3Com 3C2000 User manual

3Com Gigabit Network Interface Card
3C2000
User Guide
http://www.3com.com/
http://support.3com.com/registration/frontpg.pl
Published April 2003
User guide version 1.0

3Com Corporation •5500 Great American Parkway •Santa Clara, California •95052-8145 •U.S.A.
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Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Installing and Connecting the NIC 3
3 Windows XP Driver Installation 9
4 Windows 2000 Driver Installation 13
5 Windows Me Driver Installation 17
6 Windows 98 SE Driver Installation 21
7 Windows NT 4.0 Driver Installation 25
8 Linux Driver Installation 29
9 Novell NetWare Driver Installation 31
10 Installing and Using the 3Com Connection Assistant 37
11 Using the Virtual Cable Tester 39
12 Troubleshooting 41
A Specifications 45
B Technical Support 47
C Warranty Information 51
D Regulatory Information 53

Contents

1
1 Introduction
This guide describes how to install and configure the 3Com®3C2000 Gigabit Network
Interface Card (NIC) in the following operating system (OS) environments:
•Windows XP
•Windows 2000
•Windows Millennium Edition (Me)
•Windows 98 SE
•Windows NT 4.0
•Linux 2.4
•Novell NetWare 5.1 and 6.0
Package Contents
•3Com 3C2000 Gigabit NIC
Keep the NIC in its package until ready for installation.
•3Com Installation CD with driver software and user guide
If the Windows autorun feature is enabled on your system, the
3Com Master Navigator launches automatically when you insert the
3Com Installation CD. See “Using the Master Navigator” on page 6 for more
information.
NOTE: Inform your network supplier of any missing or damaged items. If you
need to return the NIC, you must use the original (or equivalent) packaging.

1 Introduction
2

3
2 Installing and Connecting the NIC
Before installing the NIC, make sure your PC meets the requirements listed below.
Hardware Requirements
•Pentium-based PC that meets software requirements for the following operating
systems:
•Windows XP with latest service pack
•Windows 2000 with latest service pack
•Windows Me with latest service pack
•Windows 98 SE with latest service pack
•Windows NT 4.0 with latest service pack
•Linux 2.4
•Novell NetWare 5.1 or 6.0
•One open PCI slot
•PCI v2.2 33/66 MHz
•128 MB RAM (minimum)
Safety Precautions
Observe the following safety precautions.
WARNING: The NIC is being installed in a system that operates with voltages
that can be lethal. Before you remove the cover of your system, you must
observe the following precautions to protect yourself and to prevent damage to
the system components:
•Remove any metallic objects or jewelry from your hands and wrists.
•Use only insulated or nonconducting tools.
•Verify that the system is powered off and unplugged before removing the
cover.
•Install or remove the NIC in a static-free environment only. The use of a
properly grounded wrist strap (or other personal anti-static device) and an
anti-static mat are strongly recommended.

2 Installing and Connecting the NIC
4
Pre-Installation Checklist
1Check that your system meets the hardware and software requirements listed
under “Hardware Requirements” in the previous section.
2Verify that your system is using the latest BIOS.
3Review the information in the readme.txt file on the 3Com Installation CD for
important information not available at the time this user guide was created.
4If your system is active, shut it down.
5When shut down is complete, turn the power off and unplug the system.
6Holding the NIC card by the edges, remove it from its shipping package and place
it on an anti-static surface.
7Check the NIC for visible signs of damage, particularly on the edge connector.
Never attempt to install any damaged NIC. If the NIC is damaged, report it to your
supplier.
Installing the NIC
1Review the safety precautions and pre-installation checklist.
2Before installing the NIC, ensure the system power is off, the system is unplugged
from the power outlet, and that proper electrical grounding procedures have been
followed.
3Remove the system cover, and select any empty PCI slot. If you do not know how
to identify a PCI slot, refer to your system documentation.
4Remove the blank cover plate from the slot that you selected.
5Holding the NIC by the edges, align the connector edge of the NIC with the PCI
connector dock.
6Applying even pressure at both corners of the NIC, push the NIC until it is firmly
seated in the PCI slot.
When properly seated, the port connector on the NIC will be aligned with the slot
opening, and its faceplate will be flush against the system chassis.
7Secure the NIC in the PCI slot.
8Replace the system cover, disconnect any personal anti-static devices, and plug
the system back in.
9Turn the system power on.
After the system returns to normal operation, the NIC hardware is fully installed.
The next step is to connect the network cable.
CAUTION: Do not use excessive force when seating the NIC, as this may
damage the system or the NIC. If the NIC resists seating, remove it from the
system, realign it, and try again.

