IBM EtherLink XL User manual

IBM 10/100 Fast EtherLink
®
XL
Adapters by 3Com
User Guide
OPTIONS
by IBM

ii
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© Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 1998. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 1998, 3Com Corporation. All rights reserved.

iii
C
ONTENTS
A BOUT T HIS G UIDE
Finding Specific Information in This Guide 1
Conventions 2
1 I NTRODUCTION
Industry-Leading Performance 1-2
DynamicAccess Software 1-2
Remote Wake-Up 1-3
Installation and Configuration 1-3
10/100 Mbps Support 1-3
PC and Server Requirements 1-4
How Do I Install the 3C905B-TX Adapter? 1-4
2 I NSTALLING THE A DAPTER
Connecting to the Network 2-3
Connecting the Remote Wake-Up Cable 2-4
3 I NSTALLING THE N ETWORK D RIVER
Windows 95 3-1
Confirming Installation 3-4
Windows 98 3-5
Confirming Installation 3-5
Upgrading from Windows 95 to Windows 98 3-6
Windows NT 3-6
Windows NT Version 4.0 3-7
Updating the Network Driver 3-7
Installing the Network Driver 3-7

iv
Windows NT Version 3.51 3-9
Updating the Network Driver 3-9
Installing the Network Driver 3-9
NetWare for Windows 3.1x, Windows for Workgroups,
and DOS 3-10
AutoLink Requirements 3-10
Running the AutoLink Program 3-11
Installing the Novell NetWare Server Driver 3-12
NetWare Version 4.1 3-12
Multiple Adapters 3-13
Supported Network Drivers 3-14
4 C HANGING C ONFIGURATION
Configuration Settings 4-1
Displaying Configuration Settings 4-2
Changing Configuration Settings 4-2
Changing PACE Configuration 4-4
Selecting PACE Applications 4-4
Changing PACE Ranges and Protocols 4-5
PACE Advanced Options 4-6
Setting Fast IP 4-6
Using the DOS Configuration Program 4-6
A S PECIFICATIONS
Specifications A-1
RJ-45 Connector Pin Assignments A-2
B T ECHNICAL S UPPORT
Help and Service Information B-1
Step 1. Problem Solving B-2
Step 2. Preparing for the Call B-3
Step 3. Placing the Call to IBM B-3
Additional Technical Support Resources B-4
Troubleshooting B-4
Status LEDs B-4

v
3Com NIC Diagnostics Program B-6
Accessing the 3C905B-TX Adapter Help System B-6
Displaying Release Notes, Frequently Asked Questions,
and the KnowledgeBase B-7
Running the Self-Test B-7
Running the Echo Test B-9
3Com Support Services B-10
Removing the 3C905B-TX Adapter PACE and
3NICDIAGS Software B-12
Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0 B-12
DOS B-12
Checking the Remote Wake-up Function B-12
3Com DOS Diagnostic Program B-13
Crossover Cable Troubleshooting Tips B-14
Troubleshooting Hubs with Crossover Cable B-15
Frequently Asked Questions B-16
Accessing the 3Com World Wide Web Page B-20
G LOSSARY
I NDEX
S TATEMENT OF L IMITED W ARRANTY
N OTICES
F EDERAL C OMMUNICATIONS C OMMISSION (FCC)
S
TATEMENT
I NDUSTRY C ANADA C LASS B E MISSION C OMPLIANCE
S
TATEMENT
A VIS DE CONFORMITÉ À LA RÉGLEMENTATION
D ’I NDUSTRIE C ANADA

vi
D EUTSCHE EMV-D IREKTIVE ( ELECTROMAGNETISCHE
V
ERTRÄGLICHKEIT )
E UROPEAN U NION - E MISSION D IRECTIVE
U NION E UROPÉENNE - D IRECTIVE C ONFORMITÉ
ÉLECTROMAGNÉTIQUE
U NION E UROPEA - N ORMATIVA EMC
U NIONE E UROPEA - D IRECTIVA EMC (C ONFORMIDAD
ELECTROMAGNÉTICA )
T RADEMARKS
3C OM E ND U SER S OFTWARE L ICENSE A GREEMENT

vii
F
IGURES
1-1 3C905B-TX Adapter 1-1
1-2 3C905B-TX Adapter Installation Steps 1-4
2-1 Inserting the Adapter 2-2
2-2 Connecting the Network Cable to the RJ-45 Port 2-3
2-3 Connecting the Adapter to the Connector 2-4
4-1 3Com NIC Diagnostics Program General Screen 4-3
4-2 3Com NIC Diagnostics Program Properties Screen 4-3
A-1 RJ-45 Connector Pin Assignments A-2
B-1 LEDs B-5
B-2 3Com NIC Diagnostics Program General Screen B-8
B-3 Diagnostics Screen B-8
B-4 3Com NIC Diagnostics Program Support Screen B-11
B-5 Straight-through and Crossover Cable Pinouts B-14

viii
T
ABLES
1 Notice Icons 2
2 Text Conventions 2
3-1 Network Driver Text File Names 3-14
4-1 Option Settings 4-1
B-1 LED Descriptions B-5
B-2 Frequently Asked Questions B-16

