D-Link DFE-690TXD User manual

DFE-690TXD
Cardbus PC card
User’s Manual
Rev. 01 (July, 2001)

CONTENTS
Introduction................................................................ 1
General Description...................................................................1
Contents of Package................................................. 3
About Fast Ethernet .................................................. 4
About Autonegotiation.............................................. 5
LED Indicators........................................................... 8
Summary of Features................................................ 9
Troubleshooting ........................................................ 11
Confirming the Connection (LED Indicator)...............................11
Troubleshooting the Hardware Installation................................12
Verify Each Computers Identification.........................................12
Verify Network Adapter Installation............................................12
Verify Cable Connections ..........................................................13
Diagnostics and Checking Communications .............................14
Pinging your DFE-690TXD Card ...............................................15
Networking Basics .................................................... 17
Computer Identification..............................................................18
Sharing Files..............................................................................20
Sharing Printers.........................................................................25
How to Install TCP/IP.................................................................29
Configuring a Dynamic IP Address............................................31
Configuring a Static IP Address.................................................34

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Checking the TCP/IP Address...................................................37
Checking the Connection by Pinging.........................................39
D-Link Offices Worldwide......................................... 41
Specifications............................................................ 43
Contacting Technical Support.................................. 46
FCC Statement........................................................... 47
Limited Warranty....................................................... 49
Registration................................................................ 53

1
Introduction
Thank you for choosing D-Link DFE-690TXD, the value leader among
Ethernet/Fast Ethernet adapters for notebook PCs. This chapter provides
a general description of DFE-690TXD features, with a summary of
features at the end of the chapter. Installation instructions are given in
Chapters 2 and 3.
General Description
The D-Link DFE-690TXD Cardbus PC Card for notebook PCs is a
credit-card sized Ethernet / Fast-Ethernet adapter for connecting a
notebook PC to an Ethernet network. The notebook PC must be equipped
with either a PCMCIA (16 bit) extension bus or it must be Type II
Cardbus slot(s) compliant.
NOTE: The terms "PC Card" is used throughout this manual to refer to
those objects as defined in the PCMCIA / PC Card standards published
by Personal Computer Memory Card Industry Association (PCMCIA).
The term “slot,” as used in this manual, is synonymous with “socket”
where the standards use the latter term in reference to the physical
receptacles of a host notebook computer, for insertion/connection of PC
Cards. More information on the standards is available from PCMCIA’s
www server at http://www.pc-card.com.

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The D-Link DFE-690TXD automatically detects the parameters of its
Ethernet environment, and automatically negotiates and determines its
own speed and duplex settings as required for maximum performance
within the environment. (The autonegotiation function is effective only
when the DFE-690TXD is connected to the network by a device (switch
or hub) which also has autonegotiation functionality.)
Inside its compact case, the D-Link DFE-690TXD holds an Ethernet
controller, network processing interface, a 68-pin PC Card Standard
front-end plug, which connects to the notebook PC, and a direct port for
connecting RJ-45. The DFE-690TXD requires no pre-installation setup --
simply insert its front end into the notebook PC's PC-Card slot.
The DFE-690TXD is supplied with an RJ-45 receptacle, which receives
the network cable. The direct port features full LED display for
Link/ACT and speed.

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Contents of Package
AOne DFE-690TXD Cardbus PC Card
BDriver CD
CUser’ s Manual in CD-ROM
DQuick Install Guide
EOne case holder for the DFE-690TXD
DFE-690TXD Cardbus PC Card

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About Fast Ethernet
Fast Ethernet is a network technology specified by IEEE Standard
802.3u. It extends the traditional 10Mbps (10 megabit/sec) Ethernet
technology to achieve 100Mbps (100 megabit/sec) transmission and
reception. Because Fast Ethernet retains the traditional Ethernet
CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense, Multiple Access, Collision Detect) protocol,
it remains wholly compatible with 10Mbps Ethernet while providing a
tenfold increase in network capacity.
The Fast Ethernet standard specifies three subtypes, corresponding to
three media types:
•100Base-TX (using two twisted pairs in EIA 568 Category 5 UTP or
STP cable)
•100Base-T4 (using four twisted pairs in a Category 3, Category 4, or
Category 5 UTP cable)
•100Base-FX (using two fiber-optic strands).
The DFE-690TXD provides full-duplex and half-duplex 100Base-TX
operation (in Category 5 twisted-pair cable environments). It does not
provide 100Base-T4 or 100Base-FX operation. To provide for traditional
10Mbps Ethernet operation in twisted-pair cable environments, the DFE-
690TXD also offers 10Mbps Ethernet operation, in full-duplex and half-
duplex modes. The DFE-690TXD's autonegotiation capability provides
for automatic selection of the best operation mode.

