3com 3CSOHO100- User manual

Category
Networking
Type
User manual

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MODEL NO. 3CSOHO100-TX
3Com Corporation
P.O. Box 58145
5400 Bayfront Plaza
Santa Clara, CA 95052-8145
U.S.A.
Part No. 09-1569-000
Printed in the U.S.A.
Fast Ethernet
Network Interface Card
User Guide
MODEL NO.
3CSOHO100-TX
Fast Ethernet Network Interface Card User Guide
Lifetime Limited
Warranty
3Com’s EtherLink
®
, Fast EtherLink, OfficeConnect
®
,
TokenLink
®
, TokenLink Velocity
®
, ATMLink
PCI,
FDDILink
, and Token Ring-in-Fast Ethernet Server
network interface cards have a Lifetime Limited
Warranty. For further details, please see 3Com’s
Limited Warranty statement in this guide.
To ensure the very best 3Com service and
support, take the time to complete the product
registration card.
Customers in the countries or regions 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
3Com Asia Ltd., Marketing Department
Room 2506-07, 25/F.
Citibank Tower
Citibank Plaza, Central
Hong Kong
Australia, New Zealand
3Com Australia, Marketing Department
99 Walker Street
Level 7
North Sydney
New South Wales 2060
Australia
Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg
3Com Benelux B.V.,
Marketing Department
Nevelgaarde 8-9
3436 ZZ
Nieuwegein
Netherlands
France, Israel
3Com France, Marketing Department
Immeuble McKinley
BP 965
1, Avenue de l’Atlantique
91976 Les Ulis Courtaboeuf Cedex
France
Germany, Austria, Switzerland
3Com GmbH, Marketing Department
Gustav-Heinemann-Ring 123
D-81739 Muenchen
Munich
West Germany
Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Malta
3Com Mediterraneo Srl,
Marketing Department
Via Michelangelo Buonarroti, 1
20093 Cologno Monzese MI
Italy
Japan
3Com Japan, Marketing Department
Shinjuku Sumitomo Building 23F
2-6-1 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo 163-02
Japan
Sweden, Finland, Norway,
Denmark
3Com Nordic, Marketing Department
Torshamsgatan 39
Box 1110
164 22 KISTA
Sweden
United Kingdom, Eire
3Com UK Ltd., Marketing Department
Pacific House
Third Avenue
Globe Park Marlow-on-Thames
Buckinghamshire, SL7 1YL
England
http://www.3com.com/
OfficeConnect
®
Fast Ethernet
Network Interface Card
User Guide
Member of the 3Com OfficeConnect family
Part No. 09-1569-000
Published October 1998
3Com Corporation
5400 Bayfront Plaza
Santa Clara, California
95052-8145
Copyright © 1998, 3Com Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of this documentation may be
reproduced in any form or by any means or used to make any derivative work (such as translation,
transformation, or adaptation) without written permission from 3Com Corporation.
3Com Corporation reserves the right to revise this documentation and to make changes in content
from time to time without obligation on the part of 3Com Corporation to provide notification of such
revision or change.
3Com Corporation provides this documentation without warranty, term, or condition of any kind,
either implied or expressed, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties, terms or conditions
of merchantability, satisfactory quality, and fitness for a particular purpose. 3Com may make
improvements or changes in the product(s) and/or the program(s) described in this documentation
at any time.
If there is any software on removable media described in this documentation, it is furnished under a
license agreement included with the product as a separate document, in the hard copy documentation,
or on the removable media in a directory file named LICENSE.TXT or !LICENSE.TXT. If you are unable to
locate a copy, please contact 3Com and a copy will be provided to you.
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT LEGEND
If you are a United States government agency, then this documentation and the software described
herein are provided to you subject to the following:
All technical data and computer software are commercial in nature and developed solely at private
expense. Software is delivered as “Commercial Computer Software” as defined in DFARS 252.227-7014
(June 1995) or as a “commercial item” as defined in FAR 2.101(a) and as such is provided with only such
rights as are provided in 3Com’s standard commercial license for the Software. Technical data is provided
with limited rights only as provided in DFAR 252.227-7015 (Nov 1995) or FAR 52.227-14 (June 1987),
whichever is applicable. You agree not to remove or deface any portion of any legend provided on any
licensed program or documentation contained in, or delivered to you in conjunction with, this User Guide.
Unless otherwise indicated, 3Com registered trademarks are registered in the United States and may or
may not be registered in other countries.
3Com, the 3Com logo, EtherDisk, and OfficeConnect are registered trademarks of 3Com
Corporation. 3ComFacts is a service mark of 3Com Corporation.
