3Com EtherLink 3C529 User manual

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EtherLink®III Parallel Tasking™
16/32-Bit Micro Channel®
Adapters Guide
For 3Com User Group Information
1-800-NET-3Com
or your local 3Com office
Manual Part No. 09-0399-002
Published January 1994. Printed in the U.S.A.
Members of the 3Com EtherLink III family of adapters

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3Com Corporation
5400 Bayfront Plaza
Santa Clara
California, USA
95052-8145
© 3Com Corporation, 1993, 1994. 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 permission from 3Com Corporation. 3Com reserves the right to revise
this documentation or the product and/or program described herein without
providing notification of such revision.
This documentation is provided without warranty of any kind, either implied
or expressed, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
If you are a United States government agency, then this documentation and the
software described herein are provided to you subject to the following
restricted rights:
For units of the Department of Defense:
Restricted Rights Legend: Use, duplication, or disclosure by the
Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c) (1)
(ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software Clause at 48
C.F.R. 52.227-7013. 3Com Corporation, 5400 Bayfront Plaza, Santa
Clara, California 95052-8145.
For civilian agencies:
Restricted Rights Legend: Use, reproduction, or disclosure is subject to
restrictions set forth in subparagraph (a) through (d) of the Commercial
Computer Software – Restricted Rights clause at 48 C.F.R. 52.227-19
and the limitations set forth in 3Com’s standard commercial agreement
for the Software. Unpublished rights reserved under the copyright laws
of the United States.
The software described in this documentation is furnished under a license
agreement which is located on the adapter software distribution diskette in a
root directory file named LICENSE.TXT.
3Com, EtherLink, EtherLink II, 3+Open, EtherDisk, and EtherLink Plus are
registered trademarks of 3Com Corporation. Parallel Tasking and AutoLink
are trademarks of 3Com Corporation. CardFacts, Ask3Com, and CardBoard
are service marks of 3Com Corporation.
IBM, Personal System/2, PS/2, OS/2, and Micro Channel are trademarks of
International Business Machines Corporation. Novell and NetWare are
trademarks of Novell, Inc. Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation. CompuServe is a service mark of CompuServe,
Incorporated. Anixter is a trademark of Anixter Bros., Inc. UL is a trademark
of Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Computer Library and Support on Site are
trademarks of Ziff Communications Company. Other brand and product
names may be registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.
Technical illustrations by Tim Buckreus. Production by Becky Whitmer.
Edited by Nancy Kurahashi.

iii
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:
Bridge, gateway, and other internetworking products One year
Server products One year
Station products One year
Network adapters Lifetime
LinkBuilder™ 10BT and 10BTi hubs Three years
Other transmission products One year
Spare parts and spares kits 90 days
Instrumentation 90 days
If a product does not operate as warranted during the applicable warranty
period, 3Com shall, at its expense, correct any such defect by repairing the
defective product or part or, at its option, by delivering to Customer an
equivalent product or part to replace the defective item. 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

iv
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.

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FCC Class B Certification
3Com Corporation
Model Nos: 3C529 and 3C529-TP
FCC ID: DF67CC3C529
FCC ID: DF67CC3C529-TP
Made in the U.S.A.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) 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.

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VDE Class B Compliance
Hiermit wird bescheinigt, dass die 3C529, 3C529-TP in Übereinstimmung mit
den Bestimmungen der Vfg 1046/1984 funk-entstört sind.
Der Deutschen Bundespost wurde das Inverkehrbringen dieses Gërates
angezeigt und die Berechtigung zur Überprüfung der Serie auf Einhaltung der
Bestimmungen eingeräumt.
We hereby certify that the 3C529, 3C529-TP comply with the RFI Suppression
Requirements of Vfg 1046/1984. The German Postal Service was notified that
the equipment is being marketed. The German Postal Service has the right to
re-test the equipment and to verify that it complies.
3Com Corporation
5400 Bayfront Plaza
Santa Clara, California, U.S.A.
95052-8145

