Fast Ethernet PC Card |
DFE-650 Series |
User’s Guide |
Rev. 01 (August, 1997) |
6DFE650.01 |
Printed in Taiwan |
RECYCLABLE |
1. INTRODUCTION........................................................... |
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General Description ............................................... |
1 |
About Fast Ethernet ................................................... |
2 |
About Autonegotiation................................................ |
3 |
LED Indicators............................................................. |
5 |
Summary of Features................................................. |
5 |
2. HARDWARE INSTALLATION ..................................... |
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Unpack and Inspect.................................................... |
8 |
Hardware Installation.................................................. |
9 |
Remove the PC Card ............................................... |
12 |
Connect the Network Cable..................................... |
14 |
Connecting for Fast Ethernet................................... |
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Connecting for 10Mbps Ethernet ............................ |
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3. SOFTWARE INSTALLATION.................................... |
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Run Installation Director......................................... |
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DOS Platform in NetWare Network |
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Expanded Installation Istructions ............................ |
17 |
Windows 3.1 Platform in NetWare Network |
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Expanded Installation Instructions .......................... |
23 |
A. TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................... |
30 |
Troubleshooting the Hardware Installation ............ |
30 |
Troubleshooting the Software Installation.............. |
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B. DFE-650TX SPECIFICATIONS ................................ |
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1
Thank you for choosing D-Link DFE-650, the value leader among PC-Card Fast Ethernet adapters. This chapter provides a general description of DFE-650 Series features, with a summary of features at the end of the chapter. Installation instructions are given in Chapter 2.
General Description
The D-Link DFE-650 Series Fast Ethernet PC Card is a credit-card sized Fast-Ethernet adapter for connecting a notebook PC to an IEEE 802.3 or 802.3u Ethernet network. The notebook PC must be equipped with a Type II or Type III PC Card slot.
NOTE: The terms "PC Card" and "PC Card slot" are used throughout this manual to refer to those objects as defined in the Personal Computer Memory Card Industry Association (PCMCIA) standards.
The DFE-650 automatically detects the parameters of its Ethernet environment, and automatically negotiates and determines its own speed and duplex settings as required for maximum performance in its environment.
Inside its compact PC-Card package, the D-Link DFE-650 holds an Ethernet controller, network processing interface, 64 Kb RAM data buffer, a 68-pin PC Card Standard front-end plug which connects to the notebook PC, and a 15-pin back-end receptacle for connecting
DFE-650 Series Fast Ethernet PC Card User's Guide
the media coupler. The DFE-650 requires no pre-installation setup –– simply insert its front end into the notebook PC's PC-Card slot.
The DFE-650 is supplied with a media coupler which plugs into the back end (15-pin receptacle) of the DFE-650. The other end of the media coupler has an RJ-45 receptacle which receives the network cable. The media coupler features LED indications for linkage and activity states, and for the speed and duplex settings.
About Fast Ethernet
Fast Ethernet is a network technology specified by IEEE Standard 802.3u. It extends the traditional 10Mbps (10 megabit/sec) Ethernet technology to achieve 100Mbps (100 megabit/sec) transmission and reception. Because Fast Ethernet retains the traditional Ethernet CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense, Multiple Access, Collision Detect) protocol, it remains wholly compatible with 10Mbps Ethernet while providing a tenfold increase in network capacity.
The Fast Ethernet standard specifies three subtypes, corresponding to three media types:
100Base-TX (using two twisted pairs in EIA 568 Category 5 UTP or STP cable)
100Base-T4 (using four twisted pairs in a Category 3, Category 4, or Category 5 UTP cable)
100Base-FX (using two fiber-optic strands).
