3COM 3CSOHO100 User Manual

Fast Ethernet Network Interface Card

User Guide

MODEL NO. 3CSOHO100-TX

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.

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Asia

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OfﬁceConnect® Fast Ethernet Network Interface Card User Guide

Member of the 3Com OfficeConnect family

http://www.3com.com/

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.

ONTENTS

BOUT THIS GUIDE

Conventions 9 Year 2000 Compliance 10

ETTING STARTED

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

NSTALLING THE NETWORK INTERFACE CARD

Preparing for Installation 17 Inserting the NIC 18 Connecting the NIC to Your Network 20

NSTALLING THE NETWORK DRIVER

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

ROUBLESHOOTING INSTALLATION PROBLEMS

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

ONFIGURING THE

Displaying Conﬁguration Settings 52 Changing Conﬁguration Settings 54

NIC

PECIFICATIONS AND CABLING REQUIREMENTS

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

ECHNICAL SUPPORT

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

LOSSARY

NDEX

3COM C

FCC C

FCC D

ORPORATION LIMITED WARRANTY

LASS

B S

ECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

3COM END U

TATEMENT

SER SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT

IGURES

Sample Network 12

OfﬁceConnect NIC 15

Inserting the NIC 19

Connecting the Network Cable to the NIC 20

New Hardware Found Dialog Box 24

Update Device Driver Wizard 26

Add New Hardware Wizard 28

Network Settings Window 31

Device Manager Screen 33

General Screen 38

Diagnostics Screen 39

Echo Test Responder Screen 41

Echo Test Sender Screen 42

Echo Test Statistics Screen 42

Support Screen 45

General Screen 53

NIC Details Screen 53

Properties Screen 55

ABLES

Notice Icons 9

Text Conventions 10

Cable Guidelines 17

LED Descriptions 36

Frequently Asked Questions 48

OfﬁceConnect NIC Conﬁguration Settings 51

Unshielded Twisted-pair Cable Categories 58

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.

BOUT 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

Warning Information to alert you to potential personal injury

program, system, or device

10 ABOUT THIS GUIDE

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.

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

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.

Computer

Figure 1 Sample Network

Printer

10–30 V

D C

–

M D I/X

Computer

Hub

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.

Understanding Networking 13

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

RJ-45 port

DATA

LEDs

ACT

L N

100

The OfﬁceConnect NIC backplate has three light-emitting diodes (LEDs):

■ 10 LNK (link)

■ 100 LNK (link)

■ ACT (activity)

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.

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).

Table 3 Cable Guidelines

Type of Network

Ethernet (10BASE-T)

Fast Ethernet (100BASE-TX)

The next step is to insert the NIC in the PC.

Cable Required

Category 3, 4, or 5 UTP with RJ-45 connectors on both ends

Category 5 UTP with RJ-45 connectors on both ends

Maximum Cable Length

328 ft/100 m

18 CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE NETWORK INTERFACE CARD

Inserting the NIC

To insert the OfﬁceConnect NIC in your PC:

1 Remove all jewelry from your hands and wrists.

CAUTION: The NIC is packed in an antistatic container to protect it during shipment. To avoid damaging any static-sensitive components on the NIC, before you remove it from the container, touch the metal chassis of your PC to discharge static electricity from your body. Also, be careful to handle the NIC by its edges only.

2 Turn the power off to the PC. Unplug the

power cable. Detach all other cables from the PC.

3 Remove the PC cover.

See your PC documentation for details.

4 Find an empty PCI expansion slot and remove the

corresponding slot cover. Keep the backplate screw.

The OfﬁceConnect NIC works in a PCI expansion slot. Some PCs have three types of expansion slots: PCI, ISA, and EISA.

PCI slots are usually white and shorter than the other expansion slots (see Figure 3). ISA slots are usually black. EISA slots are usually brown, and are as long as ISA slots. If you’re not sure what type of expansion slots your PC has, see your PC documentation for details.

For more information on PCI expansion slots, see “Frequently Asked Questions” in Chapter 4.

5 Carefully insert the NIC into the slot, pressing ﬁrmly

with steady pressure until it’s seated properly.

The NIC’s metal backplate should be positioned so that you can easily fasten it with the backplate screw. You shouldn’t be able to see any of the NIC’s edge connector.

Not all PCs have expansion slots positioned on the bottom of the chassis, as shown in Figure 3. You may be using a PC with the expansion slots on a vertical panel. If so, follow the same insertion instructions, except install the NIC horizontally. If it helps, position the PC on its side temporarily to insert the NIC securely.

Figure 3 Inserting the NIC

1 Remove slot cover

2 Insert NIC

Inserting the NIC 19

PCI slots

6 Fasten the NIC with the backplate screw you removed

in step 4.

7 Replace the PC cover.

8 Reconnect any cables that you disconnected before

you opened the PC.

Do not turn on the power to the PC.

The next step is to connect the NIC to your network.

20 CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE NETWORK INTERFACE CARD

TX Data

ACT 10 100

L N K

Connecting the NIC to Your Network

This section describes how to connect the OfﬁceConnect NIC to a network device. For more information on networking or creating a peer-to-peer network, see the Network Assistant CD included in your package.

To connect the OfﬁceConnect NIC to a network device:

1 Using an unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable, insert

one of the RJ-45 connectors on the cable into the RJ-45 port on the installed NIC, as shown in Figure 4.

■ 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.

See Table 3 at the beginning of this chapter or Appendix A for more information on network cabling requirements.

Figure 4 Connecting the Network Cable to the NIC

RJ-45 port

10–30 V

D C

–

M D

I/X

Hub

Printer

Connecting the NIC to Your Network 21

2 Insert the other end of the UTP cable into an active

network port.

An active network port may be on a network hub or switch, or a peripheral device (such as a printer) that is network-ready (that is, it already has a NIC inside it).

Do not turn on the power to the PC.

The next step is to install the network driver. Go to Chapter 3.

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