ABOUT THIS GUIDE
About This Guide provides an overview of this guide,
describes guide conventions, and tells you where to look
for specific information.
This guide describes how to install, configure, and
troubleshoot the IBM 10/100 Fast EtherLink®XL Adapters
by 3Com.
If the information in the README.TXT file on the
EtherDisk®diskette shipped with your product differs from
the information in this guide, follow the instructions in the
README.TXT file.
Finding Specific Information in This Guide
This table shows where to find specific information in this
guide.
If you are looking for Turn to
Adapter features and PC and server requirements Chapter 1
Installation and cabling information Chapter 2
Network driver installation instructions Chapter 3
Instructions for changing configuration settings Chapter 4
Specifications and RJ-45 pin assignments Appendix A
Technical support Appendix B
Troubleshooting Appendix B

2ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Conventions
Table 1 and Table 2 list conventions that are used
throughout this guide.
Table 1 Notice Icons
Icon Notice Type Description
Information note Important features or instructions
Caution Information to alert you to potential damage to a
program, system, or device
Warning Information to alert you to potential personal injury
Table 2 Text Conventions
Convention Description
Commands The word “command” means you must enter the
command exactly as shown in text and press the Return or
Enter key. Example:
To launch the DOS diagnostics, enter the following
command:
a: install
Screen displays This typeface represents information as it appears on the
screen.
The words “enter”
and “type” When you see the word “enter” in this guide, you must type something, and then press the Return or Enter key.
Do not press the Return or Enter key when an instruction
simply says “type.”
Menu commands and
buttons Menu commands or button names appear in italics. Example:
From the Help menu, select Contents.
Words in italicized
type Italics emphasize a point or denote new terms at the place where they are defined in the text.
Words in bold-face
type Bold text denotes key features.

1INTRODUCTION
The IBM 10/100 Fast EtherLink®XL Adapters by 3Com
provide a high-performance connection to an Ethernet or
Fast Ethernet network. These adapters operate at 100
Mbps or 10 Mbps automatically, depending on the speed
of the connected hub.
Figure 1-1 3C905B-TX Adapter
There are two types of 3C905B-TX adapters: the 3C905B-TX
adapter with Remote Wake-Up and the 3C905B-TX-NM
adapter without Remote Wake-Up.
The 3ComRemote Wake-Up adapter (3C905B-TX), shown in
Figure 1-1, operates as a wake-up adapter only in PCs with
the Remote Wake-Up connector attached to the PC
motherboard. This adapter provides a network connection
with or without the Remote Wake-Up connector installed.
The 3C905B-TX-NM adapter does not have the Remote
Wake-Up connector or functionality.
DATA
TX
ACT
10
100 L
N
K

1-2 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Unless specifically indicated, the name 3C905B-TX is used
throughout this guide to refer to both adapters.
This chapter describes the 3C905B-TX adapter features and
PC and server requirements.
Industry-Leading Performance
The 3C905B-TX adapter provides the following
performance features:
■Interactive Access technology to minimize CPU utilization
■Parallel Tasking®II architecture for high throughput and
low processor utilization
■Full-duplex 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps support
■Hardware IP checksum enabled for better Internet and
intranet performance
■Fast IP switching solution that allows you to
cost-effectively scale internetwork performance as
bandwidth requirements increase
■32-bit bus master design with full scatter gather and
infinite bursting performance
■Flow control (IEEE 802.1x), which optimizes performance
in switched networks through efficient data transmissions
DynamicAccess Software
DynamicAccess®software delivers intelligence at the edge of
the network to optimize network performance and control.
DynamicAccess features include PACE™Interactive Access
technology, dRMON (distributed RMON) support, and
support for PACE real-time and multimedia applications.
PACE class of service drivers enable prioritization of
multimedia and business-critical applications like video
conferencing and distance learning. With the 3Com PACE
drivers, you can set the class of service for each application.
The 3C905B-TX adapter ships with dRMON SmartAgent®
intelligent agents that collect remote management
information used by the Transcend®Edge Monitor System.
Together, they provide full RMON network management
information for both switched and Fast Ethernet networks.