D-Link DFE-650 Series Fast Ethernet PC Cards offer half-duplex 100Base-TX operation (in Category 5 twisted-pair cable environments). These products do not support 100Base-T4 or 100Base-FX operation. To provide for traditional 10Mbps Ethernet operation in twisted-pair cable environments, the DFE-650 series
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Introduction |
DFE-650 Series Fast Ethernet PC Card User's Guide
also offers 10Mbps Ethernet operation, in full-duplex and halfduplex modes. Selection of the best operation mode in any given installation is automatically governed by autonegotiation.
About Autonegotiation
The basic idea of autonegotiation can be understood by reflecting for a moment on the familiar process of making a dialup connection
between two modems. You have probably heard some gravelly−sounding exchanges between your local modem and a
modem at the other end of a 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 connection 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 phoneline quality and have switched to the combination of parameters which will provide the best data communication, then you are given the “ connect” message which signals the end of the inter-modem 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 your DFE-650 Series PC Card and the hub or switch through which it is connected into the LAN. (Switches ordinarily provide autonegotiation functionality; hubs usually do
Introduction |
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DFE-650 Series Fast Ethernet PC Card User's Guide
not.) The parameters to be negotiated between the DFE-650 and its supporting hub or switch include speed (100Mbps = Fast Ethernet, or 10Mbps = traditional Ethernet) and duplex mode (half-duplex or full-duplex).
Startup communication between the two devices occurs when both devices are operating, the cable connection between them is good, and the connected notebook PC's network software is loaded. As soon as those conditions are satisfied, the preparatory process of autonegotiation between the DFE-650 and its supporting device begins and proceeds automatically.
If the supporting hub or switch has autonegotiation functionality, then it and the DFE-650 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 supporting device does not have autonegotiation functionality, then its monotone (single capability) message will be recognized by the DFE-650’s autonegotiation facility, and the DFE650 will simply switch to the one of its own capabilities which matches that of the supporting device.
Once the autonegotiation is completed, then the line is ready, and it will provide an optimal data channel between the DFE-650 and the supporting device. 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.
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Introduction |
DFE-650 Series Fast Ethernet PC Card User's Guide
The media coupler features three LED indicators:
1.10/100 Indicator
Steady green indicates Fast Ethernet selected. Dark indicates 10Mbps Ethernet selected.
2.Half /Full Indicator
Steady green indicates Full-Duplex selected. Dark indicates Half-Duplex selected.
3.Ln/Act Indicator
Steady green indicates that there is good linkage to the network ("Linkage" state, quiescent).
Flashing green indicates that the DFE-650 is transmitting or receiving ("Activity" state). In 10Mbps mode, flashing will be regular and periodic. In 100Mbps mode, flashing may be irregular, with longer dark periods during heavy traffic activity.
Features of Model DFE-650TX Fast Ethernet PC Card:
∙100Mbps and 10Mbps data rates in compliance with IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standards 100Base-TX and 10Base-T
∙Complies with PCMCIA V2.x, JEIDA V4.x, and 16-Bit PC Card Standards
∙PC Card Standard 68-pin front-end connector
∙15-pin back-end connector for media coupler
Introduction |
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DFE-650 Series Fast Ethernet PC Card User's Guide
∙Built-in 64KB RAM data buffer
∙Full-Duplex capable in 10Mbps mode
∙Autonegotiation per IEEE 802.3u specification
∙No manual setup switches –– fully automatic configuration
∙Low power consumption (2 watts max.)
