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Installing the Hardware: Broadcom NetXtreme
Gigabit Ethernet Adapter User's Guide
This chapter provides the following
information:
System Requirements
Safety Precautions
Pre-Installation Checklist Adapter
Installation Process Connecting the Network Cables
Before installing the Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, make sure your system meets
the requirements listed for your operating system:
Windows 2000 Requirements
- Pentium-based computer that meets Windows 2000 software requirements
- One open 32-bit or 64-bit PCI slot
- PCI v2.2 33/66 MHz
- 128 MB RAM (minimum)
- Microsoft Windows 2000 (server), or Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced
Server
Windows NT
Requirements
- Pentium-based computer that meets Windows NT 4.0 software requirements
- One open 32-bit or 64-bit PCI slot
- PCI v2.2 33/66 MHz
- 128 MB RAM (minimum)
- Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 (server) with Service Pack 4 or later
Windows .NET Requirements
- Pentium-based computer that meets Windows .NET software
requirements
- One open 32-bit or 64-bit PCI slot
- PCI v2.2 33/66 MHz
- 128 MB RAM (minimum)
- Microsoft Windows .NET (server), or Microsoft Windows .NET
Advanced Server
Windows 98 Second Edition Requirements
- Pentium-based computer that meets Windows 98 software
requirements
- One open 32-bit or 64-bit PCI slot
- PCI v2.2 33/66 MHz
- 128 MB RAM (minimum)
- Microsoft Windows 98
Windows ME Second Edition Requirements
- Pentium-based computer that meets Windows ME software
requirements
- One open 32-bit or 64-bit PCI slot
- PCI v2.2 33/66 MHz
- 128 MB RAM (minimum)
- Microsoft Windows ME
NetWare Requirements
- Pentium-based computer that meets Novell NetWare 4.2/5.x software requirements
- One open 32-bit or 64-bit PCI slot
- PCI v2.2 33/66 MHz
- 64 MB RAM (minimum)
- One of the following versions of Novell NetWare:
- Novell NetWare 5.0 or higher, with Support Pack 3 or the most recent
NetWare 5 Support Pack
- Novell NetWare 4.2 with Support Pack 7 or the most recent Support Pack,
including the optional ODI v3.31 LAN drivers (MISC/ODI331).
Note that you can get the appropriate updates from the Novell support website
http://www.novell.com.
Linux Requirements
- Pentium-based computer that meets Windows 2000,
Windows NT 4.0, or Novell NetWare 4.2/5.x software requirements
- One open 32-bit or 64-bit PCI slot
- PCI v2.2 33/66 MHz
- 128 MB RAM (minimum)
 |
NOTE - Although the driver should
work with many Linux kernel versions and distributions, it has only been
tested on Red Hat 6.2 and 7 Linux distributions for i386 (kernel version
2.2.14 and 2.2.16), and the 2.4.0 test kernel. Furthermore, the driver has
only been tested as a loadable module. |
UNIX Requirements
- Pentium-based computer that meets SCO OpenServer Release
5 software requirements. The system software must include TCP/IP and or IPX/SPX.
- One open 32-bit or 64-bit PCI slot
- PCI v2.2 33/66 MHz
- 128 MB RAM (minimum)
Solaris Requirements
-
Pentium-based computer that meets
Solaris 8 software requirements
-
One open 32-bit or 64-bit PCI
slot
-
PCI v2.2 33/66 MHz or PCI-X v1.0
64-bit, 100 MHz
-
128 MB RAM (minimum)
-
Solaris 8 Operating System
 |
WARNING - The adapter is being installed in a system
that operates with voltages that can be lethal. Before you remove the cover
of your system, you must observe the following precautions to protect yourself
and to prevent damage to the system components.
- Remove any metallic objects or jewelry from your hands and wrists.
- Make sure to use only insulated or nonconducting tools.
- Verify that the system is powered OFF and unplugged before accessing
internal components.
