-3  
F
NDIS drivers 3-11, 3-12  
NET.CFG file 3-9, 3-10  
NetWare  
fax service. See 3ComFacts  
fiber-optic cabling A-5  
full duplex B-1, B-2  
4.x server driver 3-11  
DOS ODI client driver 3-5, 3-6  
Loadable Modules (NLMs) 3-11  
with multiple adapters 3-8, 3-11  
NETWARE\SERVER subdirectory 3-11  
G
Group 1 tests 4-4  
Group 3 test 4-4  
 
3
network  
connecting to 2-3  
management 3-13  
Network Driver Optimization option  
setting B-2  
S
server driver, NetWare 3-11  
shared slots 1-4  
shielded twisted pair (STP) cable A-2  
network supplier support D-3  
NWCLIENT subdirectory 3-9  
PCI 2-2, 4-7  
shared 1-4  
O
SmartAgent software 3-13  
software option settings  
default B-2  
on-line  
help 3-4  
on-line technical services D-1  
option settings  
changing B-2  
OS/2 3-3  
NDIS driver 3-12  
P
package contents 2-1  
Parallel Tasking, benefits of 1-3  
PATHWORKS 3-11  
PCI 1-1  
T
technical support D-1  
tests, diagnostic. See diagnostic tests  
management software 3-13  
Transcend WorkGroup Manager 1-2  
troubleshooting  
slots 2-2, 4-7  
specification 1-4  
technology 1-4  
pin assignments A-6  
port number, finding 3-10  
tips 4-7  
10BASE-T 1-2, A-3  
categories A-2  
description A-2  
Q
QINSTALL\SERVER directory 3-5  
R
U
readme files 3-5, 3-11  
unshielded twisted pair (UTP)  
cable 1-1, A-2  
updating NDIS drivers 3-12  
returning products for repair D-4  
reversed cable polarity 4-10  
RJ-45 connector pin assignments A-6  
V
VINES 3-11  
 
4
INDEX  
W
Windows 3.X 3-3  
Windows 95  
confirming adapter installation 3-4  
loading the driver 3-3  
Windows for Workgroups 3-12  
Windows NT 3-12  
wiring requirements  
100BASE-T4 2-4  
10BASE-T 2-4  
 
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:  
Internetworking products  
One year  
Network adapters  
Lifetime  
Ethernet stackable hubs and unmanaged Ethernet fixed port repeaters  
Lifetime*  
(One year if  
not registered)  
*Power supply and fans in these stackable hubs and unmanaged repeaters One year  
Other hardware products  
Spare parts and spares kits  
One year  
90 days  
If a product does not operate as warranted during the applicable warranty period, 3Com shall, at  
its option and expense, repair the defective product or part, deliver to Customer an equivalent  
product or part to replace the defective item, or refund to Customer the purchase price paid for  
the defective product. All products that are replaced will become the property of 3Com.  
Replacement products may be new or reconditioned. Any replaced or repaired product or part  
has a ninety (90) day warranty or the remainder of the initial warranty period, whichever is longer.  
3Com shall not be responsible for any software, firmware, information, or memory data of  
Customer contained in, stored on, or integrated with any products returned to 3Com pursuant to  
any warranty.  
SOFTWARE: 3Com warrants that the software programs licensed from it will perform in  
substantial conformance to the program specifications therefor for a period of ninety (90) days  
from the date of purchase from 3Com or its Authorized Reseller. 3Com warrants the magnetic  
media containing software against failure during the warranty period. No updates are provided.  
3Com's sole obligation hereunder shall be (at 3Com's discretion) to refund the purchase price  
paid by Customer for any defective software products, or to replace any defective media with  
software which substantially conforms to 3Com's applicable published specifications. Customer  
assumes responsibility for the selection of the appropriate applications program and associated  
reference materials. 3Com makes no warranty that its software products will work in combination  
with any hardware or applications software products provided by third parties, that the operation  
of the software products will be uninterrupted or error free, or that all defects in the software  
products will be corrected. For any third party products listed in the 3Com software product  
documentation or specifications as being compatible, 3Com will make reasonable efforts to  
provide compatibility, except where the non-compatibility is caused by a “bug” or defect in the  
third party's product.  
STANDARD WARRANTY SERVICE: Standard warranty service for hardware products may be  
obtained by delivering the defective product, accompanied by a copy of the dated proof of  
purchase, to 3Com's Corporate Service Center or to an Authorized 3Com Service Center during  
the applicable warranty period. Standard warranty service for software products may be obtained  
by telephoning 3Com's Corporate Service Center or an Authorized 3Com Service Center, within  
the warranty period. Products returned to 3Com's Corporate Service Center must be  
pre-authorized by 3Com with a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number marked on the  
outside of the package, and sent prepaid, insured, and packaged appropriately for safe shipment.  
The repaired or replaced item will be shipped to Customer, at 3Com's expense, not later than  
thirty (30) days after receipt by 3Com.  
WARRANTIES EXCLUSIVE: IF A 3COM PRODUCT DOES NOT OPERATE AS WARRANTED ABOVE,  
CUSTOMER’S SOLE REMEDY SHALL BE REPAIR, REPLACEMENT, OR REFUND OF THE PURCHASE  
PRICE PAID, AT 3COM’S OPTION. THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES ARE EXCLUSIVE  
AND ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, EITHER IN FACT OR BY  
OPERATION OF LAW, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF  
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. 3COM NEITHER ASSUMES NOR  
AUTHORIZES ANY OTHER PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT ANY OTHER LIABILITY IN CONNECTION  
WITH THE SALE, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE OR USE OF ITS PRODUCTS.  
 
