NETGEAR GA311 - Gigabit PCI Adapter User manual

Version v1.0
October 2003
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
User Manual for the
NETGEAR 10/100/1000
Mbps Gigabit Ethernet
Adapter GA311

ii
Technical Support
Please refer to the support information card that shipped with your product. By registering your
product at www.netgear.com/register, we can provide you with faster expert technical support and
timely notices of product and software upgrades.
NETGEAR, INC. Support Information
Phone: 1-888-NETGEAR, for US & Canada only. For other countries, see your Support
information card.
E-mail: [e-mail]
Web site: www.netgear.com
Statement of Conditions
In the interest of improving internal design, operational function, and/or reliability, NETGEAR reserves the right to
make changes to the products described in this document without notice.
NETGEAR does not assume any liability that may occur due to the use or application of the product(s) or circuit
layout(s) described herein.
©2003 NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR, the NETGEAR logo, The Gear Guy and Everybody's Connecting are
trademarks or registered trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or
other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders. Information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved.
October 2003
Certificate of the Manufacturer/Importer
It is hereby certified that the Model GA311 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter has been suppressed in accordance with the
conditions set out in the BMPT- AmtsblVfg 243/1991 and Vfg 46/1992. The operation of some equipment (for example,
test transmitters) in accordance with the regulations may, however, be subject to certain restrictions. Please refer to the
notes in the operating instructions.
Federal Office for Telecommunications Approvals has been notified of the placing of this equipment on the market and
has been granted the right to test the series for compliance with the regulations.
VCCI Statement
This equipment is in the Class B category (information equipment to be used in a residential area or an adjacent area
thereto) and conforms to the standards set by the Voluntary Control Council for Interference by Data Processing
Equipment and Electronic Office Machines aimed at preventing radio interference in such residential areas. When used
near a radio or TV receiver, it may become the cause of radio interference. Read instructions for correct handling.

Contents iii
Contents
Chapter 1
About This Manual
Audience, Conventions, Scope ......................................................................................1-1
How to Use this Manual ..................................................................................................1-2
How to Print this Manual .................................................................................................1-3
Chapter 2
Introduction
About the NETGEAR 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Adapter GA311 ...................2-1
Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products ............................................................2-2
What’s in the Box? ..........................................................................................................2-3
Hardware Description .....................................................................................................2-5
Chapter 3
Basic Setup
What You Need Before You Begin ..................................................................................3-1
Verifying System Requirements ...............................................................................3-1
Preparing to Install Your GA311 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter .............................................3-2
Selecting the Network Cable ....................................................................................3-2
Installation Order ......................................................................................................3-3
Basic Installation Instructions .........................................................................................3-3
For Windows XP, 2000, Me, and 98SE Users ..........................................................3-4
For Windows NT 4.0 Users Installing a GA311 ........................................................3-7
Moving the GA311 to a Different Slot in Windows XP, 2000, Me, or 98SE ...................3-10
Moving the GA311 to a Different Slot in Windows NT 4.0 ............................................3-10
Updating the Driver Software in Windows NT 4.0 ........................................................3-11
Determining the GA311 Connection Status ..................................................................3-11
Viewing the Physical Connection Indicators ..........................................................3-12
Installing the GA311 Smart Wizard Utility ..............................................................3-13
Chapter 4
Configuration and Troubleshooting
Understanding the Configuration Options ......................................................................4-1
Configuring Optional Adapter Properties ........................................................................4-2

iv Contents
Basic Troubleshooting Tips .............................................................................................4-4
Checking the Port LEDs ...........................................................................................4-4
Using a Troubleshooting Checklist ...........................................................................4-5
Appendix A
Technical Specifications
Appendix B
Manual Driver Installation
Basic Installation Instructions ........................................................................................ B-1
For Windows XP Users Installing a GA311 ............................................................. B-2
For Windows 2000 & 98SE/Me Users Installing a GA311 ...................................... B-4
For Windows NT 4.0 Users Installing a GA311 ....................................................... B-7
Glossary
List of Glossary Terms ...................................................................................................C-1
Index

User Manual for the NETGEAR 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Adapter GA311
About This Manual 1-1
Chapter 1
About This Manual
Thank you for purchasing the NETGEAR 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Adapter GA311.
Audience, Conventions, Scope
This reference manual assumes that the reader has basic-to-intermediate computer and Internet
skills.
This guide uses the following typographical conventions:
This manual is written for the GA311 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter according to these specifications:
Table 1. Typographical conventions
italics Emphasis, books, CDs, URL names
bold times roman User input
courier font Screen text, file and server names, extensions, commands, IP addresses
Note: This format is used to highlight information of importance or special interest.
Table 1-1. Manual Specifications
Product Version NETGEAR 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Adapter GA311
Manual Publication Date October 2003
Note: Product updates are available on the NETGEAR, Inc. Web site at http://
www.netgear.com/support/main.asp. Documentation updates are available on the
NETGEAR, Inc. Web site at http://www.netgear.com/docs.

