3Com Network Card EISA 10 100BASE T User Manual

FAST ETHERLINKâ  
PARALLEL TASKINGâ  
EISA 10/100BASE-T  
NETWORK ADAPTER  
USER GUIDE  
®
A member of the 3Com Fast EtherLink family  
of adapters  
Part No. 09-0654-001  
Published October 1995  
 
LIFETIME WARRANTY  
®
3Com’s EtherLinkâ, TokenLinkâ III 16/4, Fast EtherLink,  
FDDILinkä, and 3Com Impactä ISDN ISA adapters  
have a Lifetime Warranty.  
To ensure the very best 3Com service and support, take  
the time to complete the product registration card.  
Any defective 3Com adapter will be repaired or  
replaced, at 3Com’s option, for as long as the adapter  
resides in its original IBMâ Personal Computer,  
Personal System/2â, or compatible computer (driver  
software is covered by the standard 90-day limited  
software warranty).  
 
Customers in the countries shown below should send the completed  
registration card to the appropriate address. Customers in other non-U.S.  
locations should send the registration card to the U.S. address on the front  
of the card.  
Asia  
Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Malta  
3Com Asia Ltd., Marketing Department  
Room 2506-07, 25/F., Citibank Tower  
Citibank Plaza, Central  
3Com Mediterraneo Srl,  
Marketing Department  
Via Michelangelo Buonarroti, 1  
20093 Cologno Monzese MI  
Italy  
Hong Kong  
Australia, New Zealand  
Japan  
3Com Australia, Marketing Department  
99 Walker Street  
Level 7  
North Sydney  
New South Wales 2060  
Australia  
3Com Japan, Marketing Department  
Shinjuku Sumitomo Building 23F  
2-6-1 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku  
Tokyo 163-02  
Japan  
Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg  
Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark  
3Com Benelux B.V., Marketing Department  
Nevelgaarde 8-9  
3436 ZZ  
Nieuwegein  
Netherlands  
3Com Nordic, Marketing Department  
Torshamsgatan 39  
Box 1110  
164 22 KISTA  
Sweden  
France, Israel  
United Kingdom, Eire  
3Com France, Marketing Department  
Immeuble McKinley  
BP 965  
3Com UK Ltd., Marketing Department  
Pacific House  
Third Avenue  
1, Avenue de l’Atlantique  
91976 Les Ulis Courtaboeuf Cedex  
France  
Globe Park Marlow-on-Thames  
Buckinghamshire, SL7 1YL  
England  
Germany, Austria, Switzerland  
3Com GmbH, Marketing Department  
Gustav-Heinemann-Ring 123  
D-81739 Muenchen  
Munich  
West Germany  
 
CONTENTS  
ABOUT THIS GUIDE  
Introduction  
How to Use This Guide  
Conventions  
1
2
1 INTRODUCTION  
Adapter Features 1-1  
2 INSTALLING THE HARDWARE  
Installing the Boot PROM 2-2  
Inserting the Fast EtherLink EISA Adapter 2-2  
Confirming Adapter Installation 2-4  
Connecting to the Network 2-5  
Auto Select Media Type 2-7  
3 CONFIGURING THE ADAPTER  
EtherDisk Diskette 3-2  
Configuring the Adapter 3-2  
Using a NOS Other Than Windows 95 3-2  
Using Windows 95 3-3  
Software Option Settings 3-4  
Media Type 3-5  
Network Driver Optimization 3-5  
Full Duplex 3-5  
Changing the Settings 3-6  
 
4 LOADING NETWORK DRIVERS  
Locating the Network Drivers 4-2  
Accessing DOS 4-2  
Loading NetWare ODI Drivers 4-3  
One EISA Adapter in a Client 4-3  
AutoLink Requirements 4-4  
AutoLink Installation 4-4  
Multiple EISA Adapters in a Client 4-7  
Finding the Adapter’s Slot Number 4-9  
One EISA Adapter in a Server 4-10  
NetWare Driver Installation 4-10  
Multiple EISA Adapters in a Server 4-11  
Finding the Adapter’s Port Address for Multiple  
Adapters 4-12  
NetWare Driver Installation 4-13  
Loading Non-NetWare Drivers 4-14  
NDIS Drivers 4-15  
Additional Drivers 4-16  
Transcend PC Link SmartAgent Driver Agents 4-16  
Desktop Management Interface 4-16  
5 PERFORMING TROUBLESHOOTING AND  
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS  
Diagnostic Tests Overview 5-2  
Before Running the Tests 5-2  
Types of Tests 5-3  
Starting the Diagnostic Program 5-3  
Command Line Access 5-4  
Running the Group 1 Tests 5-4  
Running the Group 3 Test 5-5  
Setting Up an Echo Server 5-6  
Starting the Group 3 Test 5-7  
Getting Help If a Test Fails 5-8  
Changing the Test Setup 5-9  
Miscellaneous Checks 5-10  
LEDs 5-11  
 
A SPECIFICATIONS  
RJ-45 Connector Pin Assignments A-2  
Cabling Requirements A-2  
B TECHNICAL SUPPORT  
On-line Technical Services B-1  
3Com Bulletin Board Service B-1  
Access by Modem B-1  
World Wide Web Site B-2  
ThreeComForum on CompuServe B-2  
3ComFacts Automated Fax Service B-2  
Support from Your Network Supplier B-3  
Returning Products for Repair B-4  
GLOSSARY  
INDEX  
LIMITED WARRANTY  
FCC CLASS B CERTIFICATION STATEMENT  
CISPR B COMPLIANCE  
CE NOTICE  
 
FIGURES  
1-1 Procedure Overview 1-2  
2-1 Hardware Installation Overview 2-1  
2-2 Computer with PCI and EISA Slots 2-3  
2-3 Connecting Twisted-Pair Cable 2-5  
3-1 Adapter Configuration Overview 3-1  
3-2 Auto Installation Screen 3-7  
3-3 Main Menu 3-7  
3-4 Multiple Adapter Option Configuration 3-9  
3-5 Changing Adapter Options 3-9  
4-1 Overview of Loading Network Drivers 4-1  
4-2 Auto Installation Information Screen 4-6  
4-3 Main Menu 4-6  
5-1 Troubleshooting Overview 5-1  
5-2 Fast EtherLink Adapter Backplate 5-11  
A-1 RJ-45 Connector Pin Assignments A-2  
 
TABLES  
1
2
Text Conventions  
Notice Icons  
3-1 Software Configuration Options 3-5  
4-1 Accessing DOS from Other Operating Systems 4-3  
5-1 Non-Bus Master Adapter and Diagnostic Program Names 5-7  
5-2 Fast EtherLink EISA Adapter LEDs 5-11  
 
ABOUT THIS GUIDE  
Introduction  
This guide describes how to install and configure the  
3Comâ Fast EtherLinkâ Parallel Taskingâ EISA 10/100BASE-T  
adapter. This adapter is referred to in this guide as the Fast  
EtherLink EISA adapter. Also included in the guide is  
information about troubleshooting and using the diagnostic  
tests if an adapter malfunction occurs.  
How to Use This Guide  
The following table shows where to find specific information  
in this guide.  
If you are looking for:  
Turn to:  
Instructions for installing the adapter  
Procedures for connecting the adapter to the network  
Chapter 2  
Chapter 2  
Chapter 3  
Instructions for configuring the adapter with the EISA  
configuration utility  
Procedures for changing default configuration settings after Chapter 3  
initial configuration  
Instructions for loading network drivers  
Chapter 4  
Chapter 5  
Appendix A  
Details on troubleshooting and the diagnostic tests  
Information about technical specifications, connector pin  
assignments, and cabling requirements  
3Com technical support information  
Appendix B  
 
     
2
ABOUT THIS GUIDE  
Conventions  
The following tables list text and icon conventions that are  
used throughout this guide:  
Table 1 Text Conventions  
Convention  
Description  
Text represented as  
This typeface is used to represent displays that appear  
screen display on your terminal screen, for example:  
NetLogin:  
Text represented as  
commands  
This typeface is used to represent commands that you  
enter, for example:  
print autolink.log  
Keys  
When specific keys are referred to in the text, they are called out  
by their labels, such as “the Return key” or “the Escape key,” or  
they may be shown as [Return] or [Esc].  
If two or more keys are to be pressed simultaneously, the keys  
are linked with a plus sign (+), for example:  
Press [Ctrl]+[Alt]+[Del].  
Table 2 Notice Icons  
Icon  
Type  
Description  
Information Note  
Information notes call attention to important features  
or instructions.  
Caution  
Cautions alert you to personal safety risk, system  
damage, or loss of data.  
Warning  
Warnings alert you to the risk of severe personal injury.  
 
         
INTRODUCTION  
1
The 3Comâ Fast EtherLinkâ Parallel Taskingâ 10/100BASE-T  
EISA adapter (3C597-TX) is a 32-bit adapter for use in personal  
computers with an Extended Industry Standard Architecture  
(EISA) computer bus.  
In this guide the adapter is referred to as the Fast EtherLink  
EISA adapter. It operates whether or not bus mastering is  
enabled.  
This adapter is a dual-speed adapter connected to an Ethernet  
network with a single RJ-45 connector over unshielded  
twisted-pair (UTP) cable. The adapter automatically senses the  
speed of the hub to which it is connected and switches to  
either 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps.  
When the adapter is connected to a hub that supports  
10BASE-T Ethernet (10 Mbps), it switches to a network  
speed of 10 Mbps.  
When the adapter is connected to a hub that supports  
100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps), it switches to a  
network speed of 100 Mbps.  
Adapter Features  
The Fast EtherLink EISA adapter provides the following  
features:  
Parallel Tasking architecture with bus mastering for high  
throughput and low processor utilization  
Automatic sensing of 10 or 100 Mbps network operation  
Automatic adapter recognition for computers running the  
Windowsâ 95 network operating system  
Single-slot, 32-bit half-card  
 
             
1-2  
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION  
Automatic EISA configuration without jumpers  
Three status LEDs  
Single shielded RJ-45 connector for use at either speed  
(Category 3, 4, or 5 UTP cabling for 10BASE-T Ethernet networks,  
and Category 5 UTP for 100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet networks)  
Diagnostic software and drivers on the 3C59X EtherDiskâ  
diskette  
The Fast EtherLink EISA adapter can be managed remotely  
with Transcendâ PC Link SmartAgentâ network management  
software. Driver agents for this adapter are provided on the  
3C59X EtherDisk diskette.  
The procedures described in this guide are shown in  
Figure 1-1.  
1
Install the adapter in an EISA slot.  
2
Use the EISA configuration utility  
to configure the adapter.  
3
Install network drivers.  
(NetWare or other)  
4
Troubleshoot the adapter.  
(optional)  
Figure 1-1 Procedure Overview  
 
       
INSTALLING THE HARDWARE  
2
This chapter describes how to install the Fast EtherLink EISA  
adapter in your computer and connect it to a network. An  
overview of these procedures is shown in Figure 2-1.  
1
Inspect the adapter.  
2
Install the boot PROM.  
(optional)  
3
Insert the adapter.  
4
Connect to the network.  
5
Go to Chapter 3,  
“Configuring the Adapter.”  
Figure 2-1 Hardware Installation Overview  
 
           
2-2  
CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE HARDWARE  
Inspecting the Adapter  
Before installing the adapter in your computer, you should  
visually inspect it for damage that might have occurred  
during shipment from the factory.  
CAUTION: Each adapter is packed in an antistatic container to  
protect it during shipment.To avoid damaging any static-  
sensitive components after removal from the container, be sure to  
reduce any static electricity on your person. One way to do this is  
to touch the metal chassis of your computer.You can maintain  
grounding by wearing a wrist strap attached to the chassis.  
1
Open the shipping container and carefully remove its contents.  
The package should contain the following items:  
3Com Fast EtherLink Parallel Tasking EISA 10/100BASE-T  
adapter  
Fast EtherLink Parallel Tasking EISA 10/100BASE-T Network  
Adapter User Guide  
3C59X EtherDisk diskette  
2
Verify that you have received all items listed above, and  
inspect each item for damage.  
If you find any omissions or damage, contact your network  
supplier and the carrier that delivered the package.  
Installing the Boot PROM  
The boot PROM is optional and can be purchased separately. If  
you are installing it onto the adapter, follow the instructions  
that accompanied the boot PROM.  
Inserting the Fast EtherLink EISA Adapter  
To insert the adapter into the computer, follow these steps:  
1
Unplug the computer and disconnect all cables that are  
connected to the main system unit.  
 