∙Electronics miniaturization by VLSI and surface-mount fabrication technologies
∙Laser-welded stainless steel case
∙RJ-45 connector with auto-detection of network speed
∙Software support:
Install Program |
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Diagnostic Program |
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NDIS 2.0 for Banyan |
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NDIS 2.0 for IBM Lan Support/Services |
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NDIS 2.0 |
for IBM Wrap Server, Lan Server, |
and |
Communication Manager 1.x |
NDIS 2.0 |
for MicroSoft Lan Manager for DOS |
NDIS 2.0 |
for MicroSoft Network Client 3.0 |
for DOS |
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NDIS 2.0 for WIN/TCP |
PathWay Access |
SUN PC-NFS V5.0 |
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NetWare Client32 for |
Windows 95 |
NetWare Client32 for |
DOS/Windows 3.1 |
NetWare Server 3.12 |
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NetWare Server 4.x |
|
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Introduction |
DFE-650 Series Fast Ethernet PC Card User's Guide
NetWare DOS ODI
NetWare Lite
Personal NetWare
Windows 95
Windows 95 OSR2
Windows NT 3.51
Windows NT 4.0
Packet Driver for NCSA
Packet Driver for FTP PC/TCP
Packet Driver for IPX
Packet Driver for Winsock
Introduction |
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2
Unpack and Inspect
NOTE: Under ordinary circumstances, the DFE-650 Series Fast Ethernet PC Card will not be affected by static charge as may be received through your body during handling of the unit. In special circum-stances where you may carry an extraordinarily high static charge, it is good practice to reduce the charge by touching a ground before handling the DFE-650.
Open the shipping carton and carefully remove all items. In addition to this User's Guide, ascertain that you have:
∙One DFE-650 Series Fast Ethernet PC Card
∙One plastic storage bag for the PC Card
∙One media coupler
∙One D-Link DFE-650 Series Fast Ethernet PC Card Driver diskette
Yellow arrow on top side of PC Card points to front end plug
Triangle cast into plastic marks top side of plug
DFE-650 Series |
Media Coupler |
Fast Ethernet PC Card |
DFE-650 Series Fast Ethernet PC Card User's Guide
In the event that any item is missing, or if you find any mismatch or damage, promptly contact your dealer for correction.
Hardware Installation
Follow these four steps to install the DFE-650 :
Step 1 Insert the DFE-650
Under the PCMCIA standard and the corresponding Japanese JEIDA standard, PC Cards may safely be "hot swapped" –– it is not necessary to switch the computer's power off before installing or removing the DFE-650, or any other PC Card.
Find/select an open Type II or Type III PC Card slot on your notebook computer's side or rear panel. Hold the DFE-650 with the colorful D-Link splash label upward. Notice that the splash label features a yellow triangle or "arrow," which points to the front end of the PC Card. Insert the front end of the PC Card into the PC Card slot, and slide the PC Card all the way into the slot until it reaches a firm stop.
Type II or Type III
PC Card slot(s)
D-Link color-splash label facing up
NOTE: Many notebook PCs feature a stacked pair of PC card slots, logically (but not physically) designated as Slot 1 and Slot 2.
Hardware Installation |
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DFE-650 Series Fast Ethernet PC Card User's Guide
It is most usual for the lower one of the two slots in the stack to be designated Slot 1, but there are exceptions. In the subsequent procedure for DFE-650 software installation, it may be necessary for you to know whether your DFE-650 is installed in Slot 1 or Slot 2. Under Windows 95, you can check by opening the Control Panel / PC Card display. Under DOS it is also possible to make a software check, but it is more difficult. If you are unable to determine the DFE-650's slot number in advance, then you can make a trial-and-error determination later, according to instructions given in the Software Installation section of this chapter.
Step 2 Attach the Media Coupler
The back-end receptacle of the DFE-650 remains accessible (approximately flush with the case of the computer) when the DFE650 is properly seated in its PC Card slot. Taking care to keep the top side of the media coupler plug up, insert the plug into the DFE650's receptacle until it is firmly seated and latched. (The top side of the plug is labeled with a triangle molded into the plastic.)
Keep the triangle mark on top when you plug the media coupler into the DFE-650
NOTE: When the media coupler plug is firmly seated, it is held in place by small latching hooks at either side of the plug. To
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Hardware Installation |
DFE-650 Series Fast Ethernet PC Card User's Guide
avoid damage when detaching the plug from the DFE-650, it is necessary to depress the latch wings of the plug. See the following section, "Remove Ethernet PC Card."
