AEI Intelligent Technologies AEI-CP1200C User manual

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AEI Intelligent Technologies
Gigabit Ethernet Adapters
User Manual for all
PCI-X and Com actPCI-X Models Utilizing
Intel 82546 chi set.
NOTE:
PCI-X is backwards com atible to PCI 32-bit and 64-bit slots. Read further for additional information

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This document contains proprietary information belonging to AEI Intelligent Technologies. (herein “AEI”). No part of this
documentation may be reproduced in any form or by any means or used to make any deri ati e work without written
permission from AEI. AEI reser es the right to re ise this documentation and to make changes in content from time to
time without obligation on the part of AEI to pro ide notification of such re ision or change.
AEI Intelligent Technologies assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in this document. Nor does AEI make any
commitment to update the information contained herein.
Other product and corporate names may be trademarks of other companies. These are used only for explanation and to
the owner's benefit, without intent to infringe.
All registered trademarks are the property of their respecti e owners.
AEI’s Gigabit Ethernet Family of Adapters utilizing the Intel 8254x chipset may contain design defects or errors known as
errata which may cause the product to de iate from published specifications. Current characterized errata are a ailable on
request.
Contact your local AEI sales office or your distributor to obtain the latest specifications and before placing your product
order.
Copies of documents which ha e an ordering number and are referenced in this document, or other AEI literature may be
obtained by calling [phone] or by isiting AEI’s website at http://www.aei-it.com
Copyright © 2004
AEI Intelligent Technologies, Inc.
All rights reser ed.
PO Box 890955
Temecula, CA 92589 (USA)

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Table of Contents
Revision History .................................................................................................. 4
Limited Warranty & Terms of Sale ..................................................................... 5
HARDWARE LIMITED WARRANTY .......................................................................................... 5
SOFTWARE LIMITED WARRANTY & LICENSE ....................................................................... 5
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY .................................................................................................... 7
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY ......................................................................................................... 7
MISCELLANEOUS ...................................................................................................................... 8
CHAPTER 1. Introduction .................................................................................. 9
ORDERIN CODES: .................................................................................................................. 9
CONTENTS OF YOUR SHIPMENT ........................................................................................... 9
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................... 9
DESI N CHARACTERISTICS ................................................................................................. 10
BOOT ROM SUPPORT ............................................................................................................ 10
FULLY INTEROPERABLE ........................................................................................................ 10
FEATURES ............................................................................................................................... 11
SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................................................... 11
APPLICATIONS ........................................................................................................................ 11
CHAPTER 2. Installing the Hardware ............................................................. 13
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................................... 13
OPERATIN SYSTEMS SUPPORTED ................................................................................... 13
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ......................................................................................................... 14
PRE-INSTALLATION CHECKLIST ........................................................................................... 14
ADAPTER INSTALLATION PROCESS .................................................................................... 15
CONNECTIN THE NETWORK CABLES ............................................................................... 16
CHAPTER 3. Installing Drivers & Software .................................................... 18
VXWORKS – SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS................................................................................. 18
All Other Operating Systems ..................................................................................................... 18
CHAPTER 4. Advanced Server Features ....................................................... 19
PORT A RE ATION (TRUNKIN ), FAILOVER, LOAD BALANCIN ................................ 19
HOST (TCP/IP) OFFLOAD FEATURES ................................................................................... 19
VLAN SUPPORT ....................................................................................................................... 20
JUMBO FRAME SUPPORT ...................................................................................................... 20
NOISE IMPEDIANCE ................................................................................................................ 20
CISCO & OTHER SWITCH COMPATIBILITY .......................................................................... 20
CHAPTER 5. Intentionally Left Blank ............................................................. 21
CHAPTER 6. Troubleshooting ........................................................................ 22
CHAPTER 7. Regulatory .................................................................................. 23
FCC CLASS B NOTICE ............................................................................................................ 23
CE NOTICE ............................................................................................................................... 23
CHAPTER 8. AEI Contact Information ............................................................ 24

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Revision History
Revision
Revision Date
Descri tion
1.0 June 21, 2004 Initial Publication Release.
1.1 June 1, 2009 Part number update, and elimination of
PacketEngine™ data.