User Manual for the NETGEAR 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Adapter GA311
1-2 About This Manual
How to Use this Manual
The HTML version of this manual includes these features.
Figure 1 -1: HTML version of this manual
1. Left pane. Use the left pane to view the Contents, Index, Search, and Favorites tabs.
To view the HTML version of the manual, you must have a version 4 or later browser with
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3. Right pane. Use the right pane to view the contents of the manual. Also, each page of the
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containing just the currently selected chapter of the manual.
12
3

User Manual for the NETGEAR 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Adapter GA311
About This Manual 1-3
How to Print this Manual
To print this manual you can choose one of the following several options, according to your needs.
•Printing a “How To” Sequence of Steps in the HTML View. Use the Print button on the
upper right side of the toolbar to print the currently displayed topic. Using this button when a
step-by-step procedure is displayed will send the entire procedure to your printer—you do not
have to worry about specifying the correct range of pages.
•Printing a Chapter. Use the link at the top right of any page.
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User Manual for the NETGEAR 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Adapter GA311
1-4 About This Manual

User Manual for the NETGEAR 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Adapter GA311
Introduction 2-1
Chapter 2
Introduction
This chapter introduces the features, package contents, and appearance of the NETGEAR 10/100/
1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Adapter GA311.
About the NETGEAR 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet
Adapter GA311
Congratulations on your purchase of the NETGEAR® GA311 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter. Designed
especially for high-performance systems, such as servers and high-end workstations, it offers 2
gigabits per second (Gbps) of aggregate bandwidth and optimized performance while minimizing
network overhead on the host system. This guide describes the installation and use of the GA311
for operation with a Microsoft® Windows® XP, Windows® 2000, Windows® Me, Windows®
98SE 2nd edition, or Windows NT 4.0 (with Service Pack 5 or above) system.
It connects your PCI-compliant workstation to a Gigabit Ethernet network, incorporating a new
technology that transfers data at a rate of 1 Gbps or 1000 megabits per second (Mbps) over
standard Category 5 cables. Performance is optimized and network overhead on the host system is
minimized with the use of the GA311 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter.
The GA311 has demonstrated interoperability with all major Gigabit Ethernet equipment on the
market that is compliant with IEEE 802.3ab standards and should work with most non-compliant
Gigabit Ethernet products. In addition, because the GA311 uses standard Ethernet frame and
Media Access Control (MAC) formats, it provides full compatibility with Fast Ethernet network
equipment through network switches from a variety of vendors, including NETGEAR®.
The GA311 is 802.1Q/1p-compliant for frame priority tagging. The IEEE 802.1Q standard defines
the operation of Virtual LAN (VLAN) Bridges that permit the definition, operation and
administration of Virtual LAN topologies within a Bridged LAN infrastructure. Using the GA311
with 802.1p-compliant switches or routers offers a range of traffic prioritization of Layer 2 frames,
providing a higher Quality of Service on high-speed local area networks.

User Manual for the NETGEAR 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Adapter GA311
2-2 Introduction
Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products
The key features of the GA311 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter are:
• Flexible 10/100/1000 Mbps capability
• Includes proven Gigabit controller technology
• Full-duplex operation (2,000 Mbps: 1,000 Mbps each way) with DMA (Direct Memory
Access) Gigabit Ethernet interface (IEEE 802.3ab)
• RJ-45 connector for Category 5 unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable
• Interoperability with existing Fast Ethernet equipment compliance with the following
standards and protocols:
• IEEE 802.3ab Gigabit Ethernet
• IEEE 802.3u Fast Ethernet
• IEEE 802.3 Ethernet
• IEEE 802.3u Auto Negotiation for auto-selectable 10/100/1000 Mbps line speed
• IEEE 802.1Q VLAN
• Standard Ethernet frame size (up to 1500 bytes), optional Jumbo frame size (7500 bytes)
• 33/66 MHz, 32/64-bit PCI bus master (Local Bus Revision 2.2 compliant) with adaptive DMA
channels
• Software driver support for Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows 98SE, and
Windows NT 4.0
• Universal dual-voltage signaling (3.3 V and 5 V)