Step 3 Connect to the Network Medium
Make the network connection by running a UTP cable from the supporting hub to your media coupler. Simply plug one end (RJ-45 connector) of the cable into an available hub port, and plug the other end (RJ-45 connector) into the RJ-45 socket of the media coupler.
Ethernet / Fast
Ethernet Hub
Media Coupler
RJ-45 Connectors
UTP Cable
UTP cable connecting media coupler to the supporting hub
Hardware Installation |
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DFE-650 Series Fast Ethernet PC Card User's Guide
Step 4 Confirm Connection (Ln/Act Indicator)
When the notebook computer's power is ON, the DFE-650 is firmly seated in the slot connector, the media adapter plug is firmly engaged (and latched) in the back-end receptacle of the DFE-650, the media adapter has a good cable connection to the supporting hub, and the supporting hub is power on and functioning properly, then the media coupler’s Ln/Act LED glows steady green ("linkage" state).
If the Ln/Act LED remains dark without apparent cause, then the most likely fault is poor engagement of the 68-pin front-end plug. Review the following section titled "Remove the DFE-650," then remove the DFE-650 from its slot. Repeat the procedures of the above Step 1, "Insert the DFE-650," taking care to ensure that the DFE-650 is right side up and front-end first, and that it seats firmly in a suitable PC Card slot of your notebook. Repeat procedures of Steps 2 and 3 as necessary get the Ln/Act LED confirmation.
NOTE: You might need to wait a few seconds following notebook powerup, or following insertion of a PC Card, for the software processing to be completed. The Ln/Act indicator will remain dark until the software processing is completed.
Remove the PC Card
Follow these two steps to remove the DFE-650 its slot:
Step 1 Disconnect the Media Coupler Plug from the DFE-650
Unplug the media coupler from the DFE-650 before ejecting the DFE-650 from the PC Card slot. The media coupler plug is held in place by small latching hooks at either side of the plug. To remove the media coupler plug from the DFE-650, it is necessary to unlatch the hooks by depressing the two small latch wings of the plug. Use
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Hardware Installation |
DFE-650 Series Fast Ethernet PC Card User's Guide
thumb and forefinger to squeeze the latch wings into the plug body and gently pull the plug out of its receptacle.
Don't pull the connector withoutÄdepressing the clip wings
WARNING: Pulling the coupler plug out of its receptacle without depressing the clip wings will cause damage to the plug.
Hardware Installation |
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DFE-650 Series Fast Ethernet PC Card User's Guide
Step 2 Eject the DFE-650 from the Computer
Firmly press the computer's PC Card Eject button to disengage the DFE-650 from the slot connector. The DFE-650 will then protrude from the PC Card slot. Grip its protruding end between your fingers and withdraw it from the PC Card slot.
Connect the Network Cable
Category 5 UTP cable is good enough to qualify under both the Fast Ethernet cabling rules and the traditional Ethernet cabling rules. The maximum individual cable run between any station and its supporting hub or switch is 100m. The maximum individual cable run joining two hubs is 10m in general, but is 100m when both hubs qualify as Ethernet Class 2 Repeaters (all D-Link Ethernet hubs do qualify). But these cable runs may need to be shorter than the given individual maximum lengths, because their lengths are also restricted by the rule that the maximum aggregated cable run between any two stations is 205m.
Connecting for Fast Ethernet
Category 5 UTP cable is required for Fast Ethernet operation. The maximum cable run between the DFE-650 and the supporting hub is 300 ft. The cable must be “ straight” (not a “ crossover” cable), with an RJ-45 plug at each end. Make the network connection by plugging one end of the cable into the RJ-45 receptacle of the media coupler, and the other end into a port of the supporting hub.
Connecting for 10Mbps Ethernet
Category 3, Category 4, and Category 5 UTP cable, as well as EIA/TIA - 568 100-ohm STP cable, all qualify under traditional Ethernet cabling rules. The maximum cable run between the DFE-
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Hardware Installation |