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Limited Warranty & Terms of Sale
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWIN TERMS AND CONDITIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE
OPENIN AND INSTALLIN THIS HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, FIRMWARE, ETC. (HEREIN
COLLECTIVLEY “PRODUCT”). THIS IS A LE AL A REEMENT BETWEEN YOU AND AEI, ITS
PARENT, AND OR AFFILIATES (HEREIN “AEI”). OPENIN THIS PRODUCT YOU HEREBY
A REE TO BE BOUND BY ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS SECTION (HEREIN
“A REEMENT”). IF YOU DO NOT A REE WITHT THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, YOU MAY
RETURN THIS PRODUCT WITHIN TEN (10) DAYS OF AEI’S ORI INAL SHIPMENT FOR FULL
REFUND.
HARDWARE LIMITED WARRANTY
1. AEI Intelligent Technologies warrants to the original purchaser that the hardware is free
from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year(s), commencing on the
date product is shipped. If the hardware proves to be defective within said warranty
period, AEI shall at its sole discretion either repair or replace the hardware. Replacement
product may be new or reconditioned, and shall be or equivalent or better specifications
relative to the defective hardware, but need not be identical. Any product repaired by AEI
pursuant to this warranty shall have a warranty period of not less than thirty (30) days
from the date of such repair, irrespective of original expiration of the warranty. All
hardware replaced or repaired under this warranty, become the sole and exclusive
property of AEI. Any service furnished by AEI that is beyond the scope of warranty
service stated herein will be invoiced to the customer on a time-and materials basis
(minimum $150 charge) in accordance with AEI’s then-current standard rates.
2. Return Request:
All returns must be authorized by AEI. Warranty terms, conditions, and service requests
may be obtained by completing the RMA Request form available over the Internet
www.aei-it.com. Warranty service will only be provided to the original purchaser of this
Hardware. If Hardware was procured through the distribution or resale channels, please
contact the firm who sold you the Hardware to request your RMA. AEI shall never be
responsible for any software, firmware, information, or memory data of customer
contained in, stored on, or integrated with any Hardware returned to AEI for warranty
service. International customers are responsible for payment of incoming and outbound
shipments. No credit, refund, or exchange is available unless previously authorized by
AEI in writing.
3. Please, read the “Limitation of Warranty”, “Limitation of Liability”, and “Miscellaneous”
sections of this Agreement for additional terms and conditions.
SOFTWARE LIMITED WARRANTY & LICENSE
1. DEFINITIONS.
Let the term “Software” be defined as drivers/utilities, firmware, boot code, computer
software, associated media, any printed materials, any "on-line" or electronic
documentation, PacketEngine Software, and/or the PhobosLink™ software (collectively
"Software") that is sold in conjunction with this documentation. The Software is owned by
AEI and protected by copyright laws and international copyright treaties, as well as other