Connecting the Network Cable
5
Connecting the Network Cable
The NIC has one RJ-45 connector for attaching it to an Ethernet copper-wire segment.
When automatic link negotiation is disabled, the port can be configured for 10 Mbps or
100 Mbps signaling at either half-duplex or full-duplex operation, as well as 1000 Mbps
signaling at full-duplex operation.
To connect a network cable to the NIC:
1Prepare an appropriate cable.
The following table lists the cable characteristics for connecting to
10/100/1000BASE-T ports:
2Connect one end of the cable to the NIC.
3Connect the other end of the cable to an RJ-45 Ethernet network port.
The next step is to install the NIC driver and software.
Installing NIC Software
This section describes how to install the NIC driver and software in Windows using
the 3Com Master Navigator.
1Insert the 3Com Installation CD.
The Master Navigator launches automatically. If it does not launch, run
LAUNCH.EXE from the 3Com Installation CD.
2Select NIC Software, and then follow the prompts on the screen.
Port Type Connector Media Maximum Distance
10BASE-T RJ-45 CAT 3, 4, or 5 UTP 100 meters (325 feet)
100BASE-T RJ-45 CAT 5 UTP (two pair) 100 meters (325 feet)
1000BASE-T RJ-45 CAT 5/CAT 5e (four pair) 100 meters (325 feet)
NOTE: 1000BASE-T signaling requires four twisted pairs of Category 5
balanced cabling, as specified in ISO/IEC 11801:1995 and EIA/TIA-568-A
(1995) and tested using procedures defined in TIA/EIA TSB95.
NOTE: For driver installation and configuration instructions on non-Windows
operating systems, or if you do not want to use the 3Com Master Navigator,
refer to the software configuration chapter for that specific driver.

2 Installing and Connecting the NIC
6
Using the Master Navigator
When you allow the Windows autorun feature to launch the Welcome Screen of
the 3Com Master Navigator, you can select from the options listed below.
•User Guide
View, print, or copy the user guide.
The user guide is in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. You can also place a copy of the
user guide on your hard drive and place a link to it in the Windows Start, Programs
listing.
•NIC Software
Install your NIC or improve the performance, control, and management of your
current network.
NOTE: If the Windows autorun feature is not enabled, run LAUNCH.EXE
from the 3Com Installation CD.
NOTE: You must have Adobe Acrobat installed to view the user guide.

Installing NIC Software
7
•Other Software
Install other helpful utilities and programs.
These programs include the 3Com Connection Assistant, the Virtual Cable Tester,
and Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.1.
For more information on these programs, see Chapter 10, “Installing and Using
the 3Com Connection Assistant.” and Chapter 11, “Using the Virtual Cable
Tester. ”
•Create Diskettes
Create a set of installation diskettes for the following operating systems:
•Windows XP
•Windows 2000
•Windows Me
•Windows 98 SE
•Windows NT 4.0
You can also use the MakeDisk (SETUP.EXE) utility on the Installation CD to
create diskettes.
•Register Product
Register online. You must register your product to obtain support, upgrades, and
new product information.

2 Installing and Connecting the NIC
8

9
3 Windows XP Driver Installation
If you do not want or cannot use the 3Com Master Navigator on your system, use the
following procedure to install the drivers for Windows XP.
Requirements
Before you begin, make sure that:
1All installation requirements are met. See “Hardware Requirements” on page 3.
2The NIC is installed. See “Installing the NIC” on page 4.
3You have Network Administrator privileges.
Installing the Driver
To install the driver:
1Turn on the power to the PC.
Windows detects the NIC. The Found New Hardware Wizard starts and detects a
new Ethernet Controller.
2Insert the 3Com Installation CD in the CD-ROM drive.
If the main menu appears, click Exit.
3The Found New Hardware Wizard searches the CD and displays
3Com Gigabit NIC.
4Click Next.
The driver is copied to the hard disk.
5Click Finish.
The driver is installed.
Verifying Successful Installation
To verify successful NIC installation:
1Open the Windows Start menu, and then select Control Panel.
2Double click Network Connections.
3Check connections in the LAN or High-Speed Internet window.
NOTE: Verify that the Windows operating system has been upgraded to the
latest version and latest service pack. Also, make sure that the system has
the correct BIOS and firmware installed to ensure the system works correctly.