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Contents
Introduction
Quick Start
Unpacking the Adapter 1
Installing the Adapter 2
Configuring Your Computer 4
Verifying or Changing the Computer’s
Configuration 5
Changing 3C529 Adapter Options 7
Connecting to the Network 8
Installing the Network Drivers 9
AutoLink Auto Installation of the 3C529 Adapter
Drivers for a NetWare Networking Operating
System (NOS) 9
Installing the 3C529 Adapter Drivers for a Non-
NetWare NOS 11
Chapter 1 Installation
Unpacking the Adapter 1-1
Installing the Boot PROM 1-2
Installing the Adapter 1-2
Chapter 2 Configuring Your Computer
Verifying or Changing the Computer’s Configuration 2-3
Chapter 3 Changing the 3C529 Adapter Options
Using the Configuration and Diagnostic Program 3-1
3C529 Adapter Options 3-6
Network Driver Optimization 3-6
Maximum Modem Speed 3-6

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Chapter 4 Connecting to the Network
Connecting to the On-board Transceiver 4-2
Connecting to Thin Ethernet Cable 4-2
Connecting to Twisted-pair Cable 4-4
Connecting to the External Transceiver 4-6
Chapter 5 Installing the Network Drivers
Auto Installing the 3C529 Adapter Drivers for a
NetWare NOS 5-2
Installing the 3C529 Adapter Drivers for a Non-NetWare
NOS 5-6
If You Are Running Multiple Adapters 5-7
With 3+Open or LAN Manager 5-7
With NetWare 5-7
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting
Running the Diagnostic Program 6-1
Starting the Group 1 Tests 6-4
Changing the Test Setup 6-6
If a Test Fails 6-8
Setting Up the Group 2 Test 6-8
Connecting a Loopback Plug 6-8
Setting Up the Group 3 Test 6-9
Setting Up an Echo Server 6-10
Running the Group 3 Test 6-11
Troubleshooting Tips 6-11
Hardware 6-14
Link Beat LED 6-14
Software 6-15
Additional Information 6-15

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Appendix A Using the Configuration and
Diagnostic Program
Using the Menus A-1
Using the Keyboard A-2
Using the Speed Keys A-3
Using the Mouse A-3
Choosing a Menu Item A-4
Using the File Options A-5
Help A-6
Exiting the Program A-7
Using the Command Line A-7
Command Line Keywords A-9
Appendix B Specifications
Appendix C Error Messages
Appendix D Technical Support
On-line Product Support D-1
CardBoard Bulletin Board Service D-1
3ComFacts Automated Fax Service D-2
Ask3Com On-line Service D-2
3Com Documentation on CD-ROM D-4
Support from Your Network Supplier D-4
U.S. and Canada D-4
Outside the U.S. and Canada D-5
Returning Products for Repair D-6
Index

xi
Figures
1-1. Removing the Cover 1-3
1-2. Removing the Backplate 1-4
1-3. Inserting the Adapter 1-5
3-1. Auto Installation Screen 3-3
3-2. Main Menu 3-3
3-3. Main Window with First Adapter Selected 3-4
4-1. Adapter Backplates 4-2
4-2. Connecting Thin Ethernet Cable 4-3
4-3. RJ-45 Connector Pin Assignments 4-4
4-4. Connecting Twisted-pair Cable 4-5
4-5. Slide Latch 4-7
4-6. Connecting the AUI Cable 4-8
4-7. Attaching the External Transceiver 4-9
5-1. Auto Installation Screen 5-3
5-2. Main Menu 5-4
6-1. Auto Installation Screen 6-3
6-2. Main Menu 6-3
6-3. Main Window with Adapter Selected 6-4
6-4. Run Tests Dialog Box 6-5
6-5. Test Setup Dialog Box 6-6
6-6. Assembling a Loopback Plug 6-9
6-7. Link Beat LED 6-14
A-1. The Menu Hierarchy A-1
A-2. Sample Dialog Box A-6

xii
Tables
3-1. Option Settings 3-5
4-1. AUI Connector Pin Assignments 4-6
A-1. Definition of Keys A-2
A-2. Definition of Menu Items A-4
A-3. Command Line Keywords A-9

