D-Link DFE-650TXD User Manual

DFE-650TXD

10/100 Ethernet PC Card

User's Manual

Table of Contents for the DFE-650TX/TXD 10/100 Ethernet PC Card

Introduction i Contents of Package iii

About Fast Ethernet 1

About Autonegotiation 2

Troubleshooting 4

Networking Basics 15

Technical Support 42

D-Link Locations Worldwide 43

Specifications 44

Warranty 47

Registration 52

INTRODUCTION

The D-Link DFE-650TXD 10/100Mbps PC Card adapter is an

ideal way to connect your laptop computer to your LAN (Local Area

Network.) After completing the steps in the Quick Install Guide, you

will have the ability to share information and resources - such as

files and printers - and take full advantage of a connected environ

ment for work and play!

The DFE-650TXD comes with drivers for the most popular oper

ating systems and can be integrated into a large network. You can

connect your laptop to a network when running Windows 98, Windows ME, NT 4.0 or 2000.

The D-Link DFE-650TXD 10/100 Ethernet PC Card for notebook

PCs is a credit-card sized Ethernet / Fast-Ethernet adapter for con

necting a notebook PC to an IEEE 802.3 or 802.3u Ethernet net

work. The notebook PC must be equipped with PCMCIA (16 bit)

extension bus and Type II PC Card slot(s) compliant.

NOTE: The terms "PC Card" is used throughout this manual to refer to those objects as defined in the PCMCIA / PC Card standards published by Personal

Computer Memory Card Industry Association (PCMCIA). The term "slot" as used

in this manual is synonymous with "socket" where the standards use the latter term in reference to the physical receptacles of a host notebook computer, for

insertion/connection of PC Cards. More information on the standards is available

from PCMCIA's www server at http://www.pc-card.com .

The DFE-650TXD automatically detects the parameters of its

Ethernet environment, and automatically negotiates and determines its

own speed and duplex settings as required for maximum performance

within the environment. (The autonegotiation function is effective only

when the DFE-650TXD is connected to the network by a device (switch or hub) which also has autonegotiation functionality.)

INTRODUCTION

continued

Inside its compact case, the D-Link DFE-650TXD holds an

Ethernet controller, network processing interface, a 68-pin PC Card

Standard front-end plug, which connects to the notebook PC, and a

direct port for connecting RJ-45. The DFE-650TXD requires no

pre-installation setup -- simply insert its front end into the notebook

PC's PC-Card slot. The DFE-650TXD is supplied with an RJ-45 receptacle, which

receives the network cable. The direct port features full LED dis

play for linkage and activity states, speed and duplex, transmitting

and receiving data, and carrier detection.

CONTENTS OF PACKAGE

iii

DFE-650TXD 10/100 Ethernet PC Card

Package Contents

A DFE-650TXD 10/100 Ethernet PC Card

B Driver CD

C User's Manual in CD

D Quick Install Guide E

One plastic storage bag for the DFE-650TXD card

DFE-650TXD 10/100

Ethernet PC Card

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) trans

mission and reception. Because Fast Ethernet retains the tradition

al 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 subt

ypes, correspon

ding 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.)

The DFE-650TXD provides full-duplex and half-duplex

100Base-TX operation (in Category 5 twisted-pair cable environ

ments). It does not provide 100Base-T4 or 100Base-FX operation.

To provide for traditional 10Mbps Ethernet operation in twisted-pair

cable environments, the DFE-650TXD also offers 10Mbps Ethernet operation, in full-duplex and half-duplex modes. The

DFE-650TXD's autonegotiation capability provides for automatic

selection of the best operation mode.

About Autonegotiation

The basic idea of auto-negotiation is similar to the familiar process

of making a dialup connection between two modems. When you

attempt a connection you have probably heard some gravelly-

sounding exchanges between your local modem and a modem at

the other end of a telephone line. These annoying sounds let you

know that your modem and the remote modem are preparing for

your intended communication with the remote computer.

During those few seconds before you see the "connect" message

the modems are negotiating 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 phone-line 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-650TXD and the switch or hub

through which it is connected into the LAN. (Switches ordinarily

provide for autonegotiation; traditional hubs do not.) The parameters to be negotiated between the DFE-650TXD

and its supporting switch or hub include speed (100Mbps = Fast

Ethernet, or 10Mbps = traditional Ethernet) and duplex mode (half-

duplex or full-duplex.)