                   
Inserting the Fast EtherLink EISA Adapter  
2-3  
2
3
4
Remove all jewelry from your hands and wrists.  
Use only insulated or nonconductive tools.  
Remove the computer’s cover and select any of the  
available EISA expansion slots.  
5
Insert the adapter in the slot and secure the screw.  
If you have a computer with slots other than EISA slots, be sure  
to install the Fast EtherLink EISA adapter only in an EISA slot. It  
can be a bus master or a non-bus master slot. The Fast  
EtherLink EISA adapter provides better performance in a bus  
master slot. EISA slots are longer than PCI slots and deeper than  
ISA slots. Figure 2-2 compares the size of the slots in a computer  
that has PCI and EISA slots.  
The adapter backplate should be flush with the computer  
chassis. Be sure that the connector fingers of the adapter are  
completely seated in the slot.  
EISA slot  
PCI slot  
Figure 2-2 Computer with PCI and EISA Slots  
6
Replace the computer cover and reconnect all previously  
connected cables.  
If you are installing multiple Fast EtherLink EISA adapters in a  
computer, you must run the EISA configuration program  
after you install each adapter. See the discussions about  
installing multiple EISA adapters in Chapter 4.  
 
     
2-4  
CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE HARDWARE  
Confirming Adapter Installation  
If you are installing the 3C597 EISA adapter in a computer  
running Windows 95, you can confirm the adapter’s  
installation by following these steps:  
1
2
3
After starting Windows 95, double-click the My Computer icon.  
Double-click the Control Panel icon.  
Double-click the System icon.  
The System Properties box appears, detailing your system setup.  
4
5
Click the Device Manager tab.  
A list of devices appears, arranged by type.  
Click the Network Adapters tab.  
The name of the installed 3Com adapter appears, as shown  
below:  
3Com Fast EtherLink 10/100Mb Bus-Master EISA  
Ethernet Adapter  
This confirms the adapter’s installation.  
6
7
Double-click the adapter’s name to display a description of  
the adapter and its current status.  
The next dialog box confirms that the adapter is working  
properly.  
Click the Cancel button to leave each dialog box and return  
to the Control Panel.  
For on-line help information about any of the fields in the  
display boxes, click the question mark (?) in the upper right  
corner of the box, move the question mark cursor to the field  
of interest, and click again.  
 
     
Connecting to the Network  
2-5  
Connecting to the Network  
This section describes how to connect 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps  
network cables to the Fast EtherLink EISA adapter.  
You must connect the adapter to the network before loading  
drivers.  
The backplate of the Fast EtherLink EISA adapter contains one  
speed based on the type of hub to which it is connected.  
For 10BASE-T Ethernet networks, the Fast EtherLink EISA  
adapter uses Category 3, 4, or 5 unshielded twisted-pair (UTP)  
cable. For 100BASE-TX Ethernet networks the Fast EtherLink  
EISA adapter supports Category 5 UTP cabling. Refer to  
Appendix A for more information on cabling.  
Figure 2-3 shows the backplate of the Fast EtherLink EISA  
adapter with its RJ-45 connector.  
Three LEDs are located to the left of the RJ-45 connector.  
From left to right the LEDs are 100 Mbps, 10 Mbps, and ACT.  
Refer to Table 5-2 for a summary of LED functions.  
RJ-45  
ATC  
1
10  
connector  
L
N
K
Figure 2-3 Connecting Twisted-Pair Cable  
 
                     
2-6  
CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE HARDWARE  
The Fast EtherLink EISA adapter uses an on-board transceiver  
with twisted-pair cable. To establish a valid 10 Mbps  
connection, the cable must be connected to a 10BASE-T hub.  
To establish a valid 100 Mbps connection, the cable must be  
connected to a 100BASE-TX hub. Connect the network cable  
as follows:  
1
Make sure that the connector on your cable is wired  
appropriately for standard 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX  
adapter cards.  
The UTP wire pairs and pin definitions for 100BASE-TX are  
identical to those for 10BASE-T when used with Category 5  
UTP cable. The “straight-through” connection should be made  
from the Fast EtherLink EISA adapter through the cable and  
connectors to the hub. No crossover in the cable is required.  
Refer to Figure A-1 for RJ-45 connector pin assignments.  
2
Align the RJ-45 connector on the end of the twisted-pair  
cable with the notch on the adapter’s RJ-45 port and  
insert it into the RJ-45 port.  
The next step is to configure the adapter with the EISA  
configuration utility and the EtherDisk diskette configuration  
file. This is explained in Chapter 3, “Configuring the Adapter.”  
If you are running Windows 95, you can confirm the network  
connection by double-clicking the Network Neighborhood  
icon. The presence of the Entire Network icon in the display  
box confirms the network connection.  
 
 
Auto Select Media Type  
2-7  
Auto Select Media Type  
The Auto Select Media Type function is implemented by all  
drivers contained on the 3C59X EtherDisk diskette supplied  
with the 3C597-TX EISA adapter. This includes NetWare ODI  
drivers and NDIS 2.01 drivers. It also includes NDIS 3.0 drivers  
for Windows for Workgroups, Windows 95, and Windows NTä.  
The NDIS drivers function with 386 and later processors.  
If you have one of these drivers installed, as soon as you connect  
a network cable to the system, the Auto Select Media Type  
function will detect the type of cable making the connection  
and automatically select that media type. If you change the type  
of network cable connected to the adapter, you must reload the  
driver in order for the Auto Select Media Type function to detect  
the cable type.  
If the driver is unable to detect what type of cable is  
connected or whether there is any cable connected, the  
Auto Select Media Type function defaults to the type of  
connector that is stored internally in the EEPROM. The default  
setting for the 3C597-TX EISA adapter is 10BASE-T  
(twisted-pair).  
 
     
CONFIGURING THE ADAPTER  
3
This chapter explains how to configure the Fast EtherLink  
EISA adapter using the EISA configuration diskette that  
came with your computer and the EtherDisk diskette  
supplied with the adapter. The configuration process is  
shown in Figure 3-1.  
1
Configure the adapter using the  
EISA configuration utility.  
2
Copy the .CFG file from  
the EtherDisk diskette.  
3
Change software option settings.  
(optional)  
4
Go to Chapter 4,  
“Loading Network Drivers.”  
Figure 3-1 Adapter Configuration Overview  
 
             
3-2  
CHAPTER 3: CONFIGURING THE ADAPTER  
EtherDisk Diskette  
The EtherDisk diskette supplied with the Fast EtherLink EISA  
adapter contains the following:  
An adapter configuration (!TCM5970.CGF) file used by the  
EISA configuration utility on the EISA diskette  
The Configuration and Diagnostic Program for running  
diagnostics on the adapter and changing the Media Type,  
Network Driver Optimization, or Full Duplex settings (if desired)  
after initial configuration  
Adapter drivers and instructions for driver installation  
Configuring the Adapter  
You must run the EISA configuration utility program as part of  
the adapter configuration process.  
If your computer is running Windows 95, skip the next section  
and follow the instructions in the section “Using Windows 95.”  
If you are using a network operating system (NOS) other than  
Windows 95, follow the instructions in the next section.  
Using a NOS Other Than Windows 95  
To run the EISA configuration utility program, follow these  
steps:  
1
2
Insert the 3C597-TX EISA adapter in an EISA slot. (Refer to  
Chapter 2 for instructions.)  
Make sure the adapter is firmly inserted into the slot.  
Insert the EISA configuration diskette provided with your  
computer into the floppy drive.  
The EISA configuration diskette that came with your  
computer contains a utility program that automatically  
configures the EISA adapter.  
3
Turn on the power.  
 
           
Configuring the Adapter  
3-3  
4
Follow the on-line prompts and the instructions that  
accompanied your EISA computer and then run the EISA  
configuration utility.  
The sequence of configuration steps required for some EISA  
computers may vary from the steps explained here. Consult  
the EISA configuration utility manual provided by the  
manufacturer of your computer for more details.  
5
6
When the EISA configuration utility asks for a .CFG file to  
copy, remove the EISA configuration diskette.  
Insert the EtherDisk diskette and press [Enter].  
The configuration file !TCM5920.CFG is copied from the  
EtherDisk diskette.  
7
When the adapter has been successfully configured, follow  
the displayed instructions to save and exit the program.  
Then proceed to Chapter 4, “Loading Network Drivers.”  
Using Windows 95  
If you are running Windows 95, after installing the adapter run  
the EISA configuration utility program by following these steps:  
1
Turn on the computer.  
The computer will display a message notifying you that a  
new hardware device (the 3Com EtherLink III EISA adapter)  
has been detected.  
The message asks you to run the system (EISA) configuration  
utility.  
 
         
3-4  
CHAPTER 3: CONFIGURING THE ADAPTER  
2
Complete one of the following instructions:  
If your computer supplies this utility on its hard disk, follow  
the instructions displayed on the screen to run the utility.  
Alternatively, insert the EISA configuration utility diskette  
provided with your computer and follow the instructions  
displayed on the screen.  
3
When the adapter has been successfully configured,  
proceed to Chapter 4, “Loading Network Drivers.”  
Software Option Settings  
The EISA configuration utility automatically configures the  
following parameters on the Fast Ethernet EISA adapter:  
Slot Number/Port Address  
Interrupt Request Level  
Boot PROM Enable/Disable  
I/O Port Address  
If you need to change the factory-set Media Type, Network  
Driver Optimization, or Full Duplex (10 Mbps only) options, use  
the EtherDisk diskette Configuration and Diagnostic Program.  
Table 3-1 lists the default setting and the available settings.  
Refer to the on-line help (press [F1]) when each option is  
highlighted) for more information about each of the settings.  
When you run the EtherDisk diskette Configuration and  
Diagnostic Program to change software options, make sure  
that no network drivers or memory managers have been  
loaded. If you are using MS-DOSâ 6.0 or later, you can avoid  
loading the drivers by pressing [F5] as soon as you see the  
message “Loading MS-DOS.” If you are using a version of  
MS-DOS below 6.0, boot your computer from a DOS diskette.  
 