Remote Wake-Up 1-3
Remote Wake-Up
Remote Wake-Up support is enabled for the 3C905B-TX
adapter. If you are using the 3C905B-TX adapter in a PC
that supports Remote Wake-Up through the PCI bus, the
adapter will respond to a remote Wake-Up command or
magic packet signal from a sleep state.
Installation and Configuration
The 3Com NIC Diagnostics program allows you to test
the 3C905B-TX adapter, configure it, and display the
adapter configuration information. If you are running DOS,
you cannot use this program.
The NIC Diagnostics Help system includes the 3C905B-TX
adapter Release Notes, Frequently Asked Questions, and
KnowledgeBase.
Microsoft Windows 95detects the 3C905B-TX adapter and
installs the network driver from 3Com EtherDisk Diskette #2.
The AutoLink™installation software automatically installs
all NovellNetWareDOS ODI client software into your
operating system.
10/100 Mbps Support
The single RJ-45 connector on the network cable supports
10 Mbps or 100 Mbps speeds.
NWay auto-negotiation enables the 3C905B-TX adapter to
automatically run at the speed that the connected hub
supports. The 3C905B-TX adapter works with products that
comply with IEEE 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX specifications.

1-4 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
PC and Server Requirements
Your PC or server must have:
■An 80386, 80486, or Pentium processor
■An available bus mastering PCI slot
■A minimum of 640K of memory
Make sure that you are running the latest BIOS for your PC or
server, even if your PC is new. Contact your PC manufacturer
for more information.
How Do I Install the 3C905B-TX Adapter?
To complete installation, install the adapter in your PC or
server, connect it to the network, and install the network
driver. The installation steps are depicted in Figure 1-2.
Figure 1-2 3C905B-TX Adapter Installation Steps
Proceed to Chapter 2 to install the 3C905B-TX adapter in
your PC or server and connect it to the network.
Which
driver installation
instructions
should I use
?
Install 3Com
network driver
Ask
MIS department
I don't know
I do know
Chapter 3
Chapter 2
Chapter 2
Reboot Chapter 3
Log on
to network
Insert
3C905B-TX
adapter
Connect adapter
to network
Chapter 3

2INSTALLING THE ADAPTER
There are two types of 3C905B-TX adapters: the 3C905B-TX
adapter and the 3C905B-TX-NM adapter. They are both
installed in your PC and connected to the network in exactly
the same way.
After you connect the 3C905B-TX adapter to the network,
you connect the Remote Wake-Up cable to the motherboard.
Before you begin, make sure that you have the user guide
and the 3C905B-TX adapter EtherDisk diskettes, and that
your PC meets the requirements described in Chapter 1.
CAUTION: Each adapter is packed in an antistatic container
to protect it during shipment. Before handling the adapter,
touch the metal chassis of your PC. Maintain grounding by
wearing a wrist strap attached to the chassis. Handle the
adapter by its backplate and top edge. Do not touch the
edge connector.
To install the 3C905B-TX adapter in your PC or server and
connect it to the network, follow these steps:
1 Open the shipping container and inspect each item
for damage.
2 Remove all jewelry from your hands and wrists.
Use only insulated or nonconductive tools.
3 Unplug the PC and disconnect all cables.
4 Remove the PC cover.
5 Choose an empty bus mastering PCI slot.
A sample PCI slot is shown in Figure 2-1. If you do not know
how to identify a PCI slot, check your PC documentation or
ask your system administrator. In most PCs, slots 1 and 2 are
bus mastering slots. Use slot 1 for the 3C905B-TX adapter if
possible. If you have a video PCI card, install it in the last slot
(the one farthest from slot 1).

2-2 CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE ADAPTER
6 Unscrew the screw holding the PCI slot’s backplate
and remove it.
7 Insert the 3C905B-TX adapter into an empty PCI slot,
shown in Figure 2-1.
Make sure that the adapter is firmly seated in the slot.
Figure 2-1 Inserting the Adapter
8 Secure the adapter with the screw you removed
earlier.
If you are installing the Remote Wake-Up connector, go to
“Connecting the Remote Wake-Up Cable,” on page 2-4 at
the end of this chapter before replacing the PC cover.
Remote Wake-Up is only supported in systems that provide
a 3-pin header for a Wake-Up cable.
9 Replace the PC cover and reconnect all previously
connected cables.
10 Turn on the power to the PC.
PCI slot
3C905B-TX adapter
Screw