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intellectual property laws and treaties.
2. SOFTWARE LIMITED WARANTY:
a. THE "SOFTWARE" IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY
KIND, NEITHER EXPRESSED NOR IMPLIED, INCLUDIN BUT NOT LIMITED
TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, NON-INFRIN EMENT OF
THIRD PARTY RI HTS, AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. AEI
MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS THAT ANY SOFTWARE COMPLIES WITH
THE APPLICABLE STATUTES, LAWS OR RE ULATIONS.
b. The entire risk as to the quality and performance of the Software is with you.
Should the software prove defective, you (and not AEI, its dealers, distributors,
any licensor of AEI, nor the owner of the Software) assume all costs of all
necessary servicing, repair or correction. There is no warranty by AEI, or its
parent or affiliates, to any other party or person that the functions contained in
the Software will meet your requirements or that the operation of the Software
will be uninterrupted or error free. You assume all responsibility for the selection
of the Software to achieve your intended results, and for the installation, use and
results obtained from the Software.
3. SOFTWARE LICENSE:
a. The Software is licensed, not sold, and AEI retains all rights not expressly
granted. You acknowledge and agree that copyright, patent, trade secret, and all
other intellectual property rights of whatever kind in the Software and AEI
hardware and related specifications and documentation shall remain the sole and
exclusive property of AEI. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as
transferring any aspect of such rights to you, or any accompanying software, or
any “on-line” or electronic documentation.
b. The Software contains or embodies proprietary intellectual property of AEI, Sun
Microsystems, Intel, and others or their licensors. No grant, conveyance, or
license is made to you for any patents, copyrights, or any other intellectual
property except as specifically granted herein. You may not use the Software
except in conjunction with AEI Hardware. Software: You may install and use one
copy of the Software on the computer that has embedded AEI Hardware. Back-
u : You may make a single back-up copy of the Software solely for archival
purposes. Limitation on Reverse Engineering, Decom ilation, and
Disassembly: You may not reverse engineer, decompile, modify, adapt,
translate, disassemble or otherwise attempt to discern the source code of the
Software. Cracks and Activation Codes: You many NOT crack the Software, or
enter activation codes obtained from any source other than AEI. Right to Audit
End User: AEI reserves the right to audit the end user to verify compliance with
this Agreement. Network Services: If the Software includes functionality that
enables the computer to act as a network server, any number of computers may
access or otherwise utilize the basic network services of the server. However,
you must acquire and dedicate a license for the Software for each computer on
which the Software is used or to which it is distributed. A license for the Software
may not be shared or used concurrently on different computers. Rental: You
may not rent or lease the Software individually. Software Transfer: You may
permanently transfer all of your rights under this Agreement only as part of a sale
or transfer of the AEI Hardware provided you retain no copies, and you transfer
Software (including all component parts, the media, and printed materials), any
upgrades, this Agreement, and the recipient must agree to the terms of this

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Agreement. If the Software is an upgrade, any transfer must include all prior
versions of the Software.
c. U.S. OVERNMENT RESTRICTED RI HTS:
The Software and documentation are provided with RESTRICTED RI HTS. Use,
duplication, or disclosure by the overnment is subject to restrictions set forth in
subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software
clause DFARS 252.227-7013 or subparagraphs (c)(1) and (2) of the Commercial.
d. Please, read the “Limitation of Warranty” and “Limitation of Liability” sections of
this Agreement for additional terms and conditions.
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY
1. IF THE AEI PRODUCT DOES NOT OPERATE AS WARRANTED AS DESCRIBED
ABOVE, THE CUSTOMER’S SOLE REMEDY SHALL BE, AT AEI’S OPTION, REPAIR
OR REPLACEMENT OF SAID PRODUCT.
2. THE FORE OIN WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES ARE EXCLUSIVE AND ARE IN
LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, EITHER IN FACT OR
BY OPERATION OF LAW, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE.
3. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN, AEI DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES
WITH RE ARD TO THE INFORMATION AND PRODUCTS PROVIDED, INCLUDIN
THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRIN EMENT.
4. THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT EXTEND TO HARDWARE IF AEI’S TESTIN AND
EXAMINATION DISCLOSE THAT THE ALLE ED DEFECT IN THE PRODUCT DOES
NOT EXIST, OR REPAIR IS REQUIRED AS A RESULT OF (A) ACCIDENT, NE LECT,
MISUSE, FAILURE OR SUR E OF ELECTRIC POWER, FAILURE OF CUSTOMER TO
PROVIDE APPROPRIATE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, OR CAUSES OTHER
THAN ORDINARY USE; (B) FAILURE CAUSED BY A PRODUCT FOR WHICH AEI IS
NOT RESPONSIBLE; (C) CUSTOMER'S CONNECTION OF ANOTHER MACHINE OR
DEVICE TO HARDWARE THAT MAKES SERVICE IMPRACTICAL OR THAT HAS
CAUSED DAMA E TO SUCH HARDWARE; (D) REPAIR OR ALTERATION, OR
ATTEMPTED REPAIR OR ALTERATION, OF THE PRODUCT BY ANYONE OTHER
THAN AEI, OR (E) DAMA E CAUSED BY NATURAL OR MANMADE ACTS OR
DISASTERS. THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT INCLUDE COSMETIC REPAIRS;
REFURBISHMENT; FURNISHIN CONSUMABLES, SUPPLIES, OR ACCESSORIES;
MAKIN ACCESSORY CHAN ES, OR ATTACHIN ADDITIONAL DEVICES.
5. AEI NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY TO
ASSUME FOR IT ANY OTHER LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE,
INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE, OR USE OF AEI PRODUCTS.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
1. IN NO EVENT WILL AEI, ITS PARENT, SUBSIDIARIES, OR ANY THIRD PARTY OR
PERSON BE LIABLE TO YOU OR ANY OTHER PARTY FOR ANY DAMA ES,
INCLUDIN LOST DATA, LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVIN S OR OTHER INCIDENTAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMA ES ARISIN OUT OF THE INSTALLATION,
MAINTENANCE, USE, PERFORMANCE, OR INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT

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EVEN IF AEI OR THE OTHER THIRD PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMA ES.
2. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES NOR AT ANYTIME SHALL AEI’S LIABILITY EXCEED
THE REFUND VALUE OF THE PRODUCT SOLD.
MISCELLANEOUS
1. REPRESENTATION: If you are an employee or agent, you represent and warrant that
you have adequate legal capacity to enter into this Agreement on behalf of your employer
or principal. As such, the terms and conditions of this Agreement bind your employer or
principal to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
2. PURPOSE: Product sold is provided for resale or commercial purposes only, regardless
on how an individual buyer will use said Product.
3. APPLICABLE LAW: This Agreement and all claims shall be governed by the laws of the
United States of America, State of California, County of Riverside. You hereby agree to
personal jurisdiction in any of the State or Federal Courts in that county. AEI reserves the
right to select or approve alternative County, State, or Federal jurisdictions at its sole
discretion.
4. SEVERABILITY. If a competent court holds any term or condition of this warranty void or
unenforceable, all other terms and conditions shall survive.
5. BREACH. This Warranty and all other obligations of AEI will terminate immediately if you
breach any of these Warranty terms and conditions. In that event, you subsequently
acknowledge that AEI has no current or future liability to you, or any third party.
6. IMPORT/EXPORT LAWS. You agree and are solely responsible to ensure you comply
with the export laws, regulations, and treaties of the United States of America or any
other governing jurisdictions.
7. MODIFICATIONS AND CHAN ES: This Agreement (and publication) is subject to
change anytime without notice, at the sole discretion of AEI, and shall be made effective
upon the date of said change. Changes maybe made periodically to the information
herein; these changes will be incorporated in new editions of the publication, which can
be obtained at www.aei-it.com (Software & Documentation Download Page). AEI
reserves the right to make improvements and/or changes at any time in the product and
programs described in this publication.
8. PAYMENT. Customer agrees to pay all collection, court, attorney, travel, and all
miscellaneous fees associated with their slow-payment, or non-payment of any invoice(s)
to AEI. All invoices 30 days past due shall be assessed the lesser of 1 ½ percent simple
interest per month, or maximum allowable by law. Agreement shall be governed as
described above Section 3.
9. ENTIRE A REEMENT: This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement and
understanding between you and AEI with respect to the subject matter hereof and
supersedes and cancels all previous negotiations, agreements, commitments, and
writings in respect to the subject matter hereof.