         
Software Option Settings  
3-5  
Table 3-1 Software Configuration Options  
Option  
Default Setting  
Available Settings  
Media Type  
Auto Select  
Normal  
Auto Select  
10BASE-T (RJ-45) (10 Mbps)  
100BASE-TX (100 Mbps)  
Network Driver Optimization  
Full Duplex  
Normal  
Minimized CPU Utilization  
Maximized Network Performance  
Disabled  
Enabled (10 Mbps only)  
Disabled  
Media Type  
Two media speeds and the Auto Select Media Type function  
are available, as shown in Table 3-1. Refer to the section  
“Auto Select Media Type” in Chapter 2 for information on this  
function.  
Network Driver Optimization  
This option specifies whether to optimize the network driver  
for a normal environment, minimized CPU utilization, or  
maximized network performance environment. You may  
choose to use a larger percentage of CPU resources under  
DOS in order to improve network throughput.  
In multitasking environments, choosing the  
Minimized CPU Utilization option saves the resources of  
the CPU for other tasks. If no other applications are making  
major demands on CPU resources, you may choose the  
Maximized Network Performance option.  
Full Duplex  
Full duplex refers to data communication sent and received at  
the same time. Full duplex operation is possible only in 10 Mbps  
operation when used in an environment where the switching  
hub supports it. Do not enable the Full Duplex option on the  
adapter unless your switching hub is set for full duplex.The  
adapter and the switching hub will not function unless they are  
set to the same setting.  
 
                     
3-6  
CHAPTER 3: CONFIGURING THE ADAPTER  
Changing the Settings  
To change the software option settings, follow these steps:  
1
Make sure the Fast EtherLink EISA adapter has been properly  
installed in your computer, as explained in Chapter 2,  
“Installing the Hardware.”  
CAUTION: If this computer is an operating server, notify all  
users of the server to save their work and log out from the  
network before you begin.The EtherDisk diskette Configuration  
and Diagnostic Program disrupts the normal operation of  
servers and workstations, so work that is not saved may be lost.  
2
3
Boot your computer under DOS, version 3.1 or later.  
Place the EtherDisk diskette in a floppy drive on your  
computer and make that drive the active drive. For example:  
A: [Enter]  
4
5
At the prompt, type:  
INSTALL [Enter]  
The first time you use the EtherDisk diskette, a license screen  
appears. To accept the terms and conditions of the 3Com  
end-user software license agreement, type the following:  
Y
6
7
When the Auto Installation screen appears, as shown in  
Figure 3-2, press [Enter].  
When the main menu appears with a list of options, as  
shown in Figure 3-3, select Configuration/Diagnostic/  
Troubleshooting.  
8
When the Configuration and Diagnostic screen appears,  
select Configuration and Diagnostic Program.  
 
     
Software Option Settings  
3-7  
EtherDisk-3C59X Fast EtherLink/EtherLink III Bus Master Adapter Family v.X.X  
ESC=Cancel  
3Com's auto installation software (AutoLink) automatically configures your  
adapter and workstation for use as a NetWare client. To use AutoLink:  
* Have only one 3Com EISA Bus Master adapter installed  
* Use NetWare v2.X, v3.1X, or v4.X as your network operating system  
* Have DOS on the client being installed  
AutoLink edits your AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files and saves the old  
versions. Select General Information/Release Notes in the main menu for  
information on AutoLink server support. To manually set up your adapter  
or for information/drivers for other NOSs, use the options under Standard  
Installation and Configuration in the main menu.  
(C) Copyright 1995, 3Com Corporation. All Rights Reserved  
[ENTER]=Continue  
[ESC]=Exit Program  
Figure 3-2 Auto Installation Screen  
EtherDisk-3C59X Fast EtherLink/EtherLink III Bus Master Adapter Family v.X.X  
ESC=Cancel  
F1=Help  
MAIN  
MENU  
Auto Installation with Configuration (AutoLink)  
NetWare DOS ODI Client  
Standard Installation and Configuration  
Network Drivers ...  
Configuration/Diagnostic/Troubleshooting ...  
General Information/Release Notes  
Program & information for configuring/testing/troubleshooting adapters  
(C) Copyright 1995, 3Com Corporation. All Rights Reserved  
[ENTER]=Execute Function  
[
•¯]=Scroll  
[F1]=Help [ESC]=<Cancel>  
Figure 3-3 Main Menu  
 
       
3-8  
CHAPTER 3: CONFIGURING THE ADAPTER  
9
If you have multiple adapters installed, as shown in Figure 3-4,  
use the arrow keys to select the desired adapter and press  
[Enter].  
The Fast EtherLink EISA adapter is referred to on this screen by  
the product number 3C597-TX.  
10 If you have a single adapter installed, the Configure Adapter  
option appears already highlighted on the Install pull-down  
menu. Press [Enter].  
A screen similar to the one shown in Figure 3-5 appears.  
In the value set for the I/O Port Address parameter, the 1000  
indicates slot number 1. A setting of 2000 would mean slot  
number 2; 3000, slot number 3, and so forth.  
11 Press [Tab] to highlight the main dialog box, and use the arrow  
keys to highlight one of the parameter options. Press [Enter].  
A second dialog box appears.  
The Boot PROM, I/O Port Address, and Interrupt Level parameters  
are for information only.To change them, you must use the EISA  
configuration utility that came with your computer.  
12 Use the arrow keys to scroll through the list of settings for  
that option. Select a setting and press [Enter].  
13 Continue this procedure with any of the other options.  
Refer to the on-line help (press [F1] when the option is  
highlighted) for more information about each of the settings.  
14 Press [Tab] to highlight OK. Press [Enter].  
You must highlight OK and press [Enter] to save the settings. If you  
want to use the same settings on other adapters, you can save the  
configuration settings to a file. Select Save under File Options in  
the Adapter Configuration dialog box. For example, type:  
D:\CONFIG\3C597.SET  
This saves the settings to the 3C597.SET file in the CONFIG  
directory in drive D. Refer to the on-line help (press [F1]) for  
more information.  
 
           
Software Option Settings  
3-9  
Configuration and Diagnostic Program  
View Select  
Quit  
Install Test  
F1=Help  
Select Adapter  
Installed Adapters  
3Com 3C597-TX in Slot 2: Node Address = 0060BC001358  
3Com 3C597-TX in Slot 3: Node Address = 0060BC001368  
Select the adapter to be configured and/or tested.  
Select  
Cancel  
(C) Copyright 1995, 3Com Corporation. All Rights Reserved  
[ENTER]=<Select>  
[Alt]+<Highlighted Key>=Execute Function [•¯]=Scroll  
[TAB]=Next Field [SHIFT+TAB]=Previous Field [F1]=Help [ESC]=<Quit>  
Figure 3-4 Multiple Adapter Option Configuration  
Configuration and Diagnostic Program  
Quit  
Install Test  
View  
Select  
F1=Help  
Adapter Configuration  
Adapter Configuration  
Network Driver Optimization  
Full Duplex  
Boot PROM  
Media Type  
I/O Port Address  
Interrupt Level  
Normal  
Disabled  
Disabled (EISA)  
Auto Select  
1000h (EISA)  
5 (EISA)  
Auto Configure  
Modify  
File Options  
OK  
Cancel  
(C) Copyright 1995, 3Com Corporation. All Rights Reserved  
[ENTER]=<Auto Configure> Automatically Configures the Adapter  
[Alt]+<Highlighted Key>=Execute Function  
[TAB]=Next Field [SHIFT+TAB]=Previous Field [F1]=Help [ESC]=Cancel  
Figure 3-5 Changing Adapter Options  
 
       
LOADING NETWORK  
DRIVERS  
4
This chapter describes how to load the network driver required  
to let the Fast EtherLink EISA adapter operate with your  
network operating system. Figure 4-1 shows an overview of  
these procedures.  
1
Locate network drivers.  
2
Access DOS.  
3
Load the drivers.  
NetWare  
Windows 95 Non-NetWare  
(Client/server)  
(NDIS or other)  
Figure 4-1 Overview of Loading Network Drivers  
If you are using Novellâ NetWareâ 2.x, 3.1x, or 4.x, you can  
use 3Com’s AutoLinkä auto installation feature, which  
automatically loads all the NetWare DOS ODI client software,  
including drivers. Follow the instructions in the section  
“Loading NetWare ODI Drivers.”  
If you are running Windows 95, you must import the driver  
from the EtherDisk diskette. Follow the instructions in the  
section “Loading Windows 95 Drivers” later in this chapter.  
If you are running any other network operating system,  
follow the driver loading instructions in the section “Loading  
Non-NetWare Drivers” later in this chapter.  
 
     
4-2  
CHAPTER 4: LOADING NETWORK DRIVERS  
Locating the Network Drivers  
The 3C59X EtherDisk diskette contains the latest versions of the  
network drivers available when 3Com shipped the adapter.  
The diskette also contains other important information about  
the adapter.  
The drivers on the 3C59X EtherDisk diskette are compatible  
with bus master adapters such as the Fast EtherLink EISA  
10/100BASE-T (3C597-TX) adapter, Fast EtherLink PCI  
10/100BASE-T (3C595) adapter, EtherLink III PCI 10 Mbps  
(3C590) adapter, and EtherLink III EISA 10 Mbps adapter  
(3C592). The 3C59X driver is not compatible with non-bus  
mastering 3Com adapters (for example, 3C509B). The latest  
version of the EtherDisk diskette is available on 3Com’s  
Bulletin Board Service (BBS). For information on accessing the  
BBS, refer to Appendix B, Technical Support.”  
To obtain NOS drivers not included on the 3C59X EtherDisk  
diskette, access Document 9071 in 3Com’s 3ComFactsâ fax  
service. Document 9071 provides a list of available drivers  
and drivers in development along with information on where  
these drivers can be obtained.  
Accessing DOS  
When a computer is first turned on, it loads its operating  
system (such as DOS) into memory. In some computers, an  
additional user interface, such as Windows 3.x, is also loaded.  
The operating system and user interface allow you to  
communicate with the computer.  
The 3Com program for installing drivers is a DOS-based  
program that loads drivers and modifies parameters for the  
adapter. It must be executed at the DOS command prompt.  
If you have an operating interface other than DOS, you must  
exit from that interface before running the 3Com program.  
 
 
Loading NetWare ODI Drivers  
4-3  
Table 4-1 describes how to access DOS from various operating  
systems.  
Table 4-1 Accessing DOS from Other Operating  
Systems  
Operating System Procedure  
OS/2  
1 Boot your computer from a plain DOS diskette.  
2 Type installat the DOS command prompt to  
run the 3Com install program.  
Windows 3.x  
1 Exit Windows completely (select File, Exit  
Windows, OK).  
2 Type installat the DOS command prompt to  
run the 3Com install program.  
Windows 95  
1 Turn on your computer.  
2 Press the F4 key as soon as you see this message:  
Starting Windows 95  
3 Type installat the DOS command prompt to  
run the 3Com install program.  
Loading NetWare ODI Drivers  
This section describes the following conditions under which you  
can use NetWare drivers:  
One EISA adapter in a client  
Multiple EISA adapters in a client  
One EISA adapter in a server  
Multiple EISA adapters in a server  
One EISA Adapter in a Client  
This section explains how to use the AutoLink auto installation  
program on the 3C59X EtherDisk diskette to load a NetWare  
DOS ODI driver (3C59X.COM). This procedure automatically  
installs all necessary NetWare DOS ODI client software, modifies  
the CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files for NetWare users, logs  
on to the server, and updates the client software if your system  
administrator has already configured a 3Install account on your  
server.  
 