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Introduction
The 3Com®EtherLink®III Parallel Tasking™16/32-bit
Micro Channel®Coax Adapter (3C529) and the Parallel
Tasking 16/32-bit Micro Channel 10BASE-T Adapter
(3C529-TP) are 32-bit self-configuring adapter boards.
They can be installed in:
■A 16- or 32-bit slot in any IBM®Personal System/2®
(PS/2®)computer that has a Micro Channel
architecture bus
■Any compatible UL®-listed personal computer that
includes instructions detailing the installation of
hardware and software options inside the main
system unit
These adapters connect your computer to an Ethernet
network wired with IEEE 802 standard 10BASE-2 or
10BASE-5 coaxial cable, or 10BASE-T twisted-pair cable.
This manual provides installation and diagnostic
instructions for the 3C529 (coax) and 3C529-TP (twisted-
pair) adapters. The two adapters are functionally identical;
they differ only in the layout of the components on each
board, the backplates, and the network connector. The
name 3C529 is used in this manual to refer to both adapters
unless otherwise specified.

Lifetime
Warranty
®
3Com's EtherLink®,
TokenLink®III 16/4,
and FDDILink™adapters
have a Lifetime Warranty.
Toensuretheverybest3Comservice
andsupport,takethetimetocomplete
theproductregistrationcard.
Anydefective3Comadapterwillbe
repairedorreplaced,at3Com'soption,
foraslongastheadapterresidesinits
originalIBM®PersonalComputer,
PersonalSystem/2®,orcompatible
computer(driversoftwareiscovered
bythestandard90-daylimited
softwarewarranty).

Customersinthecountriesshownbelowshouldsendthe
completedregistrationcardtotheappropriateaddress.
Customersinothernon-U.S.locationsshouldsendthe
registrationcardtotheU.S.addressonthefrontofthecard.
■Asia
3Com Asia Ltd., Marketing Department
Room 1009, 10th Floor Asia Pacific
Finance Tower, Citibank Plaza
3 Garden Road, Central
Hong Kong
■Australia, New Zealand
3Com Australia, Marketing Department
99 Walker Street
Level 7
North Sydney
New South Wales 2060
Australia
■France, Israel
3Com France, Marketing Department
ZA de Courtaboeuf
25, Ave de la Baltique
B.P. 609
91945 Les Ulis Cedex
France
■Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Malta
3Com Mediterraneo Srl, Marketing Department
Via Michelangelo Buonarroti, 1
20093 Cologno Monzese MI
Italy
■Japan
3Com Japan, Marketing Department
KDD Otemachi Bldg. 21F
1-8-1, Otemachi
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100
Japan
■United Kingdom, Eire
3Com UK Ltd., Marketing Department
Pacific House
Third Avenue
Globe Park Marlow-on-Thames
Buckinghamshire, SL7 1YL
England
■Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark
3Com Nordic AB, Marketing Department
Torshamsgatan 39
Box 1110
164 22 KISTA
Sweden
■Germany, Austria, Switzerland
3Com GmbH, Marketing Department
Gustav-Heinemann-Ring 123
D-81739 Muenchen
Munich
West Germany
■Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg
3Com Benelux B.V., Marketing Department
Nevelgaarde 8-9
3436 ZZ Nieuwegein
The Netherlands

Quick Start 1
Quick Start
This section is for experienced network users who are
installing a single 3C529 adapter into the computer in
which it will operate.
For detailed information, definitions, figures, and tables,
refer to the appropriate chapter or appendix.
Unpacking the Adapter
CAUTION: The adapter is packed in an antistatic bag
to protect it during shipment. To avoid damaging any
highly static-sensitive components on the adapter or the
computer, be sure to reduce any static electricity on your
person. One way to do that is to touch the metal chassis
of your computer. You can maintain grounding by
wearing a wrist strap attached to the chassis.
1. Carefully lift the adapter out of the box and set
it aside.
2. Return all packing materials to the shipping
container and store the container in a safe place.
If you need to return the adapter to 3Com, you must
pack it in the original (or equivalent) packing
material, or the warranty will be voided.
3. Remove the adapter from its antistatic bag.