User Manual for the NETGEAR 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Adapter GA311
Introduction 2-3
The optional advanced configuration choices include:
• Configurable 802.1Q VLAN ID and 802.1Q/1p VLAN frame tagging for traffic prioritization
• Optional Jumbo Ethernet frame size (7500 bytes)
• Configurable link speed and duplex mode
• Checksum off loading to the network card
• Off load of TCP large packets to the network card
• Wakeup on ARP/PING
The following NETGEAR products can be configured to communicate with the GA311 Gigabit
Ethernet Adapter:
• FS750AT Modular Fast Ethernet Switch with 48-Port 10/100 Mbps + 2 Gigabit Ports
• FS726AT Modular Fast Ethernet Switch with 24-Port 10/100 Mbps + 2 Gigabit Ports
• FS526T 24-Port Smart Switch with Gigabit Ports
• GS104 4-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch
• GS108 8-Port Copper Gigabit Switch
• GS105 5-Port 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Switch
• GS524T 24-Port 10/100/1000 Mbps Copper Gigabit Switch
• GS516T 16-Port 100/1000 Mbps Copper Gigabit Switch
• GSM712 12-Port Managed Gigabit Switch
• GSM712F 12-Port Managed Fiber Gigabit Switch
• FSM750S 48-Port 10/100 Mbps Managed Stackable Switch with Gigabit Ports
• FSM726S 24-Port 10/100 Mbps Managed Stackable Switch with Gigabit ports
• FSM726 24-Port Mbps Managed Switch with Gigabit Ports
• FS526T 24-Port Smart Switch with Gigabit Ports
• GSM7324 24-Port Layer 3 Managed Gigabit Switch
• GSM7312 12-Port Layer 3 Managed Gigabit Switch
What’s in the Box?
The product package should contain the following items:

User Manual for the NETGEAR 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Adapter GA311
2-4 Introduction
• GA311 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
• Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Adapter GA311
(201-10011-01)
•NETGEAR Adapter Resource CD, including:
— Driver and System Utility Software
— User Manual for the NETGEAR 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Adapter GA311
— Animated Network Properties Configuration Tutorial
— PC Networking Tutorial
• Warranty/Support information card
If any of the parts are incorrect, missing, or damaged, contact your NETGEAR dealer. Keep the
carton, including the original packing materials, in case you need to return the product for repair.
To qualify for product updates and product warranty registrations, fill out the registration
information within 30 days of purchase. For priority service, register online on the NETGEAR
Web page at:
http://www.NETGEAR.com
You can also fill out and return the Warranty & Registration Card that is included in your product
package.
Hardware Description
As illustrated in the figure below, the GA311 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter has an RJ-45 connector
port and four LEDs.

User Manual for the NETGEAR 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Adapter GA311
Introduction 2-5
Figure 1-1. Front Panel of Model GA311 Gigabit Adapter
The front panel of the GA311 has four LEDs: one for each port speed option (10 Mbps,100 Mbps,
and 1000 Mbps) to indicate which link is active, and one LED for the data transfer status.

User Manual for the NETGEAR 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Adapter GA311
2-6 Introduction

Basic Setup 3-1
Chapter 3
Basic Setup
This chapter describes how to install your NETGEAR 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet
Adapter GA311 and set up basic connectivity on your Local Area Network (LAN) using the
setup.exe utility.
What You Need Before You Begin
You need to verify your computer meets the minimum system requirements and identify the
network configuration settings of the LAN where you will connect before you can configure your
gigabit Ethernet adapter and connect.
Verifying System Requirements
Before installing the NETGEAR 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Adapter GA311, please
make sure that these minimum requirements have been met:
• A computer with a Pentium®300 MHz or higher compatible processor
• One open 32-bit or 64-bit PCI slot
•ACD-ROMdrive
• 64 MB of memory
• Windows XP Home, Windows XP Professional, 2000, Me, 98SE (2nd edition), Windows NT
4.0 (with Service Pack 5 or above), Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 2000 Server, or
Windows 2000 Advanced Server
Some versions of Windows may ask for the original Windows operating system installation
files to complete the installation of the GA311 driver software.
To download the latest Service Pack for Windows NT 4.0, go to the following Microsoft Web
page and search for the latest service pack:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/search.asp

User Manual for the NETGEAR 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Adapter GA311
3-2 Basic Setup
Preparing to Install Your GA311 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
Follow the instructions provided in this section for installing the GA311 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
in your server or workstation. For additional information about performing these tasks on your
particular system, refer to the manuals included with your system hardware.
Before installing your gigabit Ethernet adapter:
1. Make sure that your system meets the hardware and software requirements referenced in
“Verifying System Requirements” on page 3-1.
2. Make sure that your system uses the latest BIOS.
3. Turn off the power to your PC. If you are running Windows, close all applications and click
Start from the desktop menu, select Shut Down, and then select Shut down the computer.
Warning: You are installing the gigabit Ethernet adapter in a machine that operates with voltages
that can be dangerous. Protect yourself, the gigabit Ethernet adapter, and your server by taking
these precautions:
• Shut down the server software and turn off the power to your server.
• Use only insulated or non-conducting tools.
• Hold the gigabit Ethernet adapter by the edges and place it on an antistatic surface only.
• Check the adapter for visible signs of damage, particularly to the connector on the edge of
the card. Never attempt to install a damaged card.
Selecting the Network Cable
The GA311 has one RJ-45 connector used for attaching the system to an Ethernet copper-wire
segment.The card will automatically negotiate the fastest connection speed and duplex possible. If
a specific speed or duplex is desired, the card can be placed into one of the supported modes: 1000
Mbps full duplex; 100 Mbps full duplex, 100 Mbps half duplex; 10Mbps full duplex, 10Mbps half
duplex. Prepare an appropriate cable. The cable specifications are:
• Port type: 10/100/1000BASE-T
• Connector: RJ-45
• Media: CAT 5 UTP/CAT 5e UTP
• Maximum Distance: 325 feet (100 meters)

