NETGEAR GA620 - PCI Fiber Card User manual

M-GA620NA-0
November 1998
NETGEAR, Inc.
A Bay Networks Company
4401 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
Phone 888-NETGEAR
Reference Guide for the
Model GA620 Gigabit
Ethernet Card

ii
© 1998 by NETGEAR, Inc. All rights reserved.
Trademarks
NETGEAR is a trademark of Bay Networks, Inc.
Bay Networks is a registered trademark of Bay Networks, Inc.
Microsoft and Windows NT 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 Gigabit Ethernet Card 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.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance Notice: Radio Frequency Notice
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.
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.

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 protection 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 instructions, 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 harmfulinterference 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 Gigabit Ethernet Card is 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
This digital apparatus (NETGEAR Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card) does 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
Cet appareil numérique (NETGEARModelGA620Gigabit Ethernet Card) respecte 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.

iv

Contents v
Contents
Preface
Text Conventions .............................................................................................................. xi
Related Publications ......................................................................................................... xi
Customer Support ............................................................................................................ xi
Where to Get Help ............................................................................................................xii
Chapter 1
Introduction
Benefits ...........................................................................................................................1-1
Features ..........................................................................................................................1-2
Chapter 2
Hardware Installation
Package Contents ..........................................................................................................2-1
Requirements .................................................................................................................2-2
Hardware Description .....................................................................................................2-3
Preparing to Install Your Gigabit Ethernet Card ..............................................................2-4
Installing Your Gigabit Ethernet Card .......................................................................2-5
Connecting the Network Cables ...............................................................................2-5
Chapter 3
Windows NT Driver Software
Installing the Driver .........................................................................................................3-1
Changing Configuration Parameters ..............................................................................3-6
Updating the Driver Software ..........................................................................................3-6
Moving the Network Card to a Different Slot ..................................................................3-7

vi Contents
Chapter 4
Novell NetWare Driver Software
Installing the Driver .........................................................................................................4-1
Changing Configuration Parameters ............................................................................4-10
Chapter 5
Troubleshooting
Using the Hardware Diagnostic Utility ............................................................................5-1
Checking the Port LEDs .................................................................................................5-3
Using a Troubleshooting Checklist ..................................................................................5-3
Appendix A
Technical Specifications
General Specifications ................................................................................................... A-1
Index

Figures vii
Figures
Figure 2-1. Front Panel of Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card ................................2-3
Figure 2-2. Fiber Connector for the Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card .................2-6

viii Figures

Tables ix
Tables
Table 2-1. Software and Hardware Requirements ....................................................2-2
Table 2-2. Port LEDs .................................................................................................2-3
Table 2-3. 1000BASE-SX Link Characteristics .........................................................2-5
Table 3-1. Parameter Descriptions ..........................................................................3-5
Table 4-1. Driver Configuration Parameters ..............................................................4-6
Table 4-2. Load Parameters .....................................................................................4-8
Table 4-3. Packet Receive Buffer Values ..................................................................4-9
Table 5-1. Port LED Activity ......................................................................................5-3
Table 5-2. PCI BIOS Parameters ..............................................................................5-4

xTables

Preface xi
Preface
Congratulations on your purchase of the NETGEAR™Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card.
Designed especially for high-performance systems such as servers and high-end workstations, the
Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card offers 2 gigabits per second of aggregate bandwidth and
optimizes performance while minimizing network overhead on the host system.
This guide describes the installation and use of the Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card for
operation in a NetWare or Windows NT environment.
Text Conventions
This guide uses the following text conventions:
italics Book titles, file names, and directory names.
Helvetica bold Commands and user input.
Related Publications
For quick installation instructions for using the Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card in a Windows
NT operating environment, refer to the Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card Installation Guide for
Windows NT (document part number M1-GA620NA-X).
Customer Support
For assistance with installing and configuring your NETGEAR system or with post-installation
questions or problems, contact your point-of-purchase representative.

Reference Guide for the Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card
xii Preface
Where to Get Help
NETGEAR maintains a home page that you can access at the following URL:
http://NETGEAR.baynetworks.com/home
A direct connection to the Internet and a Web browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or
Netscape are required.
Current support information is available on a card that is packaged with each NETGEAR product.
You can also refer to the NETGEAR home page for a duplicate copy of the document.

Introduction 1-1
Chapter 1
Introduction
This chapter provides information about the features of the Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card.
The Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card connects your PCI-compliant server or workstation to a
Gigabit Ethernet network, incorporating a new technology that transfers data at a rate of 1gigabit
per second (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 Gigabit Ethernet Card. The device introduces 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 Gigabit Ethernet Card provides adaptive host
interrupt frequency based on traffic load. In light traffic, it interrupts the host as soon as a packet
arrives in order to minimize latency. In heavy traffic, the card optimizes host efficiency by
coalescing interrupts
²
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 interrupts, maximizing cycles for applications.
The Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card can move packet headers and data to and from various
memory locations, offloading CPU-consuming copy operations from the host. In addition, data can
be transferred directly between the network card and the application data buffer, allowing zero host
copy packet processing.
The Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card has demonstrated interoperability with all major Gigabit
Ethernet equipment on the market that is compliant with IEEE 802.z standards. In addition,
because the Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card uses standard Ethernet frame and MAC formats,
it provides full compatibility with 10 Mbps Ethernet and 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet network
equipment through network switches from a variety of vendors including NETGEAR.