   
4-4  
CHAPTER 4: LOADING NETWORK DRIVERS  
If no 3Install account exists, the drivers will be loaded from the  
diskette (rather than from the server), and they may not be the  
most current versions. Instructions for configuring a 3Install  
account are contained in the README.TXT file located in the  
QINSTALL\SERVER directory on the 3C59X EtherDisk diskette.  
DOS ODI client drivers that support the 3Com EISA adapter  
support shared interrupts. However, since there is no industry  
standard to support shared interrupts, other adapters may  
support them differently, or not at all. If another EISA adapter  
does not support shared interrupts, contact its manufacturer  
for a shared interrupt driver.  
AutoLink Requirements  
To use the AutoLink program, your system must meet the  
following requirements:  
Your network operating system must be Novell NetWare 2.x,  
3.1x, or 4.x.  
Your computer must have only one Fast EtherLink EISA adapter  
installed in it.  
Your computer must be intended for use as a NetWare DOS  
ODI client.  
If this does not describe your network environment, refer to  
the appropriate section later in this chapter.  
AutoLink Installation  
To use the AutoLink program to install NetWare DOS ODI client  
software on a PC with a single adapter, complete the  
following steps.  
You can use the AUTOLINK.CFG file to modify the AutoLink  
process. The AUTOLINK.CFG file in the root directory contains  
default settings and descriptions of other control parameters.  
1
Make sure that you have booted the computer under DOS,  
version 3.1 or later, and that your computer is connected to  
the network (refer to the section “Connecting to the  
Network” in Chapter 2).  
 
   
Loading NetWare ODI Drivers  
4-5  
2
3
Insert the 3C59X EtherDisk diskette in a floppy drive on  
your computer and make that drive the current drive.  
For example, if the diskette is in drive A, type the following  
command:  
A: [Enter]  
At the prompt, type:  
INSTALL [Enter]  
Alternatively, at the prompt, type:  
AUTOLINK [Enter]  
If you type AUTOLINK instead of INSTALL, you will bypass the  
EtherDisk diskette menu program (skipping steps 5 and 6)  
and advance to step 7.  
4
The first time you use the diskette to install an adapter, a  
license screen appears. To accept the terms and conditions  
of the 3Com end-user software license agreement, type  
the following:  
Y
To view the full text of the license agreement, press [F1].  
Once you have agreed to the terms and conditions of the  
3Com license agreement, the license information screen will  
not appear again.  
The Auto Installation Information screen appears, as shown in  
Figure 4-2.  
5
6
Read the screen and press [Enter].  
When the main menu screen shown in Figure 4-3 appears,  
select NetWare DOS ODI Client, and press [Enter].  
Auto installation takes a few minutes.The AutoLink program  
makes changes to your AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files.  
Several messages appear while the program is running. A final  
message indicating successful installation appears.  
 
4-6  
CHAPTER 4: LOADING NETWORK DRIVERS  
EtherDisk-3C59X Fast EtherLink/EtherLink III Bus Master Adapter Family v.X.X  
ESC=Cancel  
3Com's auto installation software (AutoLink) automatically configures your  
adapter and workstation for use as a NetWare client. To use AutoLink:  
* Have only one 3Com Bus Master adapter installed  
* Use NetWare v2.X, v3.1X, or v4.X as your network operating system  
* Have DOS on the client being installed  
AutoLink edits your AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files and saves the old  
versions. Select General Information/Release Notes in the main menu for  
information on AutoLink server support. To manually set up your adapter  
or for information/drivers for other NOSs, use the options under Standard  
Installation and Configuration in the main menu.  
(C) Copyright 1995, 3Com Corporation. All Rights Reserved  
[ENTER]=Continue  
[ESC]=Exit Program  
Figure 4-2 Auto Installation Information Screen  
EtherDisk-3C59X Fast EtherLink/EtherLink III Bus Master Adapter Family v.X.X  
ESC=Cancel F1=Help  
MAIN  
MENU  
Auto Installation with Configuration (AutoLink)  
NetWare DOS ODI Client  
Standard Installation and Configuration  
Network Drivers ...  
Configuration/Diagnostic/Troubleshooting ...  
General Information/Release Notes  
Program & information for configuring/testing/troubleshooting adapters  
(C) Copyright 1995, 3Com Corporation. All Rights Reserved  
[ENTER]=Execute Function  
[
•¯]=Scroll  
[F1]=Help [ESC]=<Cancel>  
Figure 4-3 Main Menu  
 
   
Loading NetWare ODI Drivers  
4-7  
If you experience problems that occur only when using the  
AutoLink program, display or print the AUTOLINK.LOG file.  
The AUTOLINK.LOG file contains a log of all the events that  
occurred during the AutoLink installation and configuration  
process.  
a To display the file, type:  
type autolink.log | more  
b To print the file, type:  
print autolink.log  
7
When the auto installation process is finished, remove the  
diskette and reboot the computer.  
When you do this, the computer will boot as a NetWare  
DOS ODI client.  
This concludes the procedure for installing a single adapter in  
a NetWare DOS ODI client using the AutoLink feature.  
Multiple EISA Adapters in a Client  
You can install multiple EISA adapters when you initially set up  
your EISA computer, or you can add a second EISA adapter to a  
computer in which a single adapter was previously installed. In  
either case, you must run the EISA configuration program as an  
integral part of the EISA adapter installation procedure.  
multiple protocols. For information on running multiple  
protocols, refer to the documentation accompanying your  
operating system.  
Before proceeding, make sure you know the adapters’ slot  
numbers. Refer to the next section, “Finding the Adapter’s  
Slot Number.”  
You must use the adapter’s slot number when installing one  
or more adapters in a client.You must use the adapter’s port  
address when installing one or more adapters in a server.  
 
4-8  
CHAPTER 4: LOADING NETWORK DRIVERS  
If you are running NetWare and you need to install multiple  
3C597-TX Fast EtherLink EISA adapters in an EISA-compliant  
computer, follow these steps to install the NetWare ODI client  
driver:  
1
2
3
Make sure your computer is turned off. Install the first adapter.  
Connect the network cable to the adapter.  
Insert the EISA configuration utility diskette and turn on  
the computer.  
4
5
Run the EISA configuration program.  
When the program has finished:  
a Save the configuration.  
b Remove the EISA configuration diskette and exit the  
program.  
c
Restart the computer.  
6
7
Insert the EtherDisk diskette and run the AutoLink program.  
Refer to the sections “AutoLink Requirements” and “AutoLink  
Installation” earlier in this chapter for instructions.  
When the AutoLink installation is complete, remove the  
diskette, reboot the computer, and physically connect it to  
the server if you have not already done so.  
8
9
Turn off the computer, install the second adapter, and  
connect the network cable to the adapter.  
Insert the EISA configuration utility diskette and turn on  
the computer.  
10 Run the EISA configuration program.  
11 When the program has finished:  
a Save the configuration.  
 
Loading NetWare ODI Drivers  
4-9  
b Remove the EISA configuration diskette and exit the  
program.  
c
Restart the computer.  
12 Access the C:\NWCLIENT subdirectory.  
13 Edit the NET.CFG file, which is in the NWCLIENT  
subdirectory, as follows:  
a In the LINK DRIVER 3C59X section of the NET.CFG file, add  
the following:  
Slot 3  
FRAME ETHERNET_802.2  
b Repeat step 13a for the second adapter:  
Slot 5  
FRAME ETHERNET_II  
The slot numbers shown above are examples; yours may  
be different.  
Each frame type must be different, as shown in the previous  
examples. Refer to Novell’s DOS ODI client manual for  
information on the frame types to use.  
14 Reboot the computer.  
Finding the Adapters Slot Number  
When working in a NetWare environment with multiple  
adapters in a client computer, you must know each adapter’s  
slot number. To find an adapter’s slot number after inserting  
the adapters, follow these steps.  
1
Access the main menu on the EtherDisk diskette.  
a Boot the computer under DOS.  
b Insert the EtherDisk diskette in a floppy drive and make  
that drive the active one.  
c
At the prompt, type:  
INSTALL [Enter]  
The main menu appears.  
 
 
4-10  
CHAPTER 4: LOADING NETWORK DRIVERS  
2
3
Select Configuration/Diagnostic/Troubleshooting, and  
press [Enter].  
In the next screen, select Configuration and Diagnostic  
Program, and press [Enter].  
The next screen lists the installed adapters. Write down their  
slot numbers.  
4
Exit the program.  
If you are using an ODI driver with multiple adapters already  
installed and you have not updated the NET.CFG file, specify  
which adapter you want the driver to recognize by adding  
the slot number to the NET.CFG file using the SLOT XXXX  
parameter, where XXXX is the slot number.  
One EISA Adapter in a Server  
If you are running NetWare and have installed a single adapter in  
an EISA computer that is functioning as a server, follow the  
instructions in this section to install the NetWare 4.x server driver.  
The 3C59X EtherDisk diskette contains a NetWare 4.x server  
driver (3C59X.LAN) and the NetWare Loadable Modules  
(NLMs) that enable the NetWare 4.x driver to be used with  
NetWare 3.11, 3.12, or 4.0x software. These files are found in  
the \NETWARE\SERVER subdirectory.  
NetWare Driver Installation  
To install the 4.x server driver, follow these steps:  
1
Copy the contents of the appropriate \NETWARE\SERVER  
subdirectory to the boot partition of the server‘s hard disk.  
The 3C59X EtherDisk diskette contains the NetWare 4.x server  
driver and the NetWare Loadable Modules (NLMs) that  
enable the NetWare 4.x driver to be used with NetWare 3.11,  
3.12, 4.0x, or 4.1 software.  
 
Loading NetWare ODI Drivers  
4-11  
For complete details on loading the NetWare 4.x server driver  
for your NetWare version, refer to the readme files, which are  
in the \NETWARE\SERVER subdirectory on the EtherDisk  
diskette. The readme files are named as shown below:  
README.40X  
README.41  
README.311  
README.312  
2
When you start the server, enter the following commands:  
For NetWare 3.11:  
load C:LSLENH.NLM [Enter]  
load C:3C59X.LAN PORT=XXXX [Enter]  
bind ipx to 3C59x net=XXXX [Enter]  
For NetWare 3.12, 4.0x, or 4.x:  
load C:3C59X.LAN PORT=XXXX [Enter]  
bind ipx to 3C59x net=XXXX [Enter]  
where XXXX is the adapter’s port address. (To determine the  
port address, multiply the slot number by 1000 hex. If the  
adapter is installed in slot number three, for example,  
multiply 3 by 1000 hex = 3000 hex.)  
If the load sequence above is not followed, the system will  
not operate correctly.  
When running the 3C59X.LAN driver with NetWare 3.11, you  
must update the MONITOR.NLM file that accompanied  
NetWare 3.11 with the MONITOR.NLM file from Novell. For the  
latest NLMs, contact Novell.  
Multiple EISA Adapters in a Server  
If you are running NetWare and have installed multiple  
adapters in an EISA computer that is functioning as a server,  
follow the instructions in this section to install the NetWare 4.x  
server driver.  
 
4-12  
CHAPTER 4: LOADING NETWORK DRIVERS  
The 3C59X EtherDisk diskette contains a NetWare 4.x server  
driver (3C59X.LAN) and the NetWare Loadable Modules  
(NLMs) that enable the NetWare 4.x driver to be used with  
NetWare 3.11, 3.12, or 4.0x software. These files are found in  
the \NETWARE\SERVER subdirectory.  
Finding the Adapters Port Address for Multiple  
Adapters  
You must use the adapter’s port address when installing one  
or more adapters in a server. You must use the adapter’s slot  
number when installing one or more adapters in a client.  
To find the appropriate adapter’s port address when  
installing more than one adapter in a NetWare server, follow  
these steps.  
1
Access the main menu on the EtherDisk diskette.  
a Boot the computer under DOS.  
b Insert the EtherDisk diskette in a floppy drive and make  
that drive the active one.  
c
At the prompt, type:  
INSTALL [Enter]  
The main menu appears.  
2
3
Select Configuration/Diagnostic/Troubleshooting, and  
press [Enter].  
In the next screen, select Configuration and Diagnostic  
Program, and press [Enter].  
If multiple adapters have been installed, the screen that  
appears will list them.  
4
5
Select the adapter whose port address you want.  
Select View in the menu bar, and press [Enter].  
The screen that appears contains the desired I/O port  
address. Make a note of the address.  
 