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About Autonegotiation
The basic idea of auto-negotiation can be understood by reflecting for a
moment on the familiar process of making a dialup connection between
two modems. You have probably heard some exchanges between your
local modem and a modem at the other end of a telephone line. (These
exchanges are ordinarily played out through a speaker in your local
modem). As irritating as those few seconds of noise may be, they do let
you know that your modem and the remote modem are on the job,
preparing for your intended communication with the remote computer.
The preparatory work of the two modems during those few seconds
before you see the “connect” message is to negotiate the best data
communication scheme which is supported by both modems, and which
is suitable for the quality of the telephone-line connection between them.
The parameters to be settled between the two modems include best baud
rate, compression method, and error correction method. When the two
modems have tested the phone-line quality and have switched to the
combination of parameters which will provide the best data
communication, then you are given the “ connect” message which
signals the end of the inter-modem negotiation and the beginning of your
intended communication with the remote computer.
Autonegotiation between devices within an Ethernet LAN is similar in

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concept, but much briefer. The two devices involved in the
autonegotiation will be your DFE-690TXD and the switch or hub
through which it is connected into the LAN. (Switches ordinarily provide
for autonegotiation; traditional hubs do not.) The parameters to be
negotiated between the DFE-690TXD and its supporting switch or hub
include speed (100Mbps = Fast Ethernet, or 10Mbps = traditional
Ethernet) and duplex mode (half-duplex or full-duplex).
Startup communication between the two devices occurs when both
devices are operating, the cable connection between them is good, and
the connected notebook PC's network software is loaded. As soon as
those conditions are satisfied, the preparatory process of auto-negotiation
between the DFE-690TXD and its supporting device begins and
proceeds automatically.
If the supporting switch or hub has autonegotiation functionality, then it
and the DFE-690TXD exchange a series of messages in which each
device signals its capabilities and listens for corresponding information
about the other. The auto-negotiation process requires only a few
milliseconds, and the two devices select the best communication
parameters supported by both devices.
If the supporting device does not have autonegotiation functionality, then
its monotone (single capability) message will be recognized by the DFE-
690TXD’s autonegotiation facility, and the DFE-690TXD will simply
switch to the one of its own capabilities which matches that of the

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supporting device.
Once the auto-negotiation is completed, the line is ready, and it will
provide an optimal data channel between the DFE-690TXD and the
supporting device. The line will remain ready without further auto-
negotiation action until the link is broken. Auto-negotiation then reoccurs
at any time that the link is restored, again making the line ready for
optimal data communications.

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LED Indicators
The direct port features 2 LED indicators:
100 Indicator: indicates that data transmittal rate is at a fast 100 Mbps.
10 Indicator: indicates that data transmittal rate is at 10 Mbps.

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Summary of Features
Features of Model DFE-690TXD Cardbus PC Card:
•100Mbps and 10Mbps data rates in compliance with IEEE 802.3
•Ethernet standards 100Base-TX and 10Base-T
•PCMCIA PC Card Standard Ver.2.0 and newer
•PCMCIA standard 68-pin front-end connector
•15-pin back-end connector for media coupler
•Full-Duplex capable in 10Mbps and 100Mbps modes.
•Autonegotiation per IEEE 802.3u specification
•No manual setup switches –– fully automatic configuration
•Supersonic waves-welded stainless steel case
•RJ-45 connector with auto-detection of network speed
•Software support:
Diagnostic Program
LANtastic
Bayan VINES
Pathworks
PC LAN support program

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LAN Manager
Windows 95
Windows 95 OSR2
Windows 98
Windows 98 SE Windows ME
Windows 2000
Windows XP
Personal NetWare
NetWare ODI Client 3.X, 4.X
NetWare 4.1, Client 32
NCSA
Pathway Access for Dos
Linux
PC-NFS
Windows NT 4.0
Macintosh 3.00

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Troubleshooting
Confirming the Connection (LED Indicator)
When the notebook computer is powered “ON,” and the DFE-
690TXD is inserted into an open slot connector, please check the
following items if your LED light is not “ON.” When all items are
working, your DFE-690TXD’s direct port LED light should light up
green (“Link” state.)
1. Make sure that your Ethernet Cat5 cable is in good working
order.
2. Make sure that your hub or switch is powered “ON” and
functioning properly.
3. If the LED remains dark without any apparent cause, check
the “Device Manager.” If there is an exclamation point next
to the DFE-690TXD, then double-click to open. A message
indicating the error will appear.
4. After verifying that the DFE-690TXD has been installed
correctly, check steps 1 and 2 again. If you continue to
encounter a problem, please call D-Link Technical Support
for assistance.