Reference Guide for the Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card
1-2 Introduction
Features
The key features of the Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card 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
• 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)
A fiber switch (for example, the NETGEAR Model FS509 Fast Ethernet Switch) or a buffered
repeater meets the criteria for interoperability with the Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card.
• 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-bit PCI bus master (Local Bus Revision 2.1 compliant) with adaptive DMA
channels
The Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card operates normally when plugged in a 64-bit PCI slot
to deliver a 32-bit performance. The PCI interface on the card contains two independent DMA
channels for simultaneous read and write operations. As a bus master, the network card
requests access to the PCI bus instead of waiting to be polled.
• Software driver support for Microsoft

Windows NT

4.0, and Novell NetWare 4.1X
• Universal dual-voltage signaling (3.3 V and 5 V)
• Five-year warranty
• Toll-free telephone support

Hardware Installation 2-1
Chapter 2
Hardware Installation
This chapter provides information about the package contents, system requirements, and
installation of the NETGEAR Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card.
Package Contents
The product package should contain:
• Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card
• Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card Driver and Documentation CD
• Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card Installation Guide for Windows NT
• 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 Gigabit Ethernet Card if you need to return it for repair.
To qualify for product updates and product warranty registrations, fill out the warranty and
registration information within 30 days of purchase. For priority service, register online on the
NETGEAR Web page at:
http://netgear.baynetworks.com
You can also fill out and return the Warranty & Registration Card that is included in your product
package.

Reference Guide for the Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card
2-2 Hardware Installation
Requirements
Before installing the Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card, verify the software and hardware
requirements outlined in Table 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
System Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 3. To download Service Pack 3, go to the following Microsoft location on the Web:
http://www.microsoft.com/msdownload/#sup
Scroll to Support Drivers, Patches & Service Packs to download Service Pack 3.
Software Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card driver software, version 1.9 (or higher) for Windows
NT; included on the
Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card Driver andDocumentation CD in
the
\nt\x86 directory are:
•
NETGA620.SYS
(network device driver file)
•
NETGA620.DLL
(information used by installation program)
•
OEMSETUP.INF
(information used by installation program)
Novell NetWare
Hardware A Pentium-based server that meets Novell NetWare 4.11 software requirements
One open 32-bit or 64-bit PCI slot
Minimum 64 MB memory
Operating
System If you are using Novell NetWare 4.11, you must have the most recent support pack (Support Pack 4 or later). To download the latest support pack, go to the following Novell
location on the Web:
http://support.novell.com
Click on Minimum Patch List, Click on NetWare v4.11 (intraNetWare may be listed with
NetWare v4.11), click on the file name listed next to the latest version support pack, and
then follow the instructions to download the file.
If you are using Novell NetWare 4.10, go to the following Novell location on the Web:
http://support.novell.com
Click on Previous Product Versions, and then click on the ODI33F.EXE file to access the
read me file. Follow the instructions to download the
ODI33F.EXE file.
Software Driver software, version 1.9 (or higher) for Novell NetWare (Included on the
Model GA620
Gigabit Ethernet Card Driver and Documentation CD
in the
\netware\drivers directory:
NETGA620.LAN
(network device driver file)
NETGA620.LDI (information used by installation program)

Reference Guide for the Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card
Hardware Installation 2-3
Hardware Description
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. 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.
GA 620
1000 Mbps SX
TX
R X
LINK DATA
8907EA

Reference Guide for the Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card
2-4 Hardware Installation
Preparing to Install Your Gigabit Ethernet Card
Follow the instructions provided in this section for installing the Model GA620 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 Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card:
1. Make sure that your system meets the hardware and software requirements provided in
Table 2-1.
2. Make sure that your system uses the latest BIOS.
For information on BIOS parameters, refer to Table 5-2 on page 5-4 of Chapter 5,
“Troubleshooting.”
3. Turn off the power to your PC.
• If you are running Windows NT, 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 Novell NetWare, use the following commands to shut down the server
functions and reach the DOS prompt:
server_name: down
server_name: exit
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 Model GA620 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.
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.

Reference Guide for the Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card
Hardware Installation 2-5
Installing Your Gigabit Ethernet Card
To install your Model GA620 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.
3. Insert the card into the PCI expansion slot.
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 autonegotiating and
supports full-duplex operation.
To connect a network cable:
1. Choose an appropriate cable, using the information listed in Table 2-3.
*Shortwave laser optics (850 nm)
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.
Table 2-3. 1000BASE-SX Link 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)

Reference Guide for the Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card
2-6 Hardware Installation
2. Connect one end of the cable to the Model GA620 Gigabit Ethernet Card, as shown in
Figure 2-2.
Figure 2-2. 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 the TX (transmit) port on the Model GA620 Gigabit
Ethernet Card is connected to the RX (receive) 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 problem, refer to Chapter 5,
“Troubleshooting,” before installing a driver as outlined in Chapter 3, “Windows NT Driver
Software” or Chapter 4, “Novell NetWare Driver Software.”
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.
003