 
Loading NetWare ODI Drivers  
4-13  
6
7
Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each adapter.  
Exit the program.  
NetWare Driver Installation  
To install the 4.x server driver, follow these steps:  
1
2
Copy the contents of the appropriate \NETWARE  
subdirectory to the boot partition of the server‘s hard disk.  
When you start the server, enter the following commands:  
For NetWare 3.11:  
load C:LSLENH.NLM [Enter]  
load C:3C59X.LAN PORT=XXXX NAME=X [Enter]  
load C:3C59X.LAN PORT=XXXX NAME=Y [Enter]  
bind ipx to X net=XXXX [Enter]  
bind ipx to Y net=XXXX [Enter]  
For NetWare 3.12, 4.0, or 4.0x:  
load C:3C59X.LAN PORT=XXXX NAME=X [Enter]  
load C:3C59X.LAN PORT=XXXX NAME=Y [Enter]  
bind ipx to X net=XXXX [Enter]  
bind ipx to Y net=XXXX [Enter]  
where XXXX is the adapter’s port address. (To determine the  
port address, refer to the previous section, “Finding the  
Adapter’s Port Address for Multiple Adapters.”) The NAME=X  
and NAME=Y parameters that you assign help distinguish the  
multiple adapters.  
If the load sequence is not followed, the system will not  
operate correctly. Make sure that the PORT XXXX parameter  
is entered for all adapters.  
When running the 3C59X.LAN driver with NetWare 3.11, you  
must update the MONITOR.NLM file that accompanied  
NetWare 3.11 with the MONITOR.NLM file from Novell.  
For the latest NLMs, contact Novell.  
This concludes the procedure for installing multiple adapters  
in an EISA computer functioning as a server.  
 
4-14  
CHAPTER 4: LOADING NETWORK DRIVERS  
Loading Windows 95 Drivers  
If you have Windows 95 running on your computer, you must  
load the driver from the EtherDisk diskette. Follow these steps:  
1
After inserting the Fast EtherLink EISA adapter, connecting  
it to the network, and running the configuration utility  
program, reboot your computer.  
Windows 95 will notify you that new hardware has been  
found and is located in slot number “X.”  
2
Select the following option when prompted to select the  
driver you want to install for your new hardware:  
Driver from disk by hardware manufacturer  
3
4
Click OK.  
You are prompted to insert the manufacturer’s disk into  
the drive selected:  
a Insert the EtherDisk diskette.  
b In the panel at the bottom of the dialog box, type the drive  
name and filename from which Windows 95 should copy  
the manufacturer’s files.  
(An information file on the diskette tells Windows 95  
where to find the information it needs, for example A:\.)  
5
Click OK.  
This imports the driver from the EtherDisk diskette.  
For on-line help information about any of the fields in the  
Windows 95 display boxes, click the question mark (?) in  
the upper right corner of the box, move the question mark  
cursor to the field of interest, and click again.  
Loading Non-NetWare Drivers  
To load other types of network drivers, follow these steps:  
1
Refer to the section “AutoLink Installation” earlier in this  
chapter for directions on accessing the main menu.  
 
   
Loading Non-NetWare Drivers  
4-15  
2
3
Select Network Drivers in the main menu.  
Select the appropriate driver for your network operating  
system from the menu choices.  
The menu program copies the selected driver to a specified  
disk drive directory.  
4
Refer to the on-line readme files on the 3C59X EtherDisk  
diskette for information about working in other network  
operating systems. Refer also to your network operating  
system manuals for additional information.  
NDIS Drivers  
If you have installed NDIS drivers (for running Microsoftâ LAN  
Manager or IBMâ LAN Server, for example), you must change  
the SLOT line in the PROTOCOL.INI file.The file is located on the  
startup diskette or the hard drive.The 3C59X EtherDisk diskette  
contains a sample PROTOCOL.INI file in the directory NDIS\DOS.  
To install a second adapter in Windows NT, do not change the  
PROTOCOL.INI file. Instead, repeat the procedure used to  
install the first adapter.  
The 3C59X EtherDisk diskette can be used as an OEM import  
diskette for Windows for Workgroups and Windows NT. The  
path to the OEM files should point to \NDIS\WFW or  
\NDIS\WINNT35, respectively.  
The NDIS drivers are as follows:  
NDIS 2.0x  
EL59X.DOS  
EL59X.OS2  
NDIS 3.0x  
Windows for Workgroups  
Windows NT, version 3.5  
Windows 95  
EL59X.386  
EL59X.SYS  
EL59X.VXD  
 
4-16  
CHAPTER 4: LOADING NETWORK DRIVERS  
Additional Drivers  
Contact your 3Com reseller for information on UNIXâ or  
other drivers.  
Transcend PC Link SmartAgent Driver Agents  
3Com’s SmartAgent driver agents, which provide network  
management capabilities for adapters and PCs, are available  
with Transcend PC Link SmartAgent software or from 3Com’s  
bulletin board service (BBS). (For information on 3Com‘s BBS,  
refer to Appendix B, “Technical Support.”) The driver agents  
occupy less than 6 KB on client PCs.They are fully SNMP-  
compliant when used with SmartAgent SoftHubâ/DOS or  
SoftHub/NLM software, one copy of which is included with each  
copy of Transcend PC Link SmartAgent and Transcend  
WorkGroup Manager software.  
For more information on WorkGroup Manager software,  
contact your authorized 3Com representative.  
Desktop Management Interface  
3Com’s support of the Desktop Management Interface (DMI)  
makes the management of PCs and Fast EtherLink EISA  
adapters easier. Support of DMI allows any DMI-compatible  
management application to access 3Com adapter information.  
3Com’s SmartAgent driver agents take full advantage of the  
Management Information File (MIF) included with the DMI  
software. DMI supports NetWare ODI DOS and NDIS DOS drivers.  
For information about DMI software and instructions on how  
to install it, access 3Com’s BBS, as described in Appendix B.  
 
PERFORMING  
TROUBLESHOOTING AND  
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS  
5
This chapter explains how to isolate and solve Fast EtherLink  
EISA adapter problems.  
Make sure that the adapter is correctly installed and  
configured in a computer with the Extended Industry  
Standard Architecture (EISA) bus.  
Figure 5-1 illustrates how the procedures in this chapter  
might be used.  
1
Access DOS.  
2
Start the diagnostic program.  
3
Configure the diagnostic tests.  
(optional)  
4
Run the diagnostic tests.  
5
Resolve problems.  
(if required)  
6
Call technical support if  
problems persist.  
Figure 5-1 Troubleshooting Overview  
 
         
5-2  
CHAPTER 5: PERFORMING TROUBLESHOOTING AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTS  
The 3Com diagnostic program is a DOS program. If you are  
running an operating system or interface other than DOS,  
refer to the section “Accessing DOS” in Chapter 4.  
Diagnostic Tests Overview  
The diagnostic tests on the 3C59X EtherDisk diskette check the  
adapter’s overall operation and permit the isolation of faults.  
You can run the diagnostic tests at any time after installing the  
Fast EtherLink EISA adapter to verify installation, or you can run  
them when a fault is suspected. You can change the test  
setup to meet specific situations, as described in the section  
“Changing the Test Setup” later in this chapter.  
Before Running the Tests  
When the DOS operating system first loads, it executes the  
AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files. These files are  
user-definable files that set up the computer environment.  
These files may also load memory managers and drivers into  
memory.  
If you are using DOS 6.x in a plain DOS environment, you can  
bypass the CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files by holding  
down the right [Shift] key while starting the computer. If you  
are running under DOS 6.2, pressing [F5] while starting the  
computer will also bypass the same two files.  
Always run diagnostic tests with no device drivers or memory  
managers (EMM386.EXE and HIMEM.SYS) installed.  
Whenever you plan to run the diagnostic tests, you must first  
start your computer from a DOS diskette containing no device  
drivers, or you must exit to DOS if you have an operating  
system other than DOS. (Refer to the section “Accessing DOS”  
in Chapter 4.)  
After performing the diagnostic tests, you should reboot  
your computer.  
 
       
Starting the Diagnostic Program  
5-3  
Types of Tests  
The diagnostic tests are divided into the following groups.  
The Group 1 tests (default) check the physical components  
and circuitry on the adapter.  
The Group 2 test (Network Loopback Test) is not used on  
twisted-pair adapters such as the Fast EtherLink EISA adapter.  
The Group 3 test (Echo Exchange Test) tests the adapter’s  
ability to transmit and receive data while on the network.  
If you run the diagnostic tests successfully, you rule out a  
hardware failure on the computer. If the adapter passes all  
the tests and there still appears to be a problem, look at  
cabling, software, and other issues that affect functionality on  
the network.  
Starting the Diagnostic Program  
To access the 3C59X EtherDisk diskette Configuration and  
Diagnostic Program, follow these steps:  
1
After you have installed the Fast EtherLink EISA adapter in  
your computer, as explained in Chapter 2, boot your  
computer under DOS, version 3.1 or later.  
If you are running Windows 95, reboot the computer and  
press [F4] when you see the message:  
Starting Windows 95  
2
3
Insert the EtherDisk diskette in a floppy drive and make that  
drive the active drive. For example:  
A: [Enter]  
At the prompt, type:  
INSTALL [Enter]  
 
               
5-4  
CHAPTER 5: PERFORMING TROUBLESHOOTING AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTS  
4
The first time you use the EtherDisk diskette, a license screen  
appears. To accept the terms and conditions of the 3Com  
end-user software license agreement, type the following:  
Y
5
6
7
When the auto installation screen appears, as shown in  
Figure 3-2, press [Enter].  
When the main menu appears, select Configuration/  
Diagnostic/Troubleshooting and press [Enter].  
When the Configuration and Diagnostic screen appears, select  
Configuration and Diagnostic Program, and press [Enter].  
If you are testing multiple adapters, a screen displaying  
descriptions of each installed adapter appears. Highlight the  
adapter you want to test and press [Enter]. A screen appears,  
showing the selected adapter.  
8
Continue with the instructions given in the section  
“Running the Group 1 Tests.”  
Command Line Access  
You can also run the tests from the command line. At the  
system prompt, type:  
3C59XCFG RUN  
Running the Group 1 Tests  
To run the Group 1 tests, follow these steps:  
1
2
Under the Test pull-down menu, select Run Tests. Press [Enter].  
The Run dialog box appears, with the Start button highlighted.  
Press [Enter] to start the tests.  
Group 1 tests run ten times unless you specify otherwise. The  
test results are displayed on the screen in the Results column.  
 