Quick Start
2
4. Check the adapter for any visible signs of damage.
If you find a problem, immediately notify your network
supplier and the carrier that delivered the adapter.
5. Place the adapter back in its antistatic bag until
you are ready to install it.
NOTE: Fill out the Product Registration Card at the
back of this manual and return it to 3Com. Or call
1-800-NET-3Com for immediate registration.
Installing the Adapter
WARNING: The adapter board will be installed in a
computer which operates with voltages that can be
lethal. Before you remove the cover of your computer,
you must observe the following steps to protect yourself
and prevent damage to the system’s components.
1. Turn off the computer and unplug the unit from
its power source.
2. Disconnect all cables that are connected to the
main system unit.
3. Remove any jewelry from your hands and wrists.
4. Use only insulated or nonconductive tools.
5. Remove the computer’s cover and choose an
expansion slot (see Figure 1-1).

Quick Start 3
6. Remove the expansion slot’s backplate (see
Figure 1-2).
You can install the 3C529 adapter in any 16- or
32-bit expansion slot.
7. Install the optional boot PROM.
If you are installing the boot PROM on the adapter,
refer to the installation instructions that accompanied
the boot PROM.
8. Insert the 3C529 adapter into the 16- or 32-bit
expansion slot and secure it with the screw (see
Figure 1-3).
9. Replace the computer’s cover.
10. Reconnect all devices and cables except the
network cable.

Quick Start
4
ConfiguringYour Computer
After you install the 3C529 adapter, you must configure
the computer.
When the computer starts, the following error
message appears:
00165-Adapter Configuration Error
The error occurs because the adapter is not in the
computer’s current configuration. To configure
your computer:
1. Make a backup copy of the PS/2 Reference Diskette.
NOTE: If you are using a Micro Channel computer that
is not manufactured by IBM, use the corresponding
reference diskette that comes with your computer. The
procedures below may vary on other reference diskettes.
a. Insert the PS/2 Reference Diskette.
b. Reboot the computer.
c. At the main menu select Backup/Restore System
Programs.
d. Select Backup the Reference Diskette.
Follow the instructions on the screen to make the
backup of the reference diskette.
2. With the backup copy of the PS/2 Reference Diskette
still in drive A, press [Ctrl]+[Alt]+[Del] to reboot.
3. When the main menu appears, select Set
Configuration and press [Enter].

Quick Start 5
4. Select Run Automatic Configuration and press
[Enter].
The automatic configuration method assumes you are
using the on-board transceiver and that the 3C529
Adapter Description File (ADF) is already installed
on the PS/2 Reference Diskette. If this is not the case,
proceed to step 5.
NOTE: The ADF contains the defined set of
configuration options for the adapter that will allow
it to function in the computer.
a. When the automatic configuration is complete, exit
the program and remove the copy of the PS/2
Reference Diskette.
b. Reboot your computer under DOS.
c. Go to the Quick Start section, “Changing 3C529
Adapter Options” if you need to change software
settings.
5. If the ADF is not on the PS/2 Reference Diskette or
if you have an external transceiver, do not
configure your computer automatically.
Continue to the next section to change the computer’s
configuration.
Verifying or Changing the
Computer’s Configuration
To verify your computer’s configuration, select View
Configuration from the main menu on the PS/2 Reference
Diskette. The computer’s configuration is displayed.

Quick Start
6
To change your computer’s configuration, follow
these steps:
1. Select Set Configuration from the main menu.
The Set Configuration menu is displayed.
2. Select Change Configuration.
The program displays the computer’s configuration,
which includes the settings for the adapter and the
slot it is installed in. Confirm that these are the
configuration settings you want. If you need help,
press [F1]. If you want to change the configuration
settings, use the arrow keys to select a setting and
press [F5] or [F6] to scroll through a list of the
available choices.
NOTE: If you are using an external transceiver, be
sure to set Transceiver Type to external.
3. To save your settings press [F10]. Then press
[Enter].
4. Press [F3] to return to the Set Configuration menu.
5. Press [F3] again to exit the program.
6. Remove the copy of the PS/2 Reference Diskette.
7. Press [Enter] to reboot your computer under DOS.
If you need to change the software settings for the adapter,
proceed to the section “Changing 3C529 Adapter Options.”
Otherwise, go to the section “Connecting to the Network.”