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CHAPTER 1. Introduction
ORDERING CODES:
Part #
Assembly
#
Descri tion
AEI
-
CP1200C
CP1200TX CompactPCI-X Dual Port igabit Ethernet Card
AEI
-
1000F
AEI-1000F PCI-X Fiber Optic igabit Ethernet Card
AEI
-
1200C
AEI-1200C PCI-X Dual Port igabit Ethernet Card
AEI
-
1200F
AEI-1200F PCI-X Dual Port Fiber igabit Ethernet Card
AEI
-
1400C
AEI-1400C PCI-X Quad igabit Ethernet Card, copper
** Other part numbers may be applicable (all Intel 8254x cards).
CONTENTS OF YOUR SHIPMENT
Included with your adapter are the following:
• Antistatic caddy (used for protecting the adapter when stored or shipped). Keep the
adapter in its packaging until ready for installation.
• CD-ROM with igabit Ethernet driver software and documentation.
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
The AEI igabit Ethernet Server Adapter targets the increased congestion
experienced at the backbone and server in today’s networks, and provides a
future upgrade path for high-end workstations that require more bandwidth than
Fast Ethernet can provide.
The AEI igabit Ethernet Server Adapter connects a PCI or PCI-X (or
CompactPCI, depending on version) compliant server or workstation to a igabit
Ethernet network. This adapter incorporates a technology that transfers data at a
maximum rate of one gigabit per second—10 times the rate of Fast Ethernet
adapters.
The AEI igabit Ethernet Server Adapter is a 32/64-bit, 33/66/100/133Mhz PCI-X
(or CompactPCI) network interface cards that contains multiple independent
igabit ports on one adapter. The AEI igabit Ethernet Server Adapters
conserve valuable I/O slots in Servers.
AEI igabit Ethernet Server Adapters are the perfect solution for a cost effective,
instant performance boost over existing Category 5 UTP copper cabling for
getting high-powered networking.

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AEI igabit Ethernet Server Adapters are the ideal solution for implementing
multiple network segments, mission-critical high-powered networking applications
and environments within high performance servers.
AEI igabit Ethernet Server Adapters ease network congestion, simplify network
management, and provide the highest server throughput available while
minimizing CPU utilization. Its multiple independent 10/100/1000 igabit
Ethernet ports provide users of data-intensive applications with the highest levels
of system performance together with extra redundancy.
AEI igabit Ethernet Server Adapters have an integrated hardware acceleration
that performs TCP/UDP/IP checksum offload and TCP segmentation. The host
processing offloads accelerators frees CPU for application processing
DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS
AEI’s igabit Ethernet Cards supports auto-negotiation between 32/64-bit,
33/66/100/133 MHz data paths, and 10/100/1000 copper. PCI-X cards are also
designed to support PCI 32-bit slots, PCI 64-bit slots, and any PCI-X bus slot.
Cards are keyed to support both 3.3V and 5V computer systems. If installing in a
PCI 32-bit slot, check mainboard for obstacles to 64-bit connector.
Built utilizing PCI-X technology, the CompactPCI versions support PICM
standard PCI specifications, and also embedded PCI-X single board computers.
It is uniquely designed with integrated magnetic transformers, low profile surface
mount discrete components, a high precision oscillator, and other high-end
components. The result is a card that is highly reliable, resistant to damage, fault
tolerant, and performance that is unparalleled. The igabit adapters are fully
interoperable with existing Fast Ethernet or igabit Ethernet hubs, switches and
routers.
BOOT ROM SUPPORT
AEI designs its server class igabit adapters with Boot ROM support, and offers
embedded programming services (no charge) for all popular operating systems.
Thus, OEMs can utilize distribution servers to ease installation, and provide
seamless integration of AEI igabit adapters into its designs.
FULLY INTEROPERABLE
AEI igabit Ethernet Server Adapters offer the most cost effective way to migrate
to igabit Ethernet. The adapters are fully interoperable with existing Category 5
UTP backbone allowing a scalable upgrade to igabit Ethernet without replacing
the existing network infrastructure. The only other hardware modification needed
is the backbone switch.

