QuickSpecs
M
ODELS
Compaq NC7770 PCI-X Gigabit Server Adapter
244948-B21
The Compaq NC7770 PCI-X Gigabit Server Adapter is the first in a new generation of networking solutions to combine Gigabit Ethernet speed with PCI-X
bus technology. The NC7770 is a single port copper Gigabit server adapter that runs over Category 5 (or better) twisted-pair cabling. Along with all the
advanced features that ProLiant customers have come to expect, the NC7770 includes support for Jumbo Frames, Wake on LAN (WOL), Dual Address
Cycles (DAC), and Pre-Boot Execution environment (PXE).
Fast Ethernet Server Adapters:
NC3123 PCI, 10/100 WOL
174830-B21
NC3134: Fast Ethernet NIC 64 PCI Dual Base 10/100
138603-B21
PCI Gigabit Server Adapters and Upgrade Modules:
NC7131 Gigabit Server Adapter PCI, 64/66, 10/100/1000-T
158575-B21
Compaq NC7770 PCI-X Gigabit Server Adapter
NC6136 Gigabit Server Adapter PCI, 64/66, 1000-SX
203539-B21
NC6132 1000 SX Upgrade Module
338456-B23
NC6133 1000 LX Upgrade Module
338456-B24
NC7132 10/100/1000-T Upgrade Module
153543-B21
Overview
The NC7770 supports 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet speeds as well as a PCI-X 64-bit/133MHz data path, backwards compatible with existing PCI bus
architectures. This range of features enables Compaq customers to protect their current hardware investment while also future-proofing their ProLiant
servers for the inevitable increase in networking throughput. Additionally, the NC7770 ships with support for PCI Hot Plug, Network Fault Tolerance, Load
Balancing, Jumbo Frames, and various offload capabilities that improve performance. These improvements in speed and throughput come at a costeffective price for environments using Category 5 (or better) twisted-pair cabling.
P
ERFORMANCE
Gigabit Ethernet Throughput
Up to 1000Mbps Ethernet transfer rate delivers outstanding network performance that improves response time and removes bottlenecks across the entire
network.
PCI-X Data Path
Compaq was an early champion of PCI-X bus technology and has played a key role in the development and industry adoption of the PCI-X specification.
The NC7770 is Compaq’s first server adapter to feature a PCI-X 64-bit/133MHz data path, which yields faster transmissions with lower CPU utilization.
Load Balancing
Transmit Load Balancing (TLB) and Switch-Assisted Load Balancing (SLB) are two advanced features used to build a bigger pipe for improved networking
bandwidth. These port bonding techniques enable users to install up to eight NC7770 adapters in a ProLiant server and aggregate their throu ghput up to
a maximum of 16Gigabits per second full-duplex transmissions.
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QuickSpecs
P
ERFORMANCE
Jumbo Frames
Jumbo Frames (also known as Extended Frames) offer a 9K byte Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU), which is six times the size of traditional Ethernet
frames. Like all Compaq Gigabit server adapters, the NC7770 supports jumbo frames as a way to achieve higher throughput and better CPU utilization
when deployed in a network infrastructure that supports them. Jumbo frames are particularly useful for database transfers and tape backups.
TCP Offloads and Interrupt Coalescing
The NC7770 features TCP Checksum Offloads as well as TCP Segmentation Offloads. Both reduce the load on the CPU for overall improved system
response. Interrupt Coalescence is a feature that groups multiple packets and issues a single interrupt to the host. This process optimizes host
efficiency, leaving the CPU available for other duties.
S
CALABILITY AND RELIABILITY
Tri-Speed Support
Because the NC7770 supports both 10Mbps Ethernet and 100Mbps Fast Ethernet in addition to Gigabit Ethernet, users are guaranteed end- to-e nd
protocol support across their enterprise. Like all Compaq server adapters, the NC7770 adheres to open industry standards, insuring that it will work
seamlessly with any network devices that also support IEEE standards.
PCI-X Support for Traditional PCI slots
PCI-X technology insures hardware investment protection by retaining backward compatibility with the standard PCI bus architecture at the device and
driver level. When the NC7770 is used in a 64/100, 64/66, 64/33, or 32/33 IO slot, the performance is limited to the maximums of those conventional bus
architectures.
(continued)
Compaq NC7770 PCI-X Gigabit Server Adapter
Network Fault Tolerance (NFT)
Network Fault Tolerance, sometimes called “failover” or “NIC Redundancy,” allows for the installation of multiple NC7770 server adapters so that the
active device can be backed up by a redundant adapter to improve availability. Compaq’s teaming utility also allows users to specify that when a failed
adapter is fixed and replaced, the original adapter resumes its function as the primary network connection.
PCI Hot Plug
The NC7770 ships with PCI Hot Plug support, which enables it to be replaced or added to a PCI Hot Plug compatible server without powering down the
system. This feature provides increased system availability and non-stop serviceability in business-critical computing environments.
N
ETWORK MANAGEMENT
Auto-negotiation
The NC7770 automatically senses and configures itself to the speed of the device to which it is attached. It also automatically configures for half or full
duplex, depending on the duplex mode of the switch, hub, or router at the other end of the cable.
Management Support
Like all Compaq server adapters, the NC7770 ships with drivers and agents that can be managed from all versions of Compaq Insight Manager, including
the new Compaq Insight Manger 7, as well as using any management application that supports SNMP.
Server Integration
Compaq’s SmartStart configuration utility includes setup support for the NC7770 so the adapter can be configured as part of the SmartStart
configuration process. Compaq Insight Manager can recognize the NC7770 individually or in port-bonded teams, and can collect and repo rt SNMP
statistics on the adapter events.
Integrated Management Log (IML) support is provided by the NC7770 for critical event logging on Compaq servers.
Configuration Utilities
Each NC7770 ships with a suite of OS-tailored configuration utilities that allow the user to run initial diagnostics and configure adapter teams for Network
Fault Tolerance, Transmit Load Balancing, or Switch-Assisted Load Balancing (802.3ad static-mode configuration only) in the Windows 2000 and
Windows NT operating systems.
LED Indicators
Bracket LED indicators show link integrity, network activity, and network speed for easy troubleshooting.
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