Banyan and VINES are trademarks of Banyan Systems, Incorporated. IBM is a registered trademark of
International Business Machines Corporation. Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are trademarks
of Microsoft Corp. Novell and NetWare are trademarks of Novell, Inc.
All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they
are associated.
Guide written by Shelley Spackman. Edited by Nancy Kurahashi. Illustrated by Mary Inden. Produced by
Georgi Felix.
C
ONTENTS
A
BOUT
T
HIS
G
UIDE
Conventions 9
Year 2000 Compliance 10
1
G
ETTING
S
TARTED
What This Guide Covers 11
What This Chapter Covers 11
Understanding Networking 12
Peer-to-Peer Networks 13
Client/Server Networks 14
Ethernet and Fast Ethernet Networking Protocols 14
Understanding Network Interface Cards 15
About the OfficeConnect NIC 15
Required Hardware 16
Required Cabling 16
Required Software 16
2
I
NSTALLING
THE
N
ETWORK
I
NTERFACE
C
ARD
Preparing for Installation 17
Inserting the NIC 18
Connecting the NIC to Your Network 20
3
I
NSTALLING
THE
N
ETWORK
D
RIVER
Windows 95 23
Windows 95 Version A 24
Windows 95 Version B 26
Windows 98 28
Windows NT 30
Windows NT 4.0 30
Windows NT 3.51 31
Verifying Successful Installation 32
Windows 95 and Windows 98 32
Windows NT 4.0 34
Windows NT 3.51 34
4
T
ROUBLESHOOTING
I
NSTALLATION
P
ROBLEMS
Basic Troubleshooting Tips 35
Interpreting the LEDs 36
Starting the 3Com NIC Diagnostics Program 37
Running the NIC Self-Tests 39
Running the Echo Test 40
Accessing the Help System 43
Viewing Release Notes, Frequently Asked Questions,
and KnowledgeBase Topics 44
Accessing 3Com Support Services 44
Removing NIC Software 46
Windows 95 and Windows 98 46
Windows NT 4.0 47
Windows NT 3.51 47
Frequently Asked Questions 48
5
C
ONFIGURING
THE
NIC
Displaying Configuration Settings 52
Changing Configuration Settings 54
A
S
PECIFICATIONS
AND
C
ABLING
R
EQUIREMENTS
Specifications 57
Cabling Requirements 57
Unshielded Twisted-Pair Cable 58
10BASE-T Operation 58
10BASE-T Specifications 59
100BASE-TX Operation 59
100BASE-TX Specifications 59
B
T
ECHNICAL
S
UPPORT
Online Technical Services 61
World Wide Web Site 61
3Com FTP Site 61
3Com Bulletin Board Service 62
Access by Analog Modem 62
Access by Digital Modem 62
3ComFacts Automated Fax Service 63
Support from Your Network Supplier 63
Support from 3Com 63
Returning Products for Repair 65
G
LOSSARY
I
NDEX
3C
OM
C
ORPORATION
L
IMITED
W
ARRANTY
FCC C
LASS
B S
TATEMENT
FCC D
ECLARATION
OF
C
ONFORMITY
3C
OM
E
ND
U
SER
S
OFTWARE
L
ICENSE
A
GREEMENT
F
IGURES
1
Sample Network 12
2
OfficeConnect NIC 15
3
Inserting the NIC 19
4
Connecting the Network Cable to the NIC 20
5
New Hardware Found Dialog Box 24
6
Update Device Driver Wizard 26
7
Add New Hardware Wizard 28
8
Network Settings Window 31
9
Device Manager Screen 33
10
General Screen 38
11
Diagnostics Screen 39
12
Echo Test Responder Screen 41
13
Echo Test Sender Screen 42
14
Echo Test Statistics Screen 42
15
Support Screen 45
16
General Screen 53
17
NIC Details Screen 53
18
Properties Screen 55
T
ABLES
1
Notice Icons 9
2
Text Conventions 10
3
Cable Guidelines 17
4
LED Descriptions 36
5
Frequently Asked Questions 48
6
OfficeConnect NIC Configuration Settings 51
7
Unshielded Twisted-pair Cable Categories 58
A
BOUT
T
HIS
GUIDE
This guide describes how to install, configure, and
troubleshoot the 3Com
®
OfficeConnect
®
Fast Ethernet
Network Interface Card (NIC).
This guide is appropriate for anyone who is familiar with
the basic elements of a PC and is interested in connecting a
PC to a network.
If release notes are shipped with your product and the
information there differs from the information in this
guide, follow the instructions in the release notes.