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FEATURES
• Ten times the throughput of standard Fast Ethernet cards.
• Nway auto negotiation / automatic sensing and switching between 10
Mbps / 100 Mbps/ 1000Mbps AND half or full duplex operation.
• 32/64-bit Auto Sense Data Path
• Easy to install and configure.
• Half or Full Duplex operation.
• Cross Platform support for a broad range of operating systems and
architectures.
• DMA Bus Mastering for lower CPU utilization.
• Access multiple network segments and conserve valuable PCI/PCI-X slots
• Easy, cost-effective 10/100/1000 migration over existing Category-5
cabling
• Multi- igabit scalability and increased uptime through advanced server
features
• CompactPCI only: 3U form factor with font panel I/O connectors.
• CompactPCI only: option 6U kit.
• CompactPCI only: eliminates the need for carrier cards!
SPECIFICATIONS
Detailed Product Datasheets are available over the Internet at www.aei-it.com
APPLICATIONS
• Proxy, application, file, and print servers.
• SOHO to Enterprise network environments.

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•
Storage Area Networks (SAN)
• Network Attached Storage (NAS)
• Network segmentation (for network security purposes)
• Firewalls, gateways and routers.
• 1U/2U low profile servers.

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CHAPTER 2. Installing the Hardware
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Before installing the igabit Ethernet Adapter, make sure your system meets the
requirements listed for your operating system.
• Minimum 128MB RAM (64MB for NetWare)
• 32-bit or 64-bit PCI v2.2 or PCI-X v1.0 slot; or CompactPCI 3u or 6u
slot
.
OPERATING SYSTEMS SUPPORTED
• NDIS 5 for Windows 98, Win ME, Win2000, Win XP
• NDIS 4 for Windows 95B
• NDIS 4 for Windows NT 4.0
• NDIS 2 and ODI for DOS
• Novell Netware 3.12, 4.X, 5.X (w/ Support Pack 3 or the most recent NetWare 5 Support Pack)
• UnixWare 2.12 / 7.X
• Sun Solaris (x86) 2.6/ 2.7/ 2.8
• Linux 2.2 / 2.4
• FreeDSD
• OS/2
• OpenUnix & UnixWare
• DOS
• VxWorks (Per WindRiver, the 82546 driver built into OS, contact WindRiver for additional
information). Refer to Chapter 3 for additional information.
Intel Device Drivers are available for download at :
http://downloadfinder.intel.com/scripts-df/Product_Filter.asp?ProductID=991
LINUX NOTE – Although the driver should work with many Linux
kernel versions and distributions, it has only been tested on Red
Hat, Suze, Mandrake, and Debian Linux referenced distributions
for i386, IA64, and PA-RISC processors (kernel version 2.4.x).
Furthermore, the driver has only been tested as a loadable
module.
Any problems or questions, please call AEI at 951-296-2022.
We do have the expertise to support custom Linux driver
development for OEM customers.
NetWare NOTE - You can get the appropriate updates from the
Novell support website
http://www.novell.com/productupdate/patchlist.html.

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING
-
The ada ter is being installed in a system that
o erates with voltages that can be lethal. Before you remove
the cover of your system, you must observe the following
recautions to rotect yourself and to revent damage to the
system com onents.
• Remove any metallic objects or jewelry from your hands and
wrists.
• Make sure to use only insulated or non-conducting tools.
• Verify that the system is powered OFF and unplugged
before accessing internal components.
• Installation or removal of adapters must be performed in a
static-free environment. The use of a properly grounded
wrist strap or other personal antistatic devices and an
antistatic mat is strongly recommended.
PRE-INSTALLATION CHECKLIST
1. Check AEI’s web site at http://www.aei-it.com for the latest driver and
documentation updates.
2. Check that your server meets the hardware and software requirements
listed under "System Requirements” above.
3. Verify that your system is using the latest BIOS.
4. If installing adapter Software from CD-ROM or floppy, enter the path
where the adapter Software is located on your system.
5. If your system is active, shut it down.
5. When system shut down is complete, power OFF and unplug your system.
6. Holding the adapter card by the edges, remove it from its shipping
package and place it on an antistatic surface.
7. Check the adapter for visible signs of damage (The card’s edge connector
or J1/J2 connectors, RJ-45 or other external connectors). Never attempt
to install any damaged adapter. If the adapter is damaged, report it to AEI.