Connecting to the Network 2-3
11 Proceed to the next section, “Connecting to the
Network.”
Connecting to the Network
You must connect the adapter to the network before
installing the network driver. To connect the 3C905B-TX
adapter to the network cable, follow these steps:
1 Connect the network cable to the RJ-45 port on the
3C905B-TX adapter, as shown in Figure 2-2.
Figure 2-2 Connecting the Network Cable to the RJ-45 Port
2 Connect the other end of the network cable to a
10BASE-T or a 100BASE-TX network port.
3 Check the LEDs, shown in Figure 2-2.
After installation, and before you install the network driver,
the LEDs indicate the following:
■10 LNK LED - green - 10 Mbps link integrity
■100 LNK - green - 100 Mbps link integrity
■ACT LED - OFF - until the network driver is installed
See Table B-1 for more LED information. If you are not
installing the Remote Wake-Up cable, go to Chapter 3 to
install the network driver.
RJ-45 port
LEDs
RJ-45
connector
Data
TX
ACT
10
100
L
N
K

2-4 CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE ADAPTER
Connecting the Remote Wake-Up Cable
WARNING: Install the adapter in slot 1 in the PC (as
described earlier) before plugging in the 3-pin connector.
Only properly trained and authorized personnel should
perform service. Contact your PC manufacturer for
information about safe service techniques.
1 Insert the cable into the connector on the adapter,
shown in Figure 2-3.
Twist the cable twice before attaching the cable to the
motherboard.
2 Attach the cable to the connector on the PC
motherboard, as shown in Figure 2-3.
The connector is located in different locations depending
on the PC.
Figure 2-3 Connecting the Adapter to the Connector
3 Reconnect all cables and replace the PC cover.
The 3C905B-TX Remote Wake-Up adapter is installed. Go
back to the previous section, “Connecting to the Network,”
to complete installation.
Plug in Remote Wake-Up
cable to connector here
Connect Remote Wake-Up
cable from adapter to
motherboard connector
Power
supply

3INSTALLING THE
NETWORK DRIVER
This chapter describes how to install the network driver
that completes your PC connection to the network. The
3C905B-TX adapter software is installed with the network
driver.
Instructions are provided for Windows 95, Windows 98,
Windows NT, and NetWare DOS client and server driver
installation. Table 3-1 provides a complete list of supported
drivers and text files that describe how to install them.
Go to the section your MIS department recommends and
follow the instructions to install the network driver on
your PC.
You can obtain the latest network drivers on 3Com’s
World Wide Web site. To access the Web site, enter the
3Com URL into your Internet browser:
http://infodeli.3com.com/infodeli/swlib/n_i_c.htm/
The drivers are in the Support area. On the Support Welcome
screen, scroll down to Latest Drivers and click.
Windows 95
This section describes how to install the network driver
when your PC is running Windows 95. This driver supports
dRMON and PACE technology.
This driver can be used in Microsoft and NetWare
environments, and instructions are included for both.
You need the Windows 95 system installation files (CAB files)
to complete the installation.
Do not use the AutoLink software to install the driver if you
are running Windows 95.

3-2 CHAPTER 3: INSTALLING THE NETWORK DRIVER
Follow these steps to install the network driver in a PC
running Windows 95:
1 Install and configure Windows 95 before installing
the 3C905B-TX adapter.
2 Install the 3C905B-TX adapter and connect it to the
network, as described in Chapter 2.
3 Restart the PC.
Windows 95 automatically detects the adapter in the PC.
If Windows 95 does not detect the 3C905B-TX adapter, see
“Troubleshooting” in Appendix B.
4 Select Driver from disk provided by the hardware
manufacturer and click OK.
5 Insert EtherDisk Diskette #2 in your drive and, if the
diskette is in drive A, click OK.
Otherwise, supply the correct drive letter and click OK.
Once the 3Com installation files are read, Windows 95
prompts you for the Windows 95 network installation files.
6 Enter the correct path to the Windows 95 files
(CAB files) and click OK.
If Windows prompts you to reboot, click No.
7 Open the Windows 95 Control Panel.
8 In the Control Panel, double-click Network.
The Network screen appears.
9 For Microsoft networks, select the Configuration tab.
For Novell NetWare networks, go to step 10.
The default Microsoft network setup contains the following
components:
Client for Microsoft Networks
Client for Novell Networks
3Com EtherLink XL Adapter
3Com dRMON SmartAgent PC software
IPX/SPX compatible protocol
NetBEUI protocol