User Manual for the NETGEAR 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Adapter GA311
Basic Setup 3-3
Note: 1000BASE-T signaling requires four twisted pairs of Category 5 balanced cabling, as
specified in ISO/IEC 11801:1995 and ANSI/EIA/TIA-568-A (1995) and tested using procedures
defined in TIA/EIA TSB95.
Installation Order
1. First, install the GA311 driver and utility software using the setup.exe program on the
NETGEAR Adapter Resource CD.
2. When the Windows system boots up after installing the GA311 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, the
system automatically detects the new hardware and prompts you to install the driver software
for the device.
3. Follow the prompts of the Found New Hardware Wizard to automatically use the driver
installed in step 1.
If you are installing more than one GA311 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, you must perform the
following procedure for each card.
Basic Installation Instructions
Use the procedure below that corresponds to the version of Windows you are using:
• Windows XP, 2000, 98SE 2nd edition, or Me
• Windows NT 4.0

User Manual for the NETGEAR 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Adapter GA311
3-4 Basic Setup
For Windows XP, 2000, Me, and 98SE Users
FIRST, INSTALL THE GA311 SOFTWARE.
a. Power on your PC, let the operating
system boot up completely, and log in as
needed.
b. Insert the NETGEAR Adapter Resource
CD into your CD-ROM drive. The
Adapter Resource CD main page will
load.
c. From the Windows Start menu, select
Run. The Run dialog box opens.
d. Enter the path to the GA311 setup.exe
file on the CD. For example, if your
CD-ROM is drive D, enter
D:\GA311\setup as the path.
Then, click OK.
e. Follow the InstallShield Wizard steps,
click Finish when done, and if
prompted, restart your computer.
Now, the GA311 driver and utility software
are installed.
Adapters Resource CD
Windows Start Run

User Manual for the NETGEAR 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Adapter GA311
Basic Setup 3-5
Next, install the GA311 Gigabit
Ethernet Adapter.
a. Open the PC case, and locate an
available PCI slot in your computer.
Insert the card into the PCI expansion
slot.
Note: To avoid damaging any
components on the care, handle it by the
edges. Use your thumbs to push it
securely into the PCI slot. Do not use
excessive force, but make sure the card
is fully inserted into the slot to prevent
the PC operating system from freezing at
startup.
b. Restart the PC and Follow the Found
New Hardware Wizard steps.
Accept the “Install the software
automatically” setting, and click Next to
proceed.
Note: If Windows XP or 2000 displays a
Windows XP Logo Testing or a Digital
Signature Not Found warning, click
Continue Anyway or Yes to proceed.
c. Click Finish to complete the installation.
If prompted to do so, restart the PC. You
will see the GA311 system tray icon on
the lower right of the Windows task bar.
d. Double-click the GA311 icon in the
Windows system tray to open the
Windows network connection page.
e. Click Properties and configure the
GA311 according to your network
requirements.
Windows Found New Hardware Wizard
Local Area Connection Icon before you connect a
network cable
For assistance with configuring the network
settings, please see the networking tutorials on
the NETGEAR Adapter Resource CD.

User Manual for the NETGEAR 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Adapter GA311
3-6 Basic Setup
Verify connectivity to your network.
a. Connect one end of the cable to the GA311 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter.
b. Connect the other end of the cable to an RJ-45 Ethernet network port.
c. Turn on power to the PC and then to the connected device.
d. Verify that one of the four LEDs is on, indicating that there is a good link to the card.
e. Click the GA311 system tray Netgear Smart Wizard utility icon on the lower right of
the Windows task bar.
f. Verify that the GA311 status information matches your network.
If there is a problem with the installation of the driver, an exclamation point will appear
next to the NETGEAR GA311 Gigabit Adapter. Try rebooting your computer.
Note: If you are unable to connect, see troubleshooting tips in “Basic Troubleshooting Tips”
on page 4-4.