Configuring the Ethernet Controller (8644, 8659, 8660)

^{IBM-AUSTRIA - PC-HW-Support 30 Aug 1999}

Configuring the Ethernet Controller (8644, 8659, 8660)

Configuring the Ethernet Controller

See > Ethernet Connector / Cable Specifications

The Netfinity 3500/5500 server and some other systems, 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 the server. When you connect the 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 auto-negotiation occurs without requiring software intervention. The controller supports HDX and FDX modes at both speeds.

However, auto-negotiation works only if the hub or switch at the other end of the network 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 switchthat does not support auto-negotiation will not attach to the NetFinity 3500 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. Refer to the Ethernet documentation for additional information.

The 10BASE-T Ethernet and the 100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet cabling in the network must be Category 5 or higher to meet various standards, including electromagnetic compatibility.
You must install a device driver to enable the 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 100 Mbps, that is, ten times faster than standard Ethernet. However, except for the different operating speeds, Fast Ethernet and standard Ethernet are structurally identical. Applications and protocols that are currently installed on a standard Ethernet system can be seamlessy migrated to a Fast Ethernet system. (In a very small number of cases, minor tuning might be required to adjust the application to the faster response time of 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 bandwith required at each workstation connected to a server is generally far less than the bandwith required at the server. This is because the server might have to handle the bandwith 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 the operating system before you use the Ethernet controller.

The Ethernet controller supports the auto-detection mode only. When you install the device drivers and configure the Ethernet controller for use with the operating system, do not select the 10BASE-T mode. To ensure proper operation of the controller, always select the default parameters provided.

NOTE: The Ethernet controller supports the operating systems that the server supports. To find out which operating system the server supports, go to the following World Wide Web address:

http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/compat/
http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/server

If you need additional Ethernet connections, you can install an Ethernet adapter, such as an IBM 10/100 Ethernet adapter. Review the 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 diagnostics and record the server's Ethernet configuration information before you install the adapter.

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