Most user guides and release notes are available in
Adobe Acrobat Reader Portable Document Format (PDF)
or HTML on the 3Com World Wide Web site:
http://www.3com.com/
Conventions
Table 1 and Table 2 list conventions that are used
throughout this guide.
Table 1 Notice Icons
Icon Notice Type Description
Information note Important features or instructions
Caution Information to alert you to potential damage to a
program, system, or device
Warning Information to alert you to potential personal injury
10 ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Year 2000 Compliance
For information on Year 2000 compliance and 3Com
products, visit the 3Com Year 2000 Web page:
http://www.3com.com/products/yr2000.html
Table 2 Text Conventions
Convention Description
Screen displays This typeface represents information as it appears on
the screen.
The words “enter”
and “type”
When you see the word “enter” in this guide, you must
type something, and then press the Return or Enter key.
Do not press the Return or Enter key when an instruction
simply says “type.”
Keyboard key names If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the
key names are linked with a plus sign (+). Example:
Press Ctrl+Alt+Del
Menu commands
and buttons
Menu commands or button names appear in italics.
Example:
From the Help menu, select Contents.
Words in italics Italics are used to:
Emphasize a point.
Denote a new term at the place where it is defined in
the text.
Identify menu names, menu commands, and software
button names. Examples:
From the Help menu, select Contents.
Click OK.
1
GETTING STARTED
The 3Com
®
OfficeConnect
®
Fast Ethernet Network
Interface Card (NIC) allows you to connect your personal
computer (PC) to an Ethernet (10BASE-T) or Fast Ethernet
(100BASE-TX) network.
The OfficeConnect NIC is specifically designed for the
small office/home office environment.
What This Guide Covers
This guide provides all the information you need to install
the OfficeConnect NIC and connect it to a network. It tells
you how to:
Insert the NIC into a PC.
Attach the PC to a network port on a hub or switch.
Install the NIC network driver and diagnostics software
on the PC.
Configure the NIC on the PC.
Troubleshoot problems you may encounter with
the NIC.
What This Chapter Covers
This chapter provides a brief introduction to networking
and describes the features of your OfficeConnect NIC.
If you’re already familiar with basic networking concepts,
you can start with Chapter 2, “Installing the
Network Interface Card.”
12 CHAPTER 1: GETTING STARTED
Understanding Networking
A computer network is a group of computers and other
associated devices, such as printers, fax machines, and
modems, that are connected to one another so they can
share resources and information.
A network allows you to:
Share resources — You and others on the network can
share resources, such as a data file or directory, hard
disk drive, printer, scanner, or modem.
Exchange information — You can communicate and
exchange information, such as e-mail, with all
designated users on the network.
Provide server support — You can store files and
applications in a central location on one PC hard drive,
where they can be accessed by any network users who
have the proper authorization.
Figure 1 shows a sample network composed of two PCs, a
printer, and a hub.
Figure 1 Sample Network
10–30 V
D
C
1A
M
A
X
+
M
D
I/X
8
1X
Computer
1
Printer
Hub
Computer
2
Understanding Networking 13
Every network requires special software, called a network
operating system (NOS) (such as Windows NT or NetWare),
to control the flow of information between users.
Each PC that you want to connect as part of the network
must have an operating system (such as Windows 95,
Windows 98, or Windows NT) that can communicate with
the NOS.
In a peer-to-peer networking architecture, the operating
system that is installed on each PC acts as the NOS. In a
client/server networking architecture, the operating system
that is installed on each client PC communicates with the
NOS, which is installed on the server PC.
There are two basic types of small business network
architectures: peer-to-peer and client/server.
Peer-to-Peer Networks
A peer-to-peer network is generally suited for home and
small office use. This type of network is the easiest to
install, accommodates up to about five PCs, and is
suitable for sharing applications, data, printers, and
other localized resources.
The PCs on a peer-to-peer network are connected directly to
one other or to a central point, usually a device called a hub.
Unlike a client/server network, a peer-to-peer network allows
users to share information without relying on a centralized
server. Figure 1 is an example of a peer-to-peer network.
The PCs on a peer-to-peer network require an operating
system such as Windows 95 or Windows 98. This operating
system acts as the NOS.
For more information on peer-to-peer networking, see the
Network Assistant CD included in your package.
14 CHAPTER 1: GETTING STARTED
Client/Server Networks
A client/server network is ideal for organizations that
require fast network access for large applications such
as multimedia, databases, and video.
In a client/server network, all shared applications and files
are stored on one central computer known as the server.
Network users (client PCs) can store their own files on their
own PCs, and then use the server to access shared files and
peripherals, such as printers, fax machines, and modems.