3 Windows XP Driver Installation
10
Modifying Configuration Parameters
Although the default values should be appropriate in most cases, you may change any
of the available options to meet the requirements of your specific system:
1Open the Windows Start menu, and then select Control Panel.
2Double-click System.
3Click the Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager.
The Device Manager window appears.
4Scroll down the list of hardware devices to Network Adapters. Click the plus sign
(+) to the left of the icon to display the list of installed NICs.
5Double-click the Gigabit Ethernet NIC you want to configure.
The Gigabit Ethernet Properties window appears, showing the General tab.
6Click the Advanced tab.
A window displaying the list of configurable parameters (and default values) for the
NIC appears.
7Change the parameters as desired.
Click the options listed under Properties and then use the pull-down window under
Value to change the default or assigned value.
The following parameters are available (default values are listed in bold).
NOTE: These parameters and options are subject to change and may vary
from those listed in this user guide.
Parameter Option(s)
802.1p Support: •Disable
•Enable
FlowControl •Asymmetrical and Symmetrical
•Asymmetrical Flow Control
•No Flow Control
•Symmetrical Flow Control
Hardware Checksumming •Off
•On
Interrupt Moderation •Off
•On
Log Status Messages •All Messages
•Errors
•None
•Status Messages
•Warnings
Max IRQ per Sec •5000
•1000 - 30000 (range)
Maximum Frame Size •1514
•64 - 9014 (range)

Modifying Configuration Parameters
11
8When configuration is complete, click OK to accept the settings.
9Reloading your driver is recommended. To do so:
aRight-click My Network Places.
bRight-click the NIC and select Disable.
The driver is unloaded.
cRight-click the NIC and select Enable.
The driver is reloaded.
10 Verify that the NIC port LEDs operate as described in the table in “Checking Port
LEDs” on page 43.
Media Type •10 Mb, Full Duplex
•10 Mb, Half Duplex
•100 Mb, Full Duplex
•100 Mb, Half Duplex
•1000 Mb, Full Duplex
•Auto
Network Address •Value:
•Not Present
Number of Receive Buffers •50
•3 - 500 (range)
Number of Transmit Buffers •50
•4 - 200 (range)
Wake up Capabilities •Both
•Magic Packet
•None
•Wake Up Frame

3 Windows XP Driver Installation
12
Removing the Driver Software
Windows XP automatically detects the installation of new hardware. However,
Windows XP does not automatically detect removal of driver software. You must first
uninstall the NIC driver software before physically removing the NIC from the PC.
To remove the NIC driver and associated software:
1Start Windows XP and log in.
You must have Network Administrator privileges to uninstall the driver software.
2Select Start, and then Control Panel.
The Control Panel window appears.
3Double-click Administrative Tools, and then Computer Management.
4The Computer Management window appears. In the left window, click on the plus
sign (+) next to System Tools, and then click on Device Manager.
5Click Network adapters, and then right-click on the 3Com NIC that you want to
remove.
6Select Uninstall.
7When the Confirm Device Removal window appears, click OK.
The driver and associated software are removed from the system. You can now
shut down the system and physically remove the NIC.
NOTE: You must uninstall the driver before removing the NIC and moving it
to a different slot.

13
4 Windows 2000 Driver Installation
If you do not want or cannot use the 3Com Master Navigator on your system, use the
following procedure to install the drivers for Windows 2000.
Requirements
Before you begin, make sure that:
1All installation requirements are met. See “Hardware Requirements” on page 3.
2The NIC is installed. See “Installing the NIC” on page 4.
3You have Network Administrator privileges.
Installing the Driver
To install the driver:
1Turn on the power to the PC.
Windows detects the NIC. The Found New Hardware Wizard starts and detects a
new Ethernet Controller.
2Insert the 3Com Installation CD in the CD-ROM drive.
If the main menu appears, click Exit.
3Click Next to continue from the Found New Hardware Wizard screen.
4Click Next to let Windows search for a suitable driver.
5Click Next to proceed with the search.
Windows detects the driver for this device.
6Click Next.
The driver is copied to the hard drive.
7Click Finish.
The driver is installed.
Verifying Successful Installation
To verify successful NIC installation:
1Right-click My Network Places and select Properties from the menu.
2Check connections in the Network and Dial-up Connections window.
NOTE: Verify that the Windows operating system has been upgraded to the
latest version and latest service pack. Also, make sure the correct BIOS and
firmware are installed to ensure the system works correctly.