             
Starting the Diagnostic Program  
5-5  
To run the tests continuously, go to the Repetitions box on  
the Test Setup screen, and select Continuous (and deselect  
Halt on Error in the Errors box).  
The Group 1 tests include:  
Register Access Test  
EEPROM Test  
FIFO Loopback Test  
Ethernet Core Loopback Test  
Encoder/Decoder Loopback Test  
Interrupt Test  
For a description of each Group 1 test, access help by  
pressing [F1].  
Running the Group 3 Test  
The Group 3 test is called the Echo Exchange Test. It tests the  
adapter’s ability to transmit and receive data while on the  
network.  
CAUTION: Running the Group 3 test while connected to an  
active network can cause intermittent failures. To avoid this,  
connect to an inactive network on which only the computer  
being tested and the echo server are operating.  
To run the Group 3 test on the network, you need a second  
computer set up as an echo server. The echo server receives  
packets from the adapter being tested and echoes them  
back to the adapter.  
The second computer must contain a 3Com adapter running  
at the same speed as the Fast EtherLink EISA adapter  
(10 Mbps or 100 Mbps).  
 
                     
5-6  
CHAPTER 5: PERFORMING TROUBLESHOOTING AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTS  
Setting Up an Echo Server  
To test 10 Mbps operation of the Fast EtherLink EISA adapter,  
use a computer as an echo server that contains a 3Com  
10 Mbps adapter or another Fast EtherLink EISA adapter  
running at 10 Mbps.  
To use this test for 100 Mbps operation of the Fast EtherLink  
EISA adapter, use another 3Com Fast EtherLink adapter  
operating at 100 Mbps in the computer being used as the  
echo server.  
In either case, select Echo Server under the Test menu, and  
click the Start button to make the computer an echo server.  
If you are setting up an echo server on a computer with a  
10 Mbps 3Com Ethernet EISA adapter other than a Fast  
EtherLink EISA adapter, follow these steps:  
1
2
Select a computer to use as an echo server.  
Insert the EtherDisk diskette for the installed adapter in a  
floppy drive.  
The EtherDisk diskette that accompanied the adapter  
contains the diagnostic program.  
3
Start the diagnostic program on the echo server.  
The diagnostic program that you use depends upon the  
adapter board that is installed in the echo server. After the  
system prompt of the drive containing the Configuration and  
Diagnostic Program, enter the name of the program (3CXXX),  
as indicated in Table 5-1.  
The diagnostic programs listed come on the EtherDisk  
diskette that accompanied the adapter.  
4
Select Echo Server Setup on the main menu.  
The program notifies you that your computer is now set up  
as an echo server.  
 
     
Starting the Diagnostic Program  
5-7  
Table 5-1 Non-Bus Master Adapter and Diagnostic Program Names  
Diagnostic Program Name Adapter  
3C503  
EtherLink IIâ or II TP  
EtherLink II/16 or II/16 TP  
3C505  
EtherLink Plusâ  
3C507  
EtherLink 16 or EtherLink 16 TP  
EtherLink III family  
3C5X9CFG  
3C523  
EtherLink/MC  
3C523TP  
3C527  
EtherLink/MC TP  
EtherLink/MC 32  
3C59XCFG.EXE  
EtherLink III EISA, EtherLink III PCI,  
Fast EtherLink PCI, and Fast EtherLink EISA  
Starting the Group 3 Test  
To run the Group 3 test on a Fast EtherLink EISA adapter,  
follow these steps:  
1
Start the Configuration and Diagnostic Program.  
This program must be on the computer containing the  
adapter you want to test.  
2
3
4
5
6
Select Test Setup from the Test menu.  
Select Group 3 from the Group Select box.  
Enable the Group 3 test by selecting the Enable Group button.  
Select OK and press [Enter].  
Go to the Run Tests dialog box and select Start to start the  
tests.  
7
After the test is completed:  
a End the program on the echo server.  
b Exit the diagnostic program.  
 
     
5-8  
CHAPTER 5: PERFORMING TROUBLESHOOTING AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTS  
Getting Help If a Test Fails  
If any test fails, you can get additional information as follows:  
Select the test that failed in the Run Tests dialog box and  
press [Enter].  
Select the Zoom button and press [Enter].  
If the diagnostic tests fail, the adapter may not be defective.  
The problem may be incorrect option settings, option  
settings that conflict with the settings of other boards, or  
improper installation. Follow the steps below to test the  
adapter further.  
CAUTION: Make sure to turn the power off and disconnect all  
cables from the adapter before inserting or removing it from  
the computer.  
1
2
Check the adapter installation by reviewing the installation  
instructions in Chapter 2.  
Make sure the board is seated correctly in the slot.  
Inspect all cables and connections.  
Bus mastering is not supported in some EISA slots in all  
computers. The Fast EtherLink EISA adapter provides better  
performance in a bus master slot, but will work in a non-bus  
master slot. Refer to your computer documentation.  
3
4
5
Make sure that you booted your computer under  
DOS version 3.1 or later, and that no device drivers or  
memory managers are loaded.  
If you are running the Group 3 test, make sure that the  
adapter is connected to a properly cabled and inactive  
network and that an echo server is set up on the network.  
Replace the failed adapter with a working adapter and run  
the diagnostic tests again.  
 
       
Changing the Test Setup  
5-9  
If the working adapter passes all tests, the original adapter is  
probably defective. For information on returning products  
for repair, refer to Appendix B, “Technical Support.”  
6
Install the adapter in another functioning EISA computer  
and run the tests again.  
Your computer may be defective. If the adapter passes the  
tests in the second computer, contact the reseller or  
manufacturer of the original computer.  
7
8
Replace all other EISA adapters in the computer and run  
the tests again. If the tests pass, the other EISA adapters  
may be causing contention.  
If you experience problems that occur only when using  
the AutoLink program, display or print the AUTOLINK.LOG  
file as follows:  
a To display the file, type:  
type autolink.log | more  
b To print the file, type:  
print autolink.log  
The AUTOLINK.LOG file contains a log of all the events that  
occurred during the AutoLink installation and configuration  
process.  
Changing the Test Setup  
To change the test parameters, follow these steps:  
1
2
Choose Test Setup from the Test menu in the main  
window of the Configuration and Diagnostic Program, or  
choose the Test Setup button in the Run Tests dialog box.  
Press [Tab] to highlight any of the fields within the Test  
Setup dialog box.  
 
     
5-10  
CHAPTER 5: PERFORMING TROUBLESHOOTING AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTS  
3
To change a setting in any field, follow these steps:  
a In the Group Select box, use the arrow keys to select a  
test group.  
b In the Group X Tests box, use the arrow keys to highlight a  
test. Press the [Space Bar] to enable or disable an  
individual test.  
c
In the Repetitions box, specify the number of times you  
want to run the tests, or use the arrow keys to select the  
Continuous option.  
d In the Errors box, press the [Space Bar] to select or  
deselect the Halt on Error parameter.  
4
5
When you are satisfied with the new test setup, select the  
OK button and press [Enter].  
To run the tests, choose Run Tests from the Test menu and  
select the Start button.  
Miscellaneous Checks  
Check for specific hardware problems, such as broken traces  
or loose/broken solder connections.  
If you have installed the adapter correctly and you still  
experience problems, check the software.  
Make sure the cable segment complies with 10BASE-T or  
100BASE-TX recommendations. Maximum length for all types  
of cabling for this adapter is 100 meters.  
Make sure that you have installed the correct driver for the  
network operating system you are running (refer to Chapter 4,  
“Loading Network Drivers”).  
If any problem persists, refer to Appendix B, “Technical Support.”  
 
 
LEDs  
5-11  
LEDs  
Each Fast EtherLink EISA adapter has three LEDs, as shown in  
Figure 5-2.  
ACT  
L
10  
N
K
100  
Figure 5-2 Fast EtherLink Adapter Backplate  
Table 5-2 summarizes Fast EtherLink EISA adapter LED functions.  
The adapter must be physically connected to the network and  
network drivers must be loaded for the LEDs to work.  
Table 5-2 Fast EtherLink EISA Adapter LEDs  
LED  
10 LNK Green:  
Shows link integrity polarity  
and polarity reversal  
100 LNK Green:  
Description  
Flashing  
Steady  
Off  
Reversed cable Good 10BASE-T  
No connection  
connection between between adapter  
adapter and hub  
and hub  
Not applicable Good 100BASE-TX  
No connection  
Shows link integrity  
connection between between adapter  
adapter and hub  
and hub  
ACT  
Yellow:  
Network traffic Not applicable  
No traffic  
Indicates port traffic present  
for either speed  
 
             
5-12  
CHAPTER 5: PERFORMING TROUBLESHOOTING AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTS  
If you experience any problems, first make sure that the  
appropriate driver is loaded, that the proper cable is  
connected to the adapter port, and that the hub complies  
with the adapter specifications (10 Mbps 10BASE-T or  
100 Mbps 100BASE-TX). Then recheck the LED.  
 
SPECIFICATIONS  
A
This appendix lists the specifications for the Fast EtherLink  
EISA adapter. It also contains pin assignments for the  
adapter’s RJ-45 connector.  
Adapter Card Specifications  
Network Interface  
10 Mbps Ethernet  
10BASE-T  
Ethernet IEEE 802.3 industry  
standard for a 10 Mbps baseband  
CSMA/CD local area network  
100 Mbps Ethernet  
100BASE-TX  
Ethernet IEEE 802.3u standard for a  
100 Mbps baseband CSMA/CD  
local area network  
Physical Dimensions  
Length:  
15.764 cm (6.148 in)  
10.641 cm (4.150 in)  
Height:  
Environmental Operating Range  
Operating temperature: 0˚ to 70˚ C (32˚ to 158˚ F)  
Humidity:  
10 to 90% noncondensing  
To 3,000 meters (9,840 ft)  
Altitude:  
Power Requirements  
Operating voltage:  
+5 V ± 5% @ 500 mA max  
+12 V ± 5% @ 160 mA max  
 
               
A-2  
APPENDIX A: SPECIFICATIONS  
RJ-45 Connector Pin Assignments  
Figure A-1 shows the RJ-45 connector pin assignments.  
8
7
6
5
4
3
RD– ( 6 )  
RD+ ( 3 )  
TD– ( 2 )  
TD+ (1)  
2
1
12345678  
Figure A-1 RJ-45 Connector Pin Assignments  
When Category 5 UTP cable is used, the pin assignments are  
identical for 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX.  
Cabling Requirements  
When properly connected to a 10BASE-T network, the  
Fast EtherLink EISA adapter operates in 10BASE-T mode and  
supports standard 10BASE-T cable topologies and types,  
including Category 3, 4, or 5 UTP for 10 Mbps.  
When properly connected to a 100BASE-TX network, the  
Fast EtherLink EISA adapter operates in 100BASE-TX mode  
and supports Category 5 UTP cable only.  
In either case, the cable, quality, distance, and connectors must  
comply with the EIA/TIA 568 “Commercial Building Wiring  
Standard” and the Technical Services Bulletin TSB38 standards.  
The maximum UTP cable distance is 100 meters at either  
speed.  
 