About Autonegotiation continued

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 auto-negotiation between the DFE-650TXD and its supporting device begins and proceeds automatically.

If the supporting switch or hub has autonegotiation functional

ity, then it and the DFE-650TXD exchange a series of

messages in which each device signals its capabilities and

listens for corresponding information about the other. The

auto-negotiation process requires only a few milliseconds,

and the two devices select the best communication parame

ters supported by both devices.

If the supporting device does not have autonegotiation func

tionality, then its monotone (single capability) message will be

recognized by the DFE-650TXD's autonegotiation facility,

and the DFE-650TXD will simply switch to the one of its

own capabilities which matches that of the supporting device.

Once the auto-negotiation is completed, then the line is

ready, and it will provide an optimal data channel between the

DFE-650TXD and the supporting device. The line will

remain ready without further auto-negotiation action until the

linkage is broken. Auto-negotiation then reoccurs at any time

that the linkage is restored, again making the line ready for

optimal data communications.

TROUBLESHOOTING

A network can be simple to install and maintain. However, occasionally something might go wrong. The best approach to troubleshooting network problems is to start at the very simplest

level and work your way up.

On the following pages we have covered many of the common troubleshooting situations. Please read through these

pages or skip to the specific one that interests you.

TROUBLESHOOTING continued

UNDERSTANDING THE INDICATORS

Your DFE-650TXD PC Card has indicator lights that can give you

information about your network traffic and help you determine problems when troubleshooting.

The DFE-650TXD PC Card has six LED indicators:

1. 100/10 Indicator:

An orange light indicates that it is ON.

2. Full Indicator: A green light indicates that it is ON.

3. Link Indicator: A green light indicates that it is ON.

4. RX Indicator:

A green and flashing light indicates that

data is being received

5. TX Indicator:

A green and flashing light indicates that data

is being transmitted.

6. COL Indicator: An orange light indicates interference.

Full

Link

100/10

COL

Troubleshooting the Hardware Installation

If you experience any problems with the hardware installation, first

ascertain that all network cable connections are firm, that the prop

er grade of cable is used for the network connection, and that the

cable makeup is correct (straight -- without un-needed crossovers

in the connector wiring.) Check that the supporting hub is power-

on and operating normally, and that the hub is properly qualified

(under 10Base-T and/or 100Base-TX standards.)

Verify Each Computers Identification

If more than one computer on your network has the same

"Computer name," communications may be negatively affected.

Also, each computer must have the same "Workgroup" name to

communicate properly.

Verify Network Adapter Installation

If your Network Adapter were not installed, including the Network

System Software or Device drivers, your network will not function

properly. Use these steps to verify that your Network Adapter are

properly installed.

1. Double-Click the "System" icon in the Control Panel.

2. Click the "Device Manager" tab on top of the "System

Properties" dialog box.

Double-Click "Network Adapters" if you do not see any

items branching out. You should see "D-Link DFE-650TX

/TXD PCMCIA PC Card branching out after double-Clicking Network Adapters."

If you do not see any items branching out after double-clicking

"Network Adapters," your Network Adapter has not been properly

installed. Start at the beginning of the guide and follow these steps

for this computer.

TROUBLESHOOTING continued

TROUBLESHOOTINGcontinued

If you see symbols such as yellow exclamation point or red "X" over

the icon adjacent to "D-Link DFE-650TX/TXD PC Card," your card

is not installed properly or may have a problem. Double-click the

"D-Link DFE-650TX/TXD PC Card" read the explanation of the

problem. This information will be helpful if you require technical

support from D-Link.

Verify Cable Connections

Check to see that the computer(s) you are troubleshooting are

properly connected. Each computer must be connected from its

DFE-650TXD with a Category 5 cable. Examine the network

cables and ensure that they have not been damaged by having

been walked-on, rolled over by chairs, or closed in doors.

Additionally, make note of and alleviate any possible electromag

netic interference that may be affecting your network. Your network cables can be plugged into any port on your hub

except the "Uplink" port. The "Uplink" port is only used when con

necting your hub to another hub or switch.

Diagnostics and Checking Communications

Included on the CD-ROM is a "DFE-650TXD PCMCIA Adapter

Driver Program." