NETGEAR GA 620T User manual

Gigabit Ethernet Cards
Reference Guide
GA 620
MODEL
GA 620T
MODEL
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ii
© 2000 by NETGEAR,Inc.All rights reserved.
Trademarks
NETGEAR is a trademark of NETGEAR, Inc. Microsoft,Windows NT,andWindows 2000 are
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.Other brand and product names are registered
trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.
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.
Certificate of the Manufacturer/Importer
It is hereby certified that the NETGEAR Model GA620 and Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Cards
have 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 forTelecommunications 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.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance Notice: Radio Frequency Notice
Note: Modifications to this device change it from the original state it was in when tested and
may alter the device so that it no longer complies with FCC testing limitations for Class B digital
devices.According to FCC regulations, the user could be prohibited from operating this equipment
if it is modified.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
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iii
Note:This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device,pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.These limits are designed to provide reasonable pro-
tection against harmful interference in a residential installation.This equipment generates,uses,and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruc-
tions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation.If this equipment does cause harmful interfer-
ence to radio or television reception,which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on,
the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
EN 55 022 Statement
This is to certify that the NETGEAR Model GA620 and Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card are
shielded against the generation of radio interference in accordance with the application of Council
Directive 89/336/EEC,Article 4a.Conformity is declared by the application of EN 55 022 Class B
(CISPR 22).
Compliance is dependent upon the use of shielded data cables.
Canadian Department of Communications Radio Interference Regulations
These digital apparatus (NETGEAR Model GA620 and Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card) do not
exceed the Class B limits for radio-noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the Radio
Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique du ministère des Communications
Ces appareils numériques (NETGEAR Model GA620 et Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Cards)
respectent les limites de bruits radioélectriques visant les appareils numériques de classe B prescrites
dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique du ministère des Communications du Canada.
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Customer Support
For assistance with installing and configuring your NETGEAR system or with questions or problems
following installation:
•Check the NETGEAR Web page at http://www.NETGEAR.com.
•CallTechnical Support at the phone number listed on the Support Information Card that shipped with
your switch.
•EmailTechnical Support at [e-mail].
Defective or damaged merchandise can be returned to your point-of-purchase representative.
Internet/World Wide Web
NETGEAR maintains a WorldWide Web home page that you can access at the universal resource locator
(URL) http://www.NETGEAR.com.A connection to the Internet and a Web browser such as Internet
Explorer or Netscape are required.
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contents v
CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1
Introduction
Benefits 1-1
Features 1-2
CHAPTER 2
Hardware Installation
Package Contents 2-1
Requirements 2-2
Hardware Descriptions 2-4
Preparing to InstallYour Gigabit Ethernet Card 2-6
InstallingYour Gigabit Ethernet Card 2-7
Connecting the Network Cables 2-8
CHAPTER 3
Windows NT Driver Software
Installing the Driver Software 3-1
Changing Configuration Parameters 3-7
Updating the Driver Software 3-8
Moving the Network Card to a Different Slot 3-9
Internal LoopbackTest 3-10
CHAPTER 4
Windows 2000 Driver Software
Installing the Driver Software 4-1
Changing Configuration Parameters 4-4
Moving the Network Card to a Different Slot 4-8
Removing the Driver Software 4-8
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contents vi
CHAPTER 5
NetWare Driver Software
Pre-Installation Requirements 5-2
Installing the Driver Software 5-3
Installing the Driver:NetWare Already Installed 5-4
Installing the Driver:Initial Installation of NetWare 5.0 5-7
Editing the STARTUP.NCF File 5-10
Verifying or Modifying Card Parameters 5-11
CHAPTER 6
Troubleshooting
Using the Hardware Diagnostic Utility 6-1
Checking the Port LEDs 6-4
Using theTroubleshooting Checklist 6-5
APPENDIX A
Specifications
Link Characteristics A-1
Cable Specifications A-1
Performance Specifications A-1
Technical Specifications A-2
INDEX
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figures vii
FIGURES
Figure 2-1. Front Panel of the Model GA620
Gigabit Ethernet Card 2-4
Figure 2-2. Front Panel of the Model GA620T
Gigabit Ethernet Card 2-5
Figure 2-3. Fiber Connector for the Model GA620
Gigabit Ethernet Card 2-9
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tables viii
TABLES
Table 2-1. Software and Hardware Requirements 2-2
Table 2-2. Model GA620 Port LEDs 2-4
Table 2-3. Model GA620T Port LEDs 2-6
Table 2-4. Model GA620 (1000BASE-SX)
Cable Characteristics 2-8
Table 2-5. Model GA620T (10/100/1000BASE-T)
Cable Characteristics 2-10
Table 3-1. Parameter Descriptions 3-6
Table 5-1. NetWare Device Installation Methods 5-2
Table 5-2. NetWare Support Files 5-3
Table 5-3. Card Load Parameters 5-6
Table 5-4. Card Configuration Parameters 5-8
Table 5-5. Example Receive Buffers 5-10
Table 6-2. Model GA620 (1000BASE-SX)
Port LED Activity 6-4
Table 6-2. Model GA620T (10/100/1000BASE-T)
Port LED Activity 6-5
Table 6-3. PCI BIOS Parameters 6-6
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introduction 1-1
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the NETGEAR™Model GA620 or
Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card.Designed especially for high-performance
systems, such as servers and high-end workstations,the Model GA620 and Model
GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Cards offer 2 gigabits per second (Gbps) of aggregate
bandwidth and optimize performance while minimizing network overhead on the host
system.This guide describes the installation and use of the Model GA620 or Model
GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card for operation in a Microsoft®Windows NT®,
Windows 2000®, or Novell NetWare environment.
