D-Link DFE-500TX User Manual
Model DFE-500TX
Fast Ethernet Adapter
for PCI Bus
User’s Guide
Rev. 06 (May, 1997)
6DE-E50-0TX-.06
Printed in Taiwan
RECYCLABLE
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION............................................................ 1
ABOUT FAST ETHERNET............................................. 1
ABOUT AUTONEGOTIATION........................................ 2
ABOUT PCI BUS............................................................ 3
FEATURES.................................................................... 4
2. INSTALLATION.............................................................7
UNPACK AND INSPECT................................................ 7
INSTALL THE ADAPTER............................................... 8
CONNECT THE NETWORK CABLE.............................. 9
CONNECTING FOR FAST ETHERNET................... 9
CONNECTING FOR 10MBPS ETHERNET............ 10
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION....................................... 10
VERIFICATION/DIAGNOSTIC PROGRAM.................. 11
ADAPTER FUNCTION TEST................................. 11
NETWORK OPERATION TEST............................. 13
A. TROUBLESHOOTING................................................. 16
B. SPECIFICATIONS......................................................... 2
INDEX...........................................................................21
WARRANTY......................................................................22
REGISTRATION................................................................26
11
Introduction
Thank you for choosing D-Link DFE-500TX, the value leader among Fast
Ethernet adapters for PCI−Bus personal computers. This Introduction chapter
will be useful if you are new to Fast Ethernet and other new technology
featured by the DFE-500TX. Otherwise, skip ahead to the Installation chapter.
About Fast Ethernet
Fast Ethernet is a network technology specified by IEEE Standard 802.3. It
extends the traditional 10Mbps Ethernet technology to achieve 100Mbps
transmission and reception, while retaining the same CSMA/CA Ethernet
protocol. Thus while Fast Ethernet provides a tenfold increase in network
capacity, it is wholly compatible with traditional 10Mbps Ethernet network
facilities. This compatibility is the key to easy and efficient upgrades to
100Mbps in your network areas needing greater bandwidth. Upgrading
selected areas to Fast Ethernet does not require hardware or software changes
in network areas where traditional 10Mbps Ethernet is providing good service.
For upgrading existing Ethernet installations to 100Mbps, and especially for
selectively upgrading areas needing upgrade, Fast Ethernet is the clear choice in
terms of cost-effectiveness, as well as convenience and smoothness in
transition.
Fast Ethernet comprises two subtypes: 100Base-T4 and 100Base-TX.
100Base-T4 Fast Ethernet can utilize existing Category 3 or Category 4 UTP
network cabling, but does not provide for full duplex operation. 100Base-TX
requires Category 5 cabling, but does provide full duplex operation. Full duplex
100Base-TX operation allows simultaneous transmission and reception, both at
100Mbps, thus providing service potentially equal to 200Mbps half-duplex
service.
DFE-500TX Ethernet PC Card User's Guide
The DFE-500TX Adapter does not support the 100Base-T4 subtype. To
provide compatibility in traditional 10Mbps Ethernet environments (where, for
example, DFE-500TX adapters are installed anticipating upgrade of supporting
hub equipment to Fast Ethernet), the DFE-500TX also supports traditional
10Mbps Ethernet operation, in full-duplex as well as half-duplex modes.
Selection of the best operation mode in any given installation is automatically
governed by Autonegotiation.
About Autonegotiation
You have probably had the experience of making a dialup connection through a
modem, and have heard the gravelly−sounding exchanges between your
modem and the modem at the other end of the telephone line (these exchanges
are ordinarily played out through a speaker in your local modem). As irritating
as those few seconds of noise may be, they do let you know that your modem
and the remote modem are on the job, preparing for your intended
communication with the remote computer.
The preparatory work of the two modems during those few seconds before you
see the “connect” message is to negotiate the best data communication scheme
which is supported by both modems, and which is suitable for the quality of the
telephone line linkage between them. The parameters to be settled between the
two modems include best baud rate, compression method, and error correction
method. When the two modems have tested the phone-line quality and settled
on the combination of shared options and parameters which will provide the
best data communication over the connecting phone line, then you are given
the “connect” message which signals the end of the intermodem negotiation
and the beginning of your intended communication with the remote computer.