The client PCs on a client/server network require an
operating system such as Windows 95, Windows 98, or
Windows NT. The servers on a client/server network require
a NOS such as Windows NT or NetWare.
Ethernet and Fast Ethernet Networking Protocols
Ethernet and Fast Ethernet are local area network (LAN)
protocols, or specifications, that define the signaling of the
network and specify how data is placed on and retrieved
from the network.
Fast Ethernet is the same as Ethernet, except for the speed:
Ethernet has a data transfer rate of 10 Mbps (megabits
per second).
Fast Ethernet has a data transfer rate of 100 Mbps.
The OfficeConnect NIC is compatible with both Ethernet
and Fast Ethernet networks. It automatically connects to
the network at 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps, depending on the
speed of the connected network hub or switch.
For more information on Ethernet and Fast Ethernet, see
Appendix A.
For more information on networking, see the
Network Assistant CD included in your package.
Understanding Network Interface Cards 15
Understanding Network Interface Cards
A network interface card (NIC) is a printed circuit board
that plugs into a PC expansion slot in your computer to
provide a connection to a network.
Once the NIC is installed in your PC, you connect it to the
network media (cabling, such as unshielded twisted-pair
[UTP]), which in turn connects to all the devices on
the network.
About the OfficeConnect NIC
The OfficeConnect NIC is a 10/100 Mbps PCI (Peripheral
Component Interconnect) NIC. It connects your PC to a
10 Mbps Ethernet or 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet network.
Figure 2 OfficeConnect NIC
The OfficeConnect NIC backplate has three light-emitting
diodes (LEDs):
10 LNK (link)
100 LNK (link)
ACT (activity)
DATA
TX
ACT
10
100
L
N
K
LEDs
RJ-45 port
16 CHAPTER 1: GETTING STARTED
After the NIC is installed, these LEDs show whether there’s
an active connection between the NIC and the network,
and the speed at which you’re connected. (See
“Interpreting the LEDs” in Chapter 4 for more
information.)
Required Hardware
You can install the OfficeConnect NIC in any IBM-compatible
PC with an available PCI expansion slot. Almost all
PCs currently on the market have such slots. (See “Inserting
the NIC” in Chapter 2 for more information about
PCI expansion slots.)
Required Cabling
You need an unshielded twisted-pair cable with RJ-45
connectors on both ends to connect the OfficeConnect NIC
to the network. This cable is not supplied with the NIC.
If you’re connecting to a 10 Mbps Ethernet network,
use a Category 3, 4, or 5 UTP cable.
If you’re connecting to a 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet
network, use a Category 5 UTP cable.
The maximum Ethernet cable length allowed between
the NIC and the network device to which it is connected
is 328 feet (100 meters).
For more information on cabling, see “Cabling
Requirements” in Appendix A.
Required Software
The OfficeConnect NIC is compatible with the following
operating systems:
Windows 95
Windows 98
Windows NT versions 4.0 and 3.51
You can use the OfficeConnect NIC to connect to both
Microsoft and NetWare network environments.
The EtherDisk diskette included in your package contains the
software (configuration programs, diagnostic programs, and
device drivers) that allows your NIC to work with all of the
operating systems mentioned in this section.
2
INSTALLING THE
NETWORK INTERFACE CARD
This chapter explains how to install the OfficeConnect NIC
in your PC and connect it to an Ethernet or Fast Ethernet
network.
Preparing for Installation
Before you install the OfficeConnect NIC, make sure
that you have the following items:
OfficeConnect 10/100 Fast Ethernet NIC
OfficeConnect EtherDisk diskette
If any of these items are damaged or missing, contact
your shipper or network supplier.
You also need an unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable
with RJ-45 connectors on both ends to connect the
OfficeConnect NIC to an Ethernet or Fast Ethernet
network. This cable is not supplied with the NIC.
Table 3 specifies the type of cable that you need for the
type of network that you are connecting to (10 Mbps
Ethernet or 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet).
The maximum distance between any two devices on your
network can be no more than 328 feet (100 meters).
The next step is to insert the NIC in the PC.
Table 3 Cable Guidelines
Type of
Network
Cable Required
Maximum
Cable Length
Ethernet
(10BASE-T)
Category 3, 4, or 5 UTP
with RJ-45 connectors on
both ends
328 ft/100 m
Fast Ethernet
(100BASE-TX)
Category 5 UTP with RJ-45
connectors on both ends
328 ft/100 m
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3com 3CSOHO100- User manual

Category
Networking
Type
User manual
This manual is also suitable for

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