This chapter provides information about the features of the Model GA620 and
Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Cards.The Model GA620 and Model GA620T
Gigabit Ethernet Cards connect your PCI-compliant server or 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), which is 100 times the
rate of Ethernet.
Benefits
Performance is optimized and network overhead on the host system is minimized with
the use of the Model GA620 and Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Cards.These
devices introduce CruiseControl,a NETGEAR feature that uses a set of functions to
offload the host PC by providing interrupt coalescing and zero host copy.
With interrupt coalescing,the Model GA620 and Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet
Cards provide adaptive host interrupt frequency based on traffic load.In light traffic,
they interrupt the host as soon as a packet arrives in order to minimize latency. In
heavy traffic, the cards optimize host efficiency by coalescing interrupts—receiving
back-to-back packets and issuing a single interrupt only when buffer space is low or
its timer has expired.In this way, interrupt coalescing eliminates unnecessary inter-
rupts,maximizing cycles for applications.
The Model GA620 and Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Cards can move packet
headers and data to and from various memory locations,offloading CPU-consuming
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introduction 1-2
copy operations from the host. In addition,data can be transferred directly
between a network card and the application data buffer,allowing zero host copy
packet processing.
The Model GA620 and Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Cards have demonstrated
interoperability with all major Gigabit Ethernet equipment on the market that is
compliant with IEEE 802.3z standards. In addition,because the Model GA620 and
Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Cards use standard Ethernet frame and Media
Access Control (MAC) formats,they provide full compatibility with 10 Mbps
Ethernet and 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet network equipment through network switches
from a variety of vendors, including NETGEAR.
Features
The key features of the Model GA620 and Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet
Cards are:
•Full-duplex operation (2,000 Mbps: 1,000 Mbps each way) with DMA
(Direct Memory Access) Gigabit Ethernet interface (IEEE 802.3z)
•Duplex SC fiber connector for 62.5-micron or 50-micron multimode fiber cable
(Model GA620)
•RJ-45 connector for Category 5 unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable
(Model GA620T)
•Interoperability with existing Ethernet and Fast Ethernet equipment assuming
standard Ethernet minimum and maximum frame size (64 to 1518 bytes),frame
format,and compliance with the following standards and protocols:
–Gigabit Ethernet (IEEE 802.3z)
–Logical Link Control (IEEE 802.2)
–Flow Control (IEEE 802.3x)
An Ethernet switch with a Gigabit port (for example,the NETGEAR Model
FS509 Fast Ethernet Switch) or a buffered repeater meets the criteria for inter-
operability with the Model GA620 and Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card.
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introduction 1-3
•Standard Ethernet frame size (up to 1,518 bytes)
•Adaptive interrupt frequency
Adaptive interrupt frequency minimizes CPU utilization,therefore maximizing
PCI bus and network throughput.
•33/66 MHz,32/64-bit PCI bus master (Local Bus Revision 2.2 compliant) with
adaptive DMA channels
The Model GA620 and Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Cards each contain
two independent DMA channels for simultaneous read and write operations.
As bus masters, the network cards request access to the PCI bus instead of
waiting to be polled.
•Software driver support for Windows NT 4.0,Windows 2000,and NetWare 4.2
and 5.0
•Universal dual-voltage signaling (3.3 V and 5 V)
•Five-year warranty
•Toll-free telephone support
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CHAPTER 2: HARDWARE INSTALLATION
This chapter provides information about the package contents,system requirements,
and installation of the NETGEAR Model GA620 and Model GA620T Gigabit
Ethernet Cards.
Package Contents
The product package should contain:
•Model GA620 or Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card
•
Model GA620/GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card Driver and Documentation CD
• Model GA620/GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card Installation Guide
•Warranty & Registration Card
•Support Information Card
Call your reseller or customer support in your area if there are any wrong,missing,
or damaged parts.Refer to the Support Information Card for the telephone number
of customer support in your area.
Keep the Support Information Card, along with the original packing materials.Use
the packing materials to repack the Model GA620 and Model GA620T Gigabit
Ethernet Card if you need to return it for repair.
To qualify for product updates and product warranty registrations,fill out the war-
ranty and 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.Requirements
hardware installation 2-1
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hardware installation 2-2
Requirements
Before installing the Model GA620 or Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card,verify
the software and hardware requirements outlined inTable 2-1.
Table 2-1.Software and Hardware Requirements
System Requirements
Windows NT
Hardware A Pentium-based server that meets Windows NT 4.0 software requirements
One open 32-bit or 64-bit PCI slot
Minimum 64 MB memory
Operating Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 5 or above.To download the latest Service
System Pack, go to the following Microsoft location on the Web:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/search.asp
and search for the latest service pack
Software Model GA620 and Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card driver software,
version 2.30 (or higher) forWindows NT;included on the
Model GA620 and
Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card Driver and Documentation CD
in the \nt40 directory are:
•
NETGA620.SYS (network device driver file)
• NETGA620.DLL (information used by installation program)
Windows 2000
Hardware A Pentium-based server that meets Windows 2000 software requirements
One open 32-bit or 64-bit PCI slot
Minimum 64 MB memory
Operating Windows 2000 Professional,Windows 2000 Server, or Windows 2000
System Advanced Server
Software Model GA620 and Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card driver software,
version 2.30 (or higher) forWindows 2000;included on the
Model GA620 and
Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card Driver and Documentation CD
in the \win2000 directory are:
• GA620ND5.SYS (network device driver file)
• NETGA620.INF (information used by installation program)
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hardware installation 2-3
Table 2-1.Software and Hardware Requirements (continued)
System Requirements
NetWare
Hardware A Pentium-based server that meets NetWare 4.2 or NetWare 5.0
software requirements
One open 32-bit or 64-bit PCI slot
Minimum 64 MB memory
Operating If you are using NetWare 4.2, you must have the most recent support pack
System (Support Pack 8 or later).To download the latest support pack,go to the
following Novell location on the Web:
http://support.novell.com/products/nw42/patches.htm
If you are using NetWare 5.0, you should try to download the most recent
support pack (Support Pack 4 or later).To download the latest support pack,
go to the following Novell location on theWeb:
http://support.novell.com/products/nw5/patches.htm
Software Model GA620 and Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card driver software,
version 2.30 (or higher) for NetWare (Included on the
Model GA620 and
Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card Driver and Documentation CD
in the \netware directory:
•
GA620.LAN (network device driver file)
• GA620.LDI (information used by installation program)
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hardware installation 2-4
GA 620
1000 Mbps SX
TX
RX
LINK DATA
8907EA
Hardware Descriptions
As illustrated in Figure 2-1,the Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card has a
Tx (transmit) port, an Rx (receive) port,and the two port LEDs described in
Table 2-2.
Figure 2-1. Front Panel of Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card
Table 2-2. Model GA620 Port LEDs
Label Activity Description
LINK Blinking slowly The port is disabled.
On A good link exists on the port.
Off No link exists on the port.There could be a bad cable,a bad connector,
or a configuration mismatch.
DATA Blinking or On Data is detected on the port.
Off No data is detected on the port.
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hardware installation 2-5
As illustrated in Figure 2-2,the Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card has an
RJ-45 connector port and four port LEDs.
Figure 2-2. Front Panel of Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card
The front panel of the Model GA620T 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 data transfer status. Until the driver software is properly installed,all
four LEDs will remain lit when the server is powered on.Once the hardware and its
driver software have been properly installed on your system,the LEDs will indicate
as described inTable 2-3.