Autonegotiation between devices within an Ethernet LAN is similar in concept,
but much briefer. The two devices involved in the Autonegotiation will be the
DFE-500TX Adapter serving your station (installed in your computer), and the
hub through which it is connected into the LAN. The options to be negotiated
between the DFE-500TX and its supporting hub include Ethernet type
(100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet or 10BASE-T Ethernet) and duplex mode (halfduplex, being one-way-at-a-time, or full duplex, being simultaneous transmitand-receive).
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DFE-500TX Ethernet PC Card User's Guide
Startup communication between the two devices occurs when both devices are
power-on, the cable connection between them is good, and the Network
Operating System software is running. As soon as those conditions are
satisfied, the preparatory process of Autonegotiation between the DFE-500TX
and its supporting hub proceeds automatically. If the hub has Autonegotiation
functionality, then it and the DFE-500TX exchange a series of messages in
which each device signals its capabilities and listens for corresponding
information about the other. The Autonegotiation process requires only a few
milliseconds, and the two devices select the best communication parameters
supported by both devices.
If the hub does not have Autonegotiation functionality, then its monotone
(single capability) message will be recognized by the DFE-500TX’s
Autonegotiation facility, and the DFE-500TX will simply switch to the one of
its own capabilities which matches that of the hub.
When the preparatory procedure of Autonegotiation is completed, then the line
is ready and will provide a data channel which is optimal for the two devices.
The line will remain ready without further Autonegotiation action until the
linkage is broken. Autonegotiation then reoccurs at any time that the linkage is
restored, again making the line ready for optimal data communications.
About PCI Bus
Your DFE-500TX Adapter delivers outstanding performance by fully
exploiting the advanced features of your computer’s PCI bus. DFE-500TX
Adapters utilize the Bus Master Mode of the PCI bus, allowing direct transfers
of Ethernet packet content between computer memory and the adapter’s
controller, thus minimizing network demand on the CPU. The adapter’s
controller function is implemented by a DEC (Digital Equipment Corporation)
Intelligent Ethernet Controller chip, which provides the additional benefit of
reduced command processing overhead.
The working relationship between a DFE-500TX adapter and main memory
working in Bus Master mode is powered by the Bridge/Memory Controller of
the PCI bus. This reduces the CPU role in network operations, thus freeing the
CPU to service other tasks, with resulting improvement in overall computing
(multitasking) performance. At the same time, it produces superior network
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DFE-500TX Ethernet PC Card User's Guide
throughput by reducing latency (waiting for CPU service) during transmissions
and receptions.
Features
Designed for versatility and performance, the DFE-500TX Adapter provides
the following features:
• Operates in a PCI Bus Master slot of a Pentium/486 computer,
independent of CPU speed
• PCI Bus Master memory access, for high throughput and low CPU
demand
• Complies with IEEE 802.3 100Base-TX and 10Base-T Ethernet
standards
• Plug and Play installation
• RJ-45 connector for network cable connection
• 100Mbps Fast Ethernet or 10Mbps Ethernet data transfer, selected via
Autonegotiation
• Full duplex or half-duplex operation, selected by Autonegotiation
• Autonegotiation selects interoperation options for compatibility and best
performance
• Built-in FIFO buffers reduce overhead of memory transfers
• Multi-thread operation
• 32-bit memory addressing provides 4GB range
• VLSI components provide high reliability, low power consumption and
reduced card size
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DFE-500TX Ethernet PC Card User's Guide
• Five LED indicators: 100Mbps/10Mbps, Full/Half Duplex, Link, Active,
and Collision
• Drivers for all leading Network Operating Systems
5
22
Installation
Installation of a DFE-500TX Ethernet Adapter requires hardware installation
first, then software installation.
Unpack and Inspect
CAUTION: Under ordinary circumstances, a DFE-500TX card
will not be affected by static charge as may be
received through your body during handling of the
unit. In special circumstances where you may carry
an extraordinarily high static charge, it is good
practice to reduce the charge by touching a ground
before handling the adapter card.
Open the shipping carton and carefully remove all items. In addition to this
User's Guide, ascertain that you have:
• One DFE-500TX Ethernet Adapter Card
• One 3.5" diskette: DFE-500TX Software Diskette
If your order included the Boot ROM option, then you should also have,
separately packaged, one Boot ROM Chip. In the event that you find any
mismatch, damage or missing item, promptly contact your dealer for correction.
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