               
TECHNICAL SUPPORT  
B
3Com provides easy access to technical support information  
through the variety of services described in this appendix.  
On-line Technical Services  
3Com offers worldwide product support seven days a week,  
24 hours a day, through the following on-line systems:  
3Com Bulletin Board Service (3ComBBS)  
World Wide Web site  
ThreeComForum on CompuServeâ  
3ComFactsSM automated fax service  
3Com Bulletin Board Service  
3ComBBS contains patches, software, and drivers for all 3Com  
products, as well as technical articles. This service is available  
via modem or ISDN seven days a week, 24 hours a day.  
Access by Modem  
To reach the service, set your modem to 8 data bits, no parity,  
and 1 stop bit. Call the telephone number nearest you:  
Country  
Australia  
France  
Data Rate  
Telephone Number  
(61) (2) 955 2073  
up to 14400 bps  
up to 14400 bps  
up to 9600 bps  
up to 14400 bps  
up to 9600 bps  
up to 14400 bps  
up to 14400 bps  
up to 14400 bps  
up to 14400 bps  
up to 14400 bps  
(33) (1) 69 86 69 54  
Germany  
Hong Kong  
Italy (fee required)  
Japan  
(49) (89) 627 32 188 or (49) (89) 627 32 189  
(852) 537 5601  
(39) (2) 273 00680  
(81) (3) 3345 7266  
Singapore  
Taiwan  
(65) 534 5693  
(886) (2) 377 5838 or (886) (2) 377 5840  
(44) (144) 227 8278  
U.K.  
U.S.  
(1) (408) 980 8204  
 
                 
B-2  
APPENDIX B: TECHNICAL SUPPORT  
World Wide Web Site  
Access the latest networking information on 3Com’s World  
Wide Web site by entering our URL into your Internet browser:  
This service features news and information about 3Com  
products, customer service and support, 3Com’s latest news  
releases, selected articles from 3TECHä, 3Com’s award-winning  
technical journal, and more.  
ThreeComForum on CompuServe  
ThreeComForum is a CompuServe-based service containing  
patches, software, drivers, and technical articles about all  
3Com products, as well as an interactive forum for technical  
questions. To use ThreeComForum, you need a CompuServe  
account.  
To use ThreeComForum:  
1
2
3
Log on to CompuServe.  
Enter go threecom  
Press [Return] to see the ThreeComForum main menu.  
3ComFacts Automated Fax Service  
3Com Corporation’s interactive fax service, 3ComFacts, provides  
data sheets, technical articles, diagrams, and troubleshooting  
instructions on 3Com products 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  
Call 3ComFacts using your touch-tone telephone.  
International access numbers are:  
Country  
Hong Kong  
U.K.  
Fax Number  
(852) 537 5610  
(44) (1442) 27 8279  
(1) (408) 727 7021  
U.S.  
 
         
Support from Your Network Supplier  
B-3  
Local numbers are available within the following countries:  
Country  
Australia  
Belgium  
Denmark  
Finland  
France  
Fax Number  
800 123853  
0800 71279  
800 17319  
Country  
Netherlands  
Norway  
Fax Number  
06 0228049  
800 11062  
Portugal  
05 05 442607  
98 001 4444  
05 90 81 58  
0130 8180 63  
1678 99085  
Russia (Moscow Only) 956 0815  
Spain  
Sweden  
U.K.  
900 964445  
020 792954  
0800 626403  
Germany  
Italy  
Support from Your Network Supplier  
If additional assistance is required, contact your network  
supplier. Many suppliers are authorized 3Com service partners  
who are qualified to provide a variety of services, including  
network planning, installation, hardware maintenance,  
application training, and support services.  
When you contact your network supplier for assistance, have  
the following information ready:  
Diagnostic error messages  
A list of system hardware and software, including revision levels  
Details about recent configuration changes, if applicable  
If you are outside the U.S. and Canada, contact your local  
3Com sales office to find your authorized service provider:  
Country  
Telephone Number Country  
Telephone Number  
(525) 531 0591  
Australia (Sydney) (61) (2) 959 3020  
(Melbourne) (61) (3) 653 9515  
Mexico  
Netherlands  
Singapore  
South Africa  
Spain  
(31) (3) 402 55033  
(65) 538 9368  
Belgium  
Brazil  
(32) (2) 7164880  
(55) (11) 546 0869  
(905) 882 9964  
(27) (11) 803 7404  
(34) (1) 3831700  
(46) (8) 632 91 00  
(886) (2) 577 4352  
Canada  
France  
(33) (1) 69 86 68 00  
(49) (89) 6 27 32 0  
Sweden  
Germany  
Taiwan  
 
     
B-4  
APPENDIX B: TECHNICAL SUPPORT  
Country  
Telephone Number Country  
Telephone Number  
(continued)  
Hong Kong  
Italy  
(852) 868 9111  
United Arab Emirates (971) (4) 349049  
U.K. (44) (1628) 897000  
(39) (2) 273 02041  
(81) (3) 33457251  
Japan  
Returning Products for Repair  
A product sent directly to 3Com for repair must first be  
assigned a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number.  
A product sent to 3Com without an RMA number will be  
returned to the sender unopened, at the sender’s expense.  
To obtain an RMA number, call or fax:  
Country  
Telephone Number  
(800) 876 3266, option 2  
(44) (1442) 278000  
Fax Number  
U.S. and Canada  
Europe  
(408) 764 7120  
(44) (1442) 236824  
(1) (408) 764 7290  
Outside Europe, U.S. and Canada  
(1) (408) 492 1790  
 
   
GLOSSARY  
10BASE-2  
10BASE-5  
10BASE-T  
100BASE-T  
AUI  
The IEEE standard for a 10 megabit per second baseband  
network on thin coaxial cable.  
The IEEE standard for a 10 megabit per second baseband  
network on thick coaxial cable.  
The IEEE standard for a 10 megabit per second baseband  
network on twisted-pair cable.  
The IEEE standard for 100 megabit per second CSMA/CD over  
two pairs of Category 5 UTP or STP wire.  
Attachment Unit Interface Connector. Also called the DIX  
(DECâ-Intelâ-Xeroxâ) connector. This is a female 15-pin  
D connector used with an external transceiver.  
AUI cable  
AutoLink  
Also known as the transceiver cable. The AUI cable is used to  
connect an external transceiver to a computing device.  
3Com autoinstallation and autoconfiguration software for  
NetWare DOS clients. It automatically configures the adapter  
by selecting the correct interrupt level and I/O base address,  
checking for the network connection, and detecting the  
correct frame type.  
Auto Select Media Type  
A 3Com utility that detects the type of network cable connected  
to the adapter and automatically selects that connection for  
 
 
2
GLOSSARY  
data transmission.This function is implemented by all NetWare  
ODI drivers, Windows for Workgroups drivers, NDIS 2.01 drivers,  
and Windows NT and Windows 95 drivers.  
Backbone  
Backplane  
Bus  
The main transmission medium used to interconnect the  
workgroup areas of a network. It is usually coaxial or fiber.  
A motherboard assembly in a PC with connectors and printed  
circuit traces into which printer circuit boards are inserted.  
An electronic pathway along which signals are transmitted  
from one area of a computer to another.  
Bus master adapter  
An adapter that contains its own processor, which allows the  
adapter to operate independently of the computer’s main  
processor.  
Coaxial cable  
An electrical wire consisting of two primary electrical  
elements: an outer braided wire that acts as a ground and an  
inner one used to carry signals.  
Configuration  
The software settings that allow different hardware components  
of a computer system to communicate with one another.  
CSMA/CD  
Driver  
Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection. A  
baseband protocol with a built-in collision-detection technique.  
A program, usually resident in server or workstation memory,  
that controls the network hardware (such as adapters or  
controllers) or implements the protocol stacks through which  
higher-level applications communicate with the network  
hardware.  
 
GLOSSARY  
3
Echo server  
EISA  
A computer set up to function as an “echo” to the primary  
computer. An echo server receives packets from the adapter  
being tested and echoes them back to the adapter.  
Extended Industry Standard Architecture. The EISA 32-bit  
extended AT personal computer bus architecture is compatible  
with the 16-bit ISA architecture.  
EMM386  
Expanded Memory Manager. A dual-purpose memory  
manager that comes with MS-DOS. It provides access to the  
upper memory area, which enables you to free conventional  
memory by running device drivers in upper memory. EMM386  
also uses extended memory to simulate expanded memory.  
Refer to Microsoft documentation for additional information.  
Ethernet  
A local area network standard defining a physical medium  
and its method of placing data, or packet signaling, on a cable.  
Access to the cable is based on CSMA/CD (carrier sense  
multiple access with collision detection).  
Fast Ethernet  
A 100 Mbps technology based on the 10BASE-T Ethernet  
CSMA/CD network access method.  
ISA  
Industry Standard Architecture. A 16-bit extension of the  
original IBMâ PC bus architecture. The IBM Personal  
Computer ATâ bus.  
Loopback  
A type of diagnostic test in which the transmitted signal is  
returned to the sending device after passing through all, or a  
portion of, a data communications link or network. A loopback  
test permits the comparison of a returned signal with the  
transmitted signal.  
 
4
GLOSSARY  
NDIS  
Network Driver Interface Specification. Defines the LAN Manager  
network driver architecture and interfaces that let a DOS or OS/2  
system support network adapters.This architecture provides a  
standardized way to write drivers for network adapters.  
NetWare  
A series of network operating systems and related products  
made by Novell, Inc.  
ODI driver  
Open Data-Link Interface. A MAC-level specification developed  
by Novell and Appleâ. Drivers complying with this specification  
can work with NetWare 2.x, 3.x, and 4.x. Like NDIS, ODI drivers  
support multiple protocols and adapters, and can be unloaded  
from memory to conserve conventional DOS RAM space.  
Parallel Tasking  
Third-generation Ethernet adapter architecture. Parallel Tasking  
technology accelerates data transfer by processing data packets  
simultaneously instead of sequentially. For example, when  
transmission is the task, the Parallel Tasking architecture begins  
to write data to the network even before an entire frame has  
been loaded into the adapter’s buffer memory.This permits  
complete parallelism in all data transfers.  
Server  
In a client-server computing environment, a device that provides  
access to network services, such as printers or applications.  
Transceiver  
A hardware device that links a node to a network cable and  
functions as both a transmitter and a receiver.  
Twisted-pair  
Wiring similar to that found in the telephone system,  
consisting of two insulated wires loosely twisted around each  
other to help cancel out induced noise in balanced circuits.  
 
INDEX  
using 4-4  
AUTOLINK.CFG file 4-4  
Symbols  
!TCM5920.CFG file 3-3  
.CFG files 3-3  
Numerics  
B
10/100BASE-T EISA adapter 1-1  
100BASE-TX  
boot PROM 2-2  
bulletin board service B-1  
Ethernet networks 2-5  
Media Type option 3-5  
10BASE-T  
Ethernet networks 2-5  
Media Type option 3-5  
3C597.SET file 3-8  
3C59X.COM file 4-3  
3C59X.LAN file 4-10, 4-12, 4-13  
3C5X9 drivers 4-10  
3Com Bulletin Board Service  
(3ComBBS) B-1  
C
changing  
diagnostic test setup 5-9  
software options 3-4  
command line, using 5-4  
CompuServe B-2  
configuration  
3Com sales offices B-3  
3ComFacts 4-2, B-2  
EISA 4-8  
option 3-5  
saving 3-8  
A
accessing DOS 4-2  
adapter(s)  
configuring 3-1  
connecting to network 2-5  
diagnostic tests 5-2  
drivers 4-1  
features 1-1  
inserting 2-2  
connecting to the network 2-5  
conventions  
inspecting 2-2  
notice icons 2  
multiple 3-8, 4-7, 4-11  
troubleshooting 5-1  
address, port 4-7, 4-11, 4-12, 4-13  
Auto Select Media Type 2-7  
Auto Select Media Type option 3-5  
AUTOEXEC.BAT file 4-5, 5-2  
text 2  
D
Desktop Management Interface  
(DMI) 4-16  
diagnostic program, starting 5-3  
 