- Installation or removal of adapters must be performed in a static-free
environment. The use of a properly grounded wrist strap or other personal
antistatic devices and an antistatic mat is strongly recommended.
|
- Check that your server meets the hardware and software requirements listed
under "System Requirements."
- Verify that your system is using the latest BIOS.
- Review the information in the readme.txt file on the CD-ROM for important
information not available at the time this manual was created.
 |
NOTE - If you acquired the adapter software
on a floppy disk or from http://www.dell.com,
please check the appropriate source for the most recent information.
|
-
If your system is active, shut it down.
-
When system shut down is complete, power OFF and unplug your system.
-
Holding the adapter card by the edges, remove it from its shipping package
and place it on an antistatic surface.
-
Check the adapter for visible signs of damage, particularly on the card’s
edge connector. Never attempt to install any damaged adapter. If the adapter
is damaged, report it to your network supplier.
The following instructions apply to installing the Gigabit
Ethernet Adapter in most systems. Refer to the manuals that were supplied with
your system for details about performing these tasks on your particular system.
- Review the Precautions and Pre-Installation
Instructions. Before installing the adapter, ensure the system power is
OFF and unplugged from the power outlet, and that proper electrical grounding
procedures have been followed.
- Remove the system cover, and select any empty PCI/PCI-X
slot. If you do not know how to identify a PCI slot, refer to your system
documentation.
- Remove the blank cover-plate from the slot that you selected.
- Holding the PCI/PCI-X card by the edges, align the adapter’s
connector edge with the PCI connector dock in the system.
 |
NOTE - The connector dock in a 32-bit
PCI slot is shorter than in a 64-bit PCI slot. Although the adapter is
designed to fit in either slot type, when installed in a 32-bit PCI slot,
part of the adapter’s connector edge will remain undocked. This is perfectly
normal. |
- Applying
even pressure at both corners of the card, push the adapter card until it
is firmly seated in the PCI slot. When properly seated, the adapter’s port
connectors will be aligned with the slot opening, and its faceplate will be
flush against the system chassis.
 |
Caution—Do not use excessive force when seating
the card, as this may damage the system or the adapter. If the card resists
seating, remove it from the system, realign it, and try again. |
- Secure
the adapter with the adapter clip or screw.
- Replace the system cover and disconnect any personal
antistatic devices.
- Power the system on.
Once the system returns to proper operation, the adapter
hardware is fully installed. You must next connect the network
cables.
The adapter has one RJ-45 connector used for attaching the
system to an Ethernet copper-wire segment. When automatic link negotiation is
disabled, the port can be configured for 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, or 1000 Mbps signaling
and either half-duplex or full-duplex operation.
Perform the following procedure for connecting a network
cable to the Gigabit Ethernet Adapter:
- Prepare an appropriate cable. The following table lists
the cable characteristics for connecting to 10/100/1000BASE-T ports:
Table 1. 10/100/1000BASE-T Cable Specifications
Port Type |
Connector |
Media |
Maximum Distance |
10BASE-T |
RJ-45 |
Cat. 3, 4, or 5 UTP |
100 meters (328 feet) |
100/1000BASE-T |
RJ-45 |
Cat. 5 UTP |
100 meters (328 feet) |
1000BASE-SX |
SC |
Multi-mode fiber
(62.5 - 50 um) |
275 meters (902 feet) |
 |
Note – 1000BASE-T signaling requires four twisted
pairs of Category 5 balanced cabling, as specified in ISO/IEC 11801:1995
and EIA/TIA-568-A (1995) and tested using procedures defined in TIA/EIA
TSB95. |
- Connect one end of the cable to the Gigabit Ethernet
Adapter.
- Connect the other end of the cable to an RJ-45 Ethernet
network port.
 |
Note – Once the cable is properly connected at
both ends, the adapter port LEDs should be functional. See Table
1 in "Introduction" for a description of adapter port LED operation.
For driver installation and configuration instructions, refer to the software
configuration for that specific driver. |
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