9614EA
DATA
1000
100
10
10/100/1000
BASE-T
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hardware installation 2-6
Table 2-3. Model GA620T Port LEDs
Label Activity Description
DATA Blinking Brief bursts of data detected on the port.
On Streams of data detected on the port.
Off No data detected on the port.
1000 On Good 1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet link.
Off No 1000 Mbps link;possible link at different speed,possible bad cable,
bad connector, or configuration mismatch.
100 On Good 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet link.
Off No 100 Mbps link;possible link at different speed,possible bad cable,
bad connector, or configuration mismatch.
10 On Good 10 Mbps Ethernet link
Off No 10 Mbps link;possible link at different speed,possible bad cable,
bad connector, or configuration mismatch.
Note:If all four LEDs remain lit simultaneously,the card driver software is
either missing or improperly installed.
Preparing to InstallYour Gigabit Ethernet Card
Follow the instructions provided in this section for installing the Model GA620 or
Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card 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 Card:
1. Make sure that your system meets the hardware and software requirements
provided inTable 2-1.
2. Make sure that your system uses the latest BIOS.
For information on BIOS parameters,refer toTable 6-3 on page 6-6 of
Chapter 6 “Troubleshooting.”
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hardware installation 2-7
3. Turn off the power to your PC.
•If you are running Windows,close all applications and click on Start from the
desktop menu, select Shut Down,and then select Shut down the computer.
•If you are running NetWare,use the following commands to shut down the
server functions and reach the DOS prompt:
server_name:down
server_name:exit
Danger:You are installing the card in a machine that operates with voltages that can be
dangerous.Follow the steps after this warning to protect yourself and to prevent damage
to the PC components.
4. Protect yourself,the card,and your server by taking these precautions:
a. Shut down the server software and turn the power off to your server.
b. Use only insulated or nonconducting tools.
c. Hold the Gigabit Ethernet Card by the edges and place it on an
antistatic surface.
d. Check the card for visible signs of damage, particularly to the connector on the
edge of the card.Never attempt to install a damaged card.
InstallingYour Gigabit Ethernet Card
To install your Model GA620 or Model GA620T Gigabit Ethernet Card:
1. Remove the PC cover.
2. Choose an available 32-bit or 64-bit PCI expansion slot (PCI slots are usually the
shorter slots) and remove the corresponding back plate from the PC chassis.
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hardware installation 2-8
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3. Insert the card into the PCI expansion slot.
Note:To avoid damaging any components on the card, handle it by the edges,
using 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.
The connector dock in a 32-bit PCI slot is shorter than in a 64-bit PCI slot.
When installed in a 32-bit PCI slot,part of the connector edge remains
undocked.This situation is normal.
4. Fasten the card to the rear of the computer chassis by tightening the screw that
is on the PC.
5. Replace the PC cover and reconnect the power cord to the PC.
Connecting the Network Cables
The Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card has one SC-type connector for attaching
the server or workstation to a Gigabit Ethernet fiber segment.The port is capable of
auto negotiating and supports full-duplex operation.
To connect a network cable:
1. Choose an appropriate cable, using the information listed inTable 2-4.
Table 2-4. Model GA620 (1000BASE-SX) Cable Characteristics
Multimode Fiber 62.5/125 Micron* 50/125 Micron*
Operating Range 2 to 260 meters 2 to 550 meters
(in compliance with IEEE 802.3z)
*Shortwave laser optics (850 nm)
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hardware installation 2-9
Connect one end of the cable to the Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card,as shown
in Figure 2-3.
Warning:Fiber optic equipment can emit laser or infrared light that might injure your
eyes.Never look into an optical fiber or connector port. Always assume that fiber optic
cables are connected to a light source.
Figure 2-3. Fiber Connector for the Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card
3. Connect the other end of the cable to a Gigabit Ethernet network port.
Attach the cable connector so that theTx port on the Model GA620 Gigabit
Ethernet Card is connected to the Rx port of the device at the other end of
the cable.
4. Turn on power to the PC and then to the connected device.
5. Verify that the Link LED is on (on the Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card),
indicating that there is a good link on the port.
If the Link LED is off, it could indicate a bad cable,a bad cable connector,or a
configuration mismatch.For more information about troubleshooting your prob-
lem,refer to Chapter 6 “Troubleshooting,”before installing a driver as outlined in
Chapter 3 “Windows NT Driver Software,”Chapter 4 “Windows 2000 Driver
Software,”or Chapter 5“Novell NetWare Driver Software.”
003FA
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