4 Windows 2000 Driver Installation
14
Modifying Configuration Parameters
Although the default values should be appropriate in most cases, you may change any
of the available options to meet the requirements of your specific system:
1On the Windows Desktop, right-click the My Computer icon and select Properties
from the pop-up menu.
The System Properties window appears.
2Click the Hardware tab and then click Device Manager.
The Device Manager window appears.
3Scroll down the list of hardware devices to Network Adapters. Click the plus sign
(+) to the left of the icon to display the list of NICs currently configured.
4Double-click the Gigabit Ethernet NIC you want to configure.
The Gigabit Ethernet Properties window appears, showing the General tab.
5Click the Advanced tab.
A window showing the list of configuration parameters (and default values) for the
NIC appears.
6Change the parameters as desired.
Click the options listed under Properties and then use the pull-down window under
Value to change the default or assigned value.
The following parameters are available (default values are listed in bold).
NOTE: These parameters and options are subject to change and may vary
from those listed in this user guide.
Parameter Option(s)
802.1p Support: •Disable
•Enable
FlowControl •Asymmetrical and Symmetrical
•Asymmetrical Flow Control
•No Flow Control
•Symmetrical Flow Control
Hardware Checksumming •Off
•On
Interrupt Moderation •Off
•On
Log Status Messages •All Messages
•Errors
•None
•Status Messages
•Warnings
Max IRQ per Sec •5000
•1000 - 30000 (range)

Modifying Configuration Parameters
15
7When configuration is complete, click OK to accept the settings.
8Reloading your driver is recommended. To do so:
aRight-click My Network Places.
bRight-click the NIC and select Disable.
The driver is unloaded.
cRight-click the NIC and select Enable.
The driver is reloaded.
9Verify that the NIC port LEDs operate as described in the table in “Checking Port
LEDs” on page 43.
Maximum Frame Size •1514
•64 - 9014 (range)
Media Type •10 Mb, Full Duplex
•10 Mb, Half Duplex
•100 Mb, Full Duplex
•100 Mb, Half Duplex
•1000 Mb, Full Duplex
•Auto
Network Address •Value:
•Not Present
Number of Receive Buffers •50
•3 - 500 (range)
Number of Transmit Buffers •50
•4 - 200 (range)
Wake up Capabilities •Both
•Magic Packet
•None
•Wake Up Frame

4 Windows 2000 Driver Installation
16
Removing the Driver Software
Windows 2000 automatically detects the installation of new hardware. However,
Windows 2000 does not automatically detect removal of driver software. You must first
uninstall the NIC driver software before physically removing the NIC from the PC.
To remove the NIC driver and associated software:
1Start Windows 2000 and log in.
2Open the Windows Start menu and select Settings, and then Control Panel.
3Double-click the Add/Remove Hardware Wizard.
The Add/Remove Hardware Wizard window appears.
4Click Next.
The Choose a Hardware Task window appears.
5Click Uninstall/Unplug a device (recommended), and then click Next.
Choose this option to uninstall a device or to prepare your system for unplugging a
device.
The Choose a Removal Task window appears.
6Click Uninstall a device (recommended), and then click Next.
This option permanently uninstalls a device and its driver.
The Installed Devices on Your Computer screen appears.
7Click the NIC you want to uninstall (3Com Gigabit NIC), and then click Next.
8In the Uninstalled Devices window, click Yes, I want to uninstall this device, and
then click Next.
The Completing the Add/Remove Hardware Wizard window appears.
9Click Finish.
The driver and associated software are removed from the system. You can now
shut down the system and physically remove the NIC.
NOTE: You must uninstall the driver before removing the NIC and moving it
to a different slot.