 
2
INDEX  
diagnostic tests  
changing test setup 5-9  
F
command line access 5-4  
echo server 5-6  
fax service. See 3ComFacts  
FIFO Loopback Test 5-5  
finding  
failed 5-8  
Group 1 5-3, 5-4, 5-5  
Group 2 (not used) 5-3  
Group 3 (Echo Server) 5-3, 5-5  
running under Windows 95 5-3  
starting 5-3  
port address 4-11, 4-12  
slot number 4-9  
Full Duplex option 3-5  
DOS, accessing 4-2  
DOS ODI client 4-1, 4-3, 4-4, 4-5, 4-7  
driver agents 4-16  
drivers  
G
Group 1 tests 5-4, 5-5  
Group 3 test 5-5, 5-6  
compatibility 4-2  
information on availability B-1  
location 4-2  
NDIS 4-15  
Windows for Workgroups 4-15  
Windows NT 4-15  
NetWare 4-3  
non-NetWare 4-14  
not loading 3-4  
H
hardware installation 2-1  
help information 2-4, 3-8, 5-5  
I
hardware 2-1  
UNIX 4-16  
Windows 95 4-14  
NetWare 4.x server drivers 4-10  
NetWare DOS ODI driver 4-3  
Interrupt Test 5-5  
E
Echo Exchange Test 5-3  
echo server, setting up 5-6  
EEPROM Test 5-5  
L
EISA 1-1  
configuration diskette 3-2  
EL59X.386 driver 4-15  
EL59X.DOS driver 4-15  
EL59X.SYS driver 4-15  
Encoder/Decoder Loopback Test 5-5  
end-user software license  
agreement 4-5  
EtherDisk diskette 3-2, 4-10  
Ethernet Core Loopback Test 5-5  
expansion slot 2-3  
license agreement 4-5  
LSLENH.NLM file 4-11, 4-13  
M
Management Information File  
(MIF) 4-16  
Media Type option 3-5  
memory managers 3-4  
MONITOR.NLM file 4-11, 4-13  
multiple adapters 3-8, 5-4  
client 4-7  
server 4-11  
 
INDEX  
3
N
S
NDIS drivers 4-15  
safety precautions 2-2  
NetWare  
saving configuration settings 3-8  
settings  
4.x server driver 4-10, 4-12  
DOS ODI client driver 4-3, 4-4  
environment 4-3  
saving 3-8  
installing drivers 4-3  
with a server 4-10  
with multiple adapters 4-8, 4-9  
NetWare Loadable Modules  
(NLMs) 4-10, 4-12  
shared interrupts 4-4  
slot number 4-9  
software configuration options 3-4, 3-5  
changing 3-6  
NETWARE\SERVER subdirectory 4-11  
network  
specifications A-1, A-2  
connecting to 2-5  
drivers 4-1  
interface A-1  
management 4-16  
Network Driver Optimization option 3-5  
network supplier support B-3  
non-NetWare environment 4-14  
NWCLIENT subdirectory 4-9  
tests, diagnostic. See diagnostic tests  
ThreeComForum B-2  
Transcend PC Link SmartAgent network  
management software 1-2, 4-16  
O
on-line help 2-4, 3-4, 3-8, 4-14  
on-line technical services B-1  
OS/2 4-3  
U
UNIX driver 4-16  
UTP cabling 2-5, A-2  
P
W
package contents 2-2  
pin assignments A-2  
port address 4-11, 4-12, 4-13  
PROTOCOL.INI file 4-15  
Windows 4-3  
Windows 95 1-1, 4-1  
confirming adapter installation 2-4  
Q
QINSTALL\SERVER directory 4-4  
Windows NT 4-15  
wiring requirements  
100BASE-TX 2-5, A-1  
10BASE-T 2-5, A-1  
R
readme files 4-11  
Register Access Test 5-5  
returning products for repair B-4  
reversed cable polarity 5-11  
RJ-45 connector 1-2, 2-5  
pin assignments A-2  
Z
Zoom button 5-8  
 
LIMITED WARRANTY  
HARDWARE: 3Com warrants its hardware products to be free from defects in workmanship and  
materials, under normal use and service, for the following lengths of time from the date of  
purchase from 3Com or its Authorized Reseller:  
Internetworking products  
One year  
Network adapters  
Lifetime  
Ethernet stackable hubs and unmanaged Ethernet fixed port repeaters  
Lifetime*  
(One year if  
not registered)  
*Power supply and fans in these stackable hubs and unmanaged repeaters One year  
Other hardware products  
Spare parts and spares kits  
One year  
90 days  
If a product does not operate as warranted during the applicable warranty period, 3Com shall, at  
its option and expense, repair the defective product or part, deliver to Customer an equivalent  
product or part to replace the defective item, or refund to Customer the purchase price paid for  
the defective product. All products that are replaced will become the property of 3Com.  
Replacement products may be new or reconditioned. Any replaced or repaired product or part  
has a ninety (90) day warranty or the remainder of the initial warranty period, whichever is longer.  
3Com shall not be responsible for any software, firmware, information, or memory data of  
Customer contained in, stored on, or integrated with any products returned to 3Com pursuant to  
any warranty.  
SOFTWARE: 3Com warrants that the software programs licensed from it will perform in  
substantial conformance to the program specifications therefor for a period of ninety (90) days  
from the date of purchase from 3Com or its Authorized Reseller. 3Com warrants the magnetic  
media containing software against failure during the warranty period. No updates are provided.  
3Com's sole obligation hereunder shall be (at 3Com's discretion) to refund the purchase price  
paid by Customer for any defective software products, or to replace any defective media with  
software which substantially conforms to 3Com's applicable published specifications. Customer  
assumes responsibility for the selection of the appropriate applications program and associated  
reference materials. 3Com makes no warranty that its software products will work in combination  
with any hardware or applications software products provided by third parties, that the operation  
of the software products will be uninterrupted or error free, or that all defects in the software  
products will be corrected. For any third party products listed in the 3Com software product  
documentation or specifications as being compatible, 3Com will make reasonable efforts to  
provide compatibility, except where the non-compatibility is caused by a “bug” or defect in the  
third party's product.  
STANDARD WARRANTY SERVICE: Standard warranty service for hardware products may be  
obtained by delivering the defective product, accompanied by a copy of the dated proof of  
purchase, to 3Com's Corporate Service Center or to an Authorized 3Com Service Center during  
the applicable warranty period. Standard warranty service for software products may be obtained  
by telephoning 3Com's Corporate Service Center or an Authorized 3Com Service Center, within  
the warranty period. Products returned to 3Com's Corporate Service Center must be  
pre-authorized by 3Com with a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number marked on the  
outside of the package, and sent prepaid, insured, and packaged appropriately for safe shipment.  
The repaired or replaced item will be shipped to Customer, at 3Com's expense, not later than  
thirty (30) days after receipt by 3Com.  
 
 
WARRANTIES EXCLUSIVE: IF A 3COM PRODUCT DOES NOT OPERATE AS WARRANTED ABOVE,  
CUSTOMER’S SOLE REMEDY SHALL BE REPAIR, REPLACEMENT, OR REFUND OF THE PURCHASE  
PRICE PAID, AT 3COM’S OPTION. THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES ARE EXCLUSIVE  
AND ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, EITHER IN FACT OR BY  
OPERATION OF LAW, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF  
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. 3COM NEITHER ASSUMES NOR  
AUTHORIZES ANY OTHER PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT ANY OTHER LIABILITY IN CONNECTION  
WITH THE SALE, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE OR USE OF ITS PRODUCTS.  
3COM SHALL NOT BE LIABLE UNDER THIS WARRANTY IF ITS TESTING AND EXAMINATION  
DISCLOSE THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE PRODUCT DOES NOT EXIST OR WAS CAUSED BY  
CUSTOMER'S OR ANY THIRD PERSON'S MISUSE, NEGLECT, IMPROPER INSTALLATION OR TESTING,  
UNAUTHORIZED ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR, OR ANY OTHER CAUSE BEYOND THE RANGE OF THE  
INTENDED USE, OR BY ACCIDENT, FIRE, LIGHTNING, OR OTHER HAZARD.  
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: IN NO EVENT, WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT OR TORT (INCLUDING  
NEGLIGENCE) SHALL 3COM BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, OR  
PUNITIVE DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR FOR LOSS OF REVENUE, LOSS OF BUSINESS, OR OTHER  
FINANCIAL LOSS ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE, INSTALLATION,  
MAINTENANCE, USE, PERFORMANCE, FAILURE, OR INTERRUPTION OF ITS PRODUCTS,EVEN IF  
3COM OR ITS AUTHORIZED RESELLER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH  
DAMAGES.  
Some states do not allow the exclusion of implied warranties or the limitation of incidental or  
consequential damages for consumer products, so the above limitations and exclusions may not  
apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights which may vary from state to state.  
GOVERNING LAW: This Limited Warranty shall be governed by the laws of the state of California.  
3Com Corporation  
5400 Bayfront Plaza  
Santa Clara, CA 95052-8145  
(408) 764-5000  
 
FCC CLASS B CERTIFICATION STATEMENT  
3Com Corporation  
Model No: 3C597-TX  
FCC ID: DF63C597-TX  
Made in U.S.A.  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two  
conditions:  
1
2
this device may not cause harmful interference, and  
this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause  
undesired operation.  
WARNING: 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, and the Canadian Department of  
Communications Equipment Standards entitled, “Digital Apparatus,” ICES-003. 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 harmful interference 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 the one which the receiver is  
connected to.  
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission  
helpful:  
The Interference Handbook  
This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Stock  
No. 004-000-00345-4.  
NOTE: In order to maintain compliance with the limits of a Class B digital device, 3Com requires  
that you use quality interface cables when connecting to this device. Changes or modifications  
not expressly approved by 3Com could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment. Refer  
to the manual for specifications on cabling types.  
 
 
CISPR B COMPLIANCE  
This device complies with the EMC directive of the European Community and meets or exceeds  
the following technical standard:  
EN 55022 – Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio Interference Characteristics of  
Information Technology Equipment.  
This device complies with the CISPR Class B standard.  
WARNING: This is a Class B product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio  
interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.  
CE NOTICE  
Marking by the symbol  
indicates compliance of this equipment to the EMC directive of the  
European Community. Such marking is indicative that this equipment meets or exceeds the  
following technical standards:  
EN 55022—“Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio Interference Characteristics of  
Information Technology Equiment.”  
EN 50082-1—“Electromagnetic compatibility —Generic immunity standard Part 1: Residential,  
commercial, and light industry.”  
IEC 801-2—“Electromagnetic compatibility for industrial-process measurement and control  
equipment Part 2: Electrostatic discharge requirements.”—Severity level 3.  
IEC 801-3—“Electromagnetic compatibility for industrial-process measurement and control  
equipment Part 3: Radiated electromagnetic field requirements.”—Severity level 2.  
IEC 801-4—“Electromagnetic compatibility for industrial-process measurement and control  
equipment Part 4: Electrical fast transient/burst requirements.”—Severity level 2.  
A “Declaration of Conformity” in accordance with the above standards has been made and is  
on file at 3Com Corporation.  
 
   

Accton Technology Switch VM2524 User Manual
Acer Personal Computer 6800 Series User Manual
Alloy Computer Products Switch NS 16T01FS User Manual
Asus Cell Phone V75 User Manual
Atlona Log Splitter AT HDDA 2 User Manual
Avital Automobile Alarm Model 4300 User Manual
Axis Communications Security Camera M3007P User Manual
Barco Home Theater System DP 1500 User Manual
Behringer Musical Instrument Amplifier UCG102 User Manual
Eureka Tents Tent Sunrise User Manual