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ADAPTER INSTALLATION PROCESS
The following instructions apply to installing the gigabit Ethernet adapter in most
systems. Refer to the manuals that were supplied with your system for details
about performing these tasks on your particular system.
1. Review the “Pre-Installation Checklist” above.
2. Before installing the adapter, ensure the system power is OFF and
unplugged from the power outlet, and that proper electrical grounding
procedures have been followed.
3. Refer to your system documentation to determine the appropriate slot, and
insert the card in accordance with the system manufacturer’s guidelines.
If you are not sure how to insert the card, please contact AEI for technical
assistance, or referral to a computer professional in your area.
Note: ALWAYS Hold the card by the edges.
NOTE – A 32-bit PCI slot is shorter than a 64-bit PCI slot. Although
the adapter is designed to fit in either slot type, when installed in a
32-bit PCI slot, part of the adapter’s card edge connector will
remain undocked. This is perfectly normal.
5. Applying even pressure at both corners of the card, push the adapter card
until it is firmly seated in the slot. When properly seated, the adapter’s port
connectors will be aligned with the slot opening, and its faceplate will be
flush against the system chassis.
Caution
—
Do not use excessive force when seating the card,
as this may damage the system or the ada ter. If the card
resists seating, remove it from the system, realign it, and try
again.
6. Secure the adapter with the adapter clip or screw.
7. Connect the LAN cabling to the card, and any network peripherals (hubs,
switches, etc.) prior to powering up the system.
Note: Some operating systems require this connectivity be
established prior to “seeing” the adapter.
8. As applicable, replace the cover the computer

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9. Power the system on.
Once the system returns to proper operation, the adapter hardware is fully
installed. You must next connect the network cables.
CONNECTING THE NETWORK CABLES
The AEI igabit Ethernet Card (“C” version) has RJ-45 connectors used for
attaching the system to an Ethernet copper-wire segment. When automatic link
negotiation is disabled, the port can be configured for 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps,
signaling either half-duplex or full-duplex operation. Speeds of 1000 Mbps is only
obtainable through Auto-Negotiation.
The AEI igabit Ethernet Card (“F” version) has fiber optic connectors for
attaching the system to a compatible link partner, or an IEEE 802.3z compliant
gigabit switch. Upon connecting the system to the network and power is supplied,
the adapter performs auto-negotiation and attempts to establish the connection
at 1000 Mbps full-duplex, only.
Perform the following procedure for connecting a network cable to the igabit
Ethernet Adapter:
1. Prepare an appropriate cable. Table 1 lists the cable characteristics for
connecting to 10/100/1000BASE-T ports, and Table 2 lists the cable
characteristics for connecting to 1000BASE-SX-LX fiber optic ports:
Table 1. 10/100/1000BASE-T Cable S ecifications
Port Ty e
Connector
Media
Maximum Distance
10BASE-T RJ-45 Cat. 3, 4, or 5
UTP
100 meters (328 feet)
100/1000BASE-T RJ-45 Cat. 5 UTP (or
better)
100 meters (328 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.
AEI recommends Belden Cable’s DataTwist 600e (or better) for
copper gigabit connectivity. Cat-5 and even Cat-6 may experience
cross-talk problems that may inhibit performance.

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Table 2. 1000BASE-SX/LX Fiber O tic Cable S ecifications
Port Ty e
Connector
Media
Maximum Distance
1000BASE-SX-
LX
Fiber Optic 50 um multimode 550 meters (1,804
feet)
1000BASE-SX-
LX
Fiber Optic 62.5 um
multimode
260 meters (853 feet)
Caution – The fiber optic ports contain a Class 1 laser device. When
the ports are disconnected, always cover them with the provided
plug. Exposed ports may cause skin or eye damage.
2. Connect one end of the cable to the Adapter.
3. Connect the other end of the cable to the appropriate Ethernet network
port or fiber optic port.
NOTE – Once the cable is properly connected at both ends, the
adapter port LEDs should be functional.
For longer distances, call for custom transceiver installation.

