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Document ID: DDSE-42CSNJ

Netfinity 3000 - Configuring the Ethernet Controller

Applicable to: World-Wide

Configuring the Ethernet Controller
The Netfinity 3000 server comes with an Ethernet controller on the system board. The Ethernet controller provides 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX support through the RJ-45 connector on the back of your server. When you connect your server to the network, the Ethernet controller automatically detects the data-transfer rate (10 Mbps or 100 Mbps) on the network and then sets the controller to operate at the appropriate rate. That is, the Ethernet controller will adjust to the network data rate, whether the data rate is standard Ethernet (10BASE-T), Fast Ethernet (100BASE-TX), half duplex (HDX), or full duplex (FDX). This process is also known as auto-negotiation. This auto-negotiation occurs without requiring software intervention. The controller supports half-duplex (HDX) and full-duplex (FDX) modes at both speeds.

However, auto-negotiation works only if the hub or switch to which your server is connected also supports auto-negotiation. If the hub or switch does not support auto-negotiation, the speed (10 Mbps or 100 Mbps) will still be detected correctly, but half-duplex mode will always be selected. A full-duplex switch that does not support auto-negotiation will not attach to the Netfinity 3000 server in full-duplex mode. In this case, if you want the network to operate in full-duplex mode, you must manually override the settings to obtain a full-duplex connection. To do this, your server must have a device driver that supports manual overrides. Use ServerGuide to install this device driver. Refer to your ServerGuide package for instructions on installing device drivers. ServerGuide includes IBM Update Connector, which keeps your BIOS and device drivers current. Verify that you have installed the appropriate device driver. Also, refer to your Ethernet documentation for additional information on operating modes, manual overrides, and device drivers.

Attention The 10BASE-T Ethernet and the 100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet cabling in the network must be Category 5 to meet various standards, including electromagnetic compatibility. You must install a device driver to enable your operating system to address the Ethernet controller. Use ServerGuide to install this device driver. Refer to the ServerGuide package for instructions on installing device drivers.

Fast Ethernet operates at a data rate of up to 100 Mbps. However, except for the different operating speeds, Fast Ethernet and standard Ethernet are structurally identical. Most applications and protocols that are currently installed on a standard Ethernet system can be seamlessly migrated to a Fast Ethernet system. Because of the equivalence of the two types of Ethernet, mixed Ethernet and Fast Ethernet systems also can be designed and implemented.

The bandwidth required at each workstation connected to a server is generally far less than the bandwidth required at the server. This is because the server might have to handle the bandwidth of multiple workstations at the same time. A cost-effective solution to the bandwidth requirements of this type of system is a mixed Ethernet and Fast Ethernet network. This mixed network consists of standard Ethernet connections at the workstations and Fast Ethernet connections at the servers.

The Ethernet controller is a PCI device, and is therefore, a Plug and Play device. You do not have to set any jumpers or configure the controller for your operating system before you use the Ethernet controller.

Notes 1. For information on Ethernet indicators, see "Controls and Indicators". 2. For information on the Ethernet connector, see "Input/Output Connectors" and "Ethernet Connector". 3. For troubleshooting information, see "Troubleshooting the 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ". 4. The Ethernet controller supports the operating systems that your server supports. To find out which operating systems your server supports, go to the following World Wide Web address: http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/netfinity/

If you need additional Ethernet connections, you can install an Ethernet adapter, such as an IBM 10/100 Ethernet adapter. Review your network-adapter documentation for any additional configuration requirements.

Note If you are installing an IBM 10/100 Ethernet adapter, be sure to run the Ethernet controller diagnostics and record the server's Ethernet controller configuration information before you install the adapter.

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	Document Category	Networking
	Date Created	18-11-98
	Last Updated	23-11-98
	Revision Date	18-11-99
	Brand	IBM PC Server
	Product Family	Netfinity 3000
	Machine Type	8476
	Model	ALL
	TypeModel
	Retain Tip (if applicable)
	Reverse Doclinks and Admin Purposes