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Using the Network Interface Controller: Dell Precision WorkStation 420 Systems
User's Guide
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Using the Network Interface Controller: Dell Precision™
WorkStation 420 Systems User's Guide
This section describes how to connect your computer system to an
Ethernet network using the integrated 3Com® Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) 3C920
(3C905C-TX compatible) network interface controller (NIC). The NIC provides all the
functions normally provided by a separate network expansion card, but does not require a
slot in the system.
The integrated NIC includes a Remote
Wake Up feature that enables the computer to be started up by a special local area
network (LAN) signal from a server management console. Wakeup On LAN capability allows
remote computer setup, basic input/output system (BIOS) upgrades, software downloading and
installation, file updates, and asset tracking after hours and on weekends when LAN
traffic is typically at a minimum.
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NOTES: The Wakeup On LAN feature functions
even when the computer is turned off; however, the computer must be plugged into a working
electrical outlet at all times, have a valid network connection at all times, and must be
shut down in the normal method expected by the operating system. Thus, if you disconnect
the system power cable from the electrical outlet, if a power failure occurs, or if you
shut down the system abnormally, the Wakeup On LAN feature will not work.
The link-integrity and activity indicators on the NIC connector (see Figure
1) remain active whenever the computer is plugged in, whether or not the computer is
turned off, and whether or not the Network Interface Controller and Remote
Wake Up options are enabled in System Setup. |
This section also provides instructions for configuring the NIC
under the following operating systems:
- Microsoft® Windows NT® 4.0
- Microsoft Windows® 98
- Microsoft Windows 2000
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NOTE: The NIC drivers for systems running Dell-installed Windows operating systems are installed at the
factory. Instructions for reinstalling these NIC drivers are included in the documentation
that came with your Dell Precision Resource CD. |
The NIC connector on the computer's back panel (see Figure 1) has the following indicators:
- A yellow activity indicator flashes when the system is
transmitting or receiving network data. (A high volume of network traffic may make this
indicator appear to be in a steady "on" state.)
- A dual-colored link integrity and speed indicator, which
lights up green when there is a good connection between a 10-Mbps network and the NIC, or
it lights up orange when there is a good connection between a 100-Mbps network and the
NIC. When the orange or green indicator is off, the computer is not detecting a physical
connection to the network.
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NOTE: The activity and link integrity and speed
indicator remain active even if the system is turned off or if the NIC is disabled in
System Setup. |
Figure 1. NIC Connector and
Indicators
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| 1 |
Link-integrity indicator |
| 2 |
Activity indicator |
| 3 |
NIC connector |
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To connect your system to and configure it for use on an Ethernet
network, perform the following steps:
- Connect the network cable
to the back of your computer.
- Verify that the NIC is enabled in the
System Setup program.
- Install the network driver, if necessary.
For instructions, see the documentation that came with your Dell Precision Resource CD.
- Run the Network Interface Test Group in the Dell™ Diagnostics to
verify that the NIC is operating properly.
See "Starting the Dell Diagnostics"
for detailed instructions.
The network adapter connector attaches an unshielded
twisted pair (UTP) Ethernet cable to your computer. Press one end of the UTP cable
to an RJ45 jack wall plate or to an RJ45 port on a UTP concentrator or hub, depending
on your network configuration, and press the other end of the UTP cable into the
network adapter connector until the cable snaps securely into place.
Observe the following cabling restrictions for 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX
networks:
- Dell recommends the use of Category 5 wiring and
connectors for networks.
- Voice and data lines should be in separate
sheaths.
- The maximum cable run length (from a workstation to a concentrator)
is 100 meters (m) (328 feet [ft]).
- The maximum number of workstations (not counting concentrators) on a
network is 1024.
- The maximum number of daisy-chained concentrators on one network
segment is four.
This section describes how to set the network frame type for an
Internetwork Packet eXchange/Sequenced Packet eXchange (IPX/SPX)-compatible network
protocol.
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NOTE: The default frame type Auto
is optimal for most installations. For more information concerning frame
types, contact your network administrator or Internet Service Provider (ISP). |
If your system is connected to a network, perform the following
steps:
- Right-click the Network Neighborhood icon on the
Windows desktop, and click Properties in the pop-up menu.
- Under the Configuration tab in the Network
window, click IPX/SPX-compatible Protocol if it is not already selected.
- Click Properties to open the IPX/SPX-compatible
Protocol Properties window.
- Click the Advanced tab, and then select Frame
Type from the Property list.
- Select the appropriate frame type (according to your network
requirements) from the Value menu, and click OK.
- Follow the instructions on your screen to complete the configuration.
For information on how to reinstall the NIC driver, see the documentation that came
with your Dell Precision ResourceCD.
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