 
3COM SHALL NOT BE LIABLE UNDER THIS WARRANTY IF ITS TESTING AND EXAMINATION  
DISCLOSE THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE PRODUCT DOES NOT EXIST OR WAS CAUSED BY  
CUSTOMER'S OR ANY THIRD PERSON'S MISUSE, NEGLECT, IMPROPER INSTALLATION OR TESTING,  
UNAUTHORIZED ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR, OR ANY OTHER CAUSE BEYOND THE RANGE OF THE  
INTENDED USE, OR BY ACCIDENT, FIRE, LIGHTNING, OR OTHER HAZARD.  
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: IN NO EVENT, WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT OR TORT (INCLUDING  
NEGLIGENCE) SHALL 3COM BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, OR  
PUNITIVE DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR FOR LOSS OF REVENUE, LOSS OF BUSINESS, OR OTHER  
FINANCIAL LOSS ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE, INSTALLATION,  
MAINTENANCE, USE, PERFORMANCE, FAILURE, OR INTERRUPTION OF ITS PRODUCTS,EVEN IF  
3COM OR ITS AUTHORIZED RESELLER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH  
DAMAGES.  
Some states do not allow the exclusion of implied warranties or the limitation of incidental or  
consequential damages for consumer products, so the above limitations and exclusions may not  
apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights which may vary from state to state.  
GOVERNING LAW: This Limited Warranty shall be governed by the laws of the state of California.  
3Com Corporation  
5400 Bayfront Plaza  
Santa Clara, CA 95052-8145  
(408) 764-5000  
 
FCC CLASS B CERTIFICATION  
3Com Corporation  
Model No: 3C595-T4  
FCC ID: DF63C595-T4  
Made in U.S.A.  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two  
conditions:  
1
2
this device may not cause harmful interference, and  
this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause  
undesired operation.  
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. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not  
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio  
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular  
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,  
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to  
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:  
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from the one which the receiver is  
connected to.  
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission  
helpful:  
The Interference Handbook  
This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Stock  
No. 004-000-00345-4.  
NOTE: In order to maintain compliance with the limits of a Class B digital device, 3Com requires  
that you use quality interface cables when connecting to this device. Changes or modifications  
not expressly approved by 3Com could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment. Refer  
to the manual for specifications on cabling types.  
CISPR B COMPLIANCE  
This device complies with the EMC directive of the European Community and meets or exceeds  
the following technical standard:  
EN 55022 – Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio Interference Characteristics of  
Information Technology Equipment.  
This device complies with the CISPR Class B standard.  
 
   
CE NOTICE  
Marking by the symbol  
indicates compliance of this equipment to the EMC directive of  
the European Community. Such marking is indicative that this equipment meets or exceeds the  
following technical standards:  
EN 55022—“Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio Interference Characteristics of  
Information Technology Equipment.”  
EN 50082-1—“Electromagnetic compatibility —Generic immunity standard Part 1: Residential,  
commercial, and light industry.”  
IEC 801-2—“Electromagnetic compatibility for industrial-process measurement and control  
equipment Part 2: Electrostatic discharge requirements.”—Severity level 3.  
IEC 801-3—“Electromagnetic compatibility for industrial-process measurement and control  
equipment Part 3: Radiated electromagnetic field requirements.”—Severity level 2.  
IEC 801-4—“Electromagnetic compatibility for industrial-process measurement and control  
equipment Part 4: Electrical fast transient/burst requirements.”—Severity level 2.  
A “Declaration of Conformity” in accordance with the above standards has been made and is  
on file at 3Com Corporation.  
 
 

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