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AEI Intelligent Technologies
CHAPTER 3. Installing Drivers & Software
AEI’s igabit Ethernet adapters use the Intel 8254x device driver, which is
already built into most popular operating systems. A copy of the device driver is
also made available through our website (www.aei-it.com). If you need a
CD-ROM, please contact AEI prior to ordering.
For updated software and documentation, please go to www.aei-it.com.
Reference the individual product web pages for most a current listing of operating
systems supported.
If you need assistance installing a device driver, please, contact your reseller or
local computer professional to obtain product support.
VXWORKS – SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
The driver is included in your OS distribution, and is plug and play. Please,
contact WindRiver directly. They can be reached at:
Corporate Headquarters
500 Wind River Way
Alameda, CA 94501
(800) 545-WIND (9463)
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Silicon Valley Office
201 Moffett Park Drive
Sunnyvale, CA 94089-1322
Tel: [phone]
http://www.windriver.com/
Per Wind River, the Intel 8254x device driver is embedded in the operating
system, and is plug & play. AEI’s technical support staff has not yet tested for
interoperability as of the date of this publication. Any questions, please call our
technical support team.
All Ot er Operating Systems
Use the Intel 82546 de ice dri er built into your operating system. If you ha e
any problems installing the appropriate dri er, please contact the alued added
reseller who sold you the AEI product. Otherwise, call AEI’s Technical Support
Team.

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CHAPTER 4. Advanced Server Features
AEI's Gigabit adapters utilize the popular Intel 82546 chipset, which comes with
numerous ad ance ser er features built into its architecture. Hardware acceleration
offloads tasks from the host processor including TCP/UDP/IP checksum calculations
and TCP segmentation. IEEE 802.3ad Link aggregation, failo er, and load balancing
are offered, Jumbo Frame, VLAN, and other features. The adapter is also fully
compliant with Gigabit EthernetChannel and Fast EtherChannel trunking algorithms.
(switch dependant 802.3ad [LACP] ) See the indi idual product webpage for more
ad anced ser er features!
PORT AGGREGATION (TRUNKING), FAILOVER, LOAD BALANCING
The Intel 8254x Ethernet Controller used in the AEI igabit Ethernet design
supports IEEE 802.3ad (Link Aggregation Control Protocol, and Failover). This
standard requires the user to install “capable switches” in their network topology
to support Link Aggregation, Fast EtherChannel, or igabit EtherChannel
technology.
Also compatible with Failover roup utilities contained in Windows, Linux, Solaris
and other operating systems.
HOST (TCP/IP) OFFLOAD FEATURES
1. Transmit TCP Segmentation
Increased throughput and lower CPU utilization. Compatible with large
send offload features found in Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
2. IP, TCP, and UDP checksum off-loading capabilities on RX and TX
Reduced host CPU utilization and higher throughput.
3. Advanced packet filtering
16 exact matched (unicast or multicast)
4096-bit hash filter for multicast frames
Promiscuous (unicast/multicast) transfer mode
Optional filtering of erred frames
4. Descriptor ring management hardware for TX and RX
Optimized fetching and write-back mechanisms for efficient system
memory and PCI bandwidth usage.

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VLAN SUPPORT
AEI’s igabit Ethernet Cards supports IEEE 802.1Q VLAN support with VLAN
tag insertion and stripping and packet filtering for up to 4096 VLAN tags. This
enables the IT staff to easily create multiple virtual LAN segments
JUMBO FRAME SUPPORT
AEI’s igabit Ethernet cards support Jumbo frames up to 16KB for high
throughput and large data transfers on networks supporting jumbo frames.
NOISE IMPEDIANCE
AEI igabit Ethernet Server Cards implement state-of-the-art DSP architecture
utilizing digital adaptive equalization, echo cancellation, cross-talk cancellation,
and baseline wander cancellation. The result is a robust 1000 Mb/s performance
in noisy environments and despite severe cable installation problems.
CISCO & OTHER SWITCH COMPATIBILITY
AEI igabit Ethernet Cards, along with PacketEngine Software offer unparallel
operability and functionality with Cisco switches, and all other industry leading
switching peripherals.