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Troubleshooting the Hardware Installation
If you experience any problems with the hardware installation, first
ascertain that all network cable connections are firm, that the proper
grade of cable is used for the network connection, and that the cable
makeup is correct (straight –– without un-needed crossovers in the
connector wiring). Check that the supporting hub is powered-on and
operating normally, and that the hub is properly qualified (under 10Base-
T and/or 100Base-TX standards).
Verify Each Computers Identification
If more than one computer on your network has the same “Computer
name,” communications may be negatively affected. Also, each
computer must have the same “Workgroup” name to communicate
properly.
Verify Network Adapter Installation
If your Network Adapter were not installed, including the Network
System Software or Device drivers, your network will not function
properly. Use these steps to verify that your Network Adapter is properly
installed.
1. Double-Click the “System” icon in the Control Panel.
2. Click the “Device Manager” tab on top of the “System

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Properties” dialog box.
3. Double-Click “Network Adapters” if you do not see any items
branching out. You should see “D-Link DFE-690TXD Cardbus
PC Card” branching out after double-clicking “Network
Adapters.”
If you do not see any items branching out after double-clicking “Network
Adapters,” your Network Adapter has not been properly installed. Start
at the beginning of the “Quick Install Guide.”
If you see symbols such as yellow exclamation point or red “X” over the
icon adjacent to “D-Link DFE-690TXD Cardbus PC Card,” your card is
not installed properly or may have a problem. Double-click the “ D-Link
DFE-690TXD Cardbus PC Card ” and read the explanation of the
problem. This information will be helpful if you require technical
support from D-Link.
Verify Cable Connections
Check to see that the computer you are troubleshooting is properly
connected. Each computer must be connected from its DFE-690TXD
with Category 5 cables. Examine the network cables and ensure that
being walked-on, rolled over by chairs, or caught in doors, has not
damaged them. Additionally, make note of and alleviate any possible
electromagnetic interference that may be affecting your network.
Your network cables can be plugged into any port on your hub except the

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“Uplink” port. The “Uplink” port is only used when connecting your hub
to another hub or switch.
Diagnostics and Checking Communications
Included on the CD-ROM is a “DFE-690TXD PCMCIA Adapter Driver
Program.” It is a diagnostic program that will help you determine if any
faults exist in your DFE-690TXD Network Adapters or connection.
1. Restart your computer in MS-DOS mode. (Click “Start,” then
“Shut Down…,” and finally, select “Restart the computer in
MS-DOS mode.”)
2. Insert the CD-ROM that came with your DFE-690TXD Cardbus
PC Card into your CD-ROM drive. (e.g., D:\)
3. Type D:\DIAG.EXE at the MS-DOS prompt and press “Enter”
to start the D-Link Diagnostic Program.
4. Read and follow the instructions on the screen (Press the F1 key
for additional help.)
5. “Adapter Basic Diagnostic” will determine if any problems exist
with DFE-690TXD.
6. “Network Diagnostic” will determine if problems exist with your
network or connections. To use “Network Diagnostic,” please
run program on both computers in MS-DOS Mode.
If you encounter any problems, please contact D-Link technical support.

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Pinging your DFE-690TXD Card
Follow these steps to Ping a device:
Ping is the acronym for Packet Internet Groper (PING), a utility to
determine if a specific IP address is accessible. It works by sending a
packet to the specified address and waiting for a reply. Ping is primarily
used to troubleshoot Internet connections. By sending out a ping, you are
verifying that a specific computer is available. Since all computers on the
network must have a unique IP address, getting a reply means that a
computer is on the network and it can communicate. If you cannot ping
another computer, then there is probably a problem with the hardware.
Check the cabling and adapter installation. If you are unable to network,
even when you receive a reply to your ping, it is probably a software
configuration issue. Verify that all the settings are correct.
Start MS-DOS Prompt.

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Type in following: ping:xxx.xxx.xx.xx, where xxx.xxx.xx.xx is the IP
address to be pinged (i.e. 192.152.81.85). In this case, computer A is
pinging its own IP address.
A successful ping will show four replies.

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Networking Basics
You may have had some ideas about how to use your new
network prior to installing this product -sharing files, printing from a
computer on the network, or accessing the Internet on multiple
computers with one connection. This section will help you get started on
those ideas or even give you some new ones. However, this section is not
intended to be a comprehensive guide to networking, it is just an outline
of a few networking basics.
If you are interested in learning more about networking please visit our
website:
D-Link Systems, Inc.
http://www.dlink.com
D-Link is one of the largest manufacturers of Ethernet products
in the world. D-Link’s technological expertise and dedication to
providing quality products at a low price makes D-Link a good place to
watch for the newest in networking innovations. Or, you may want to get
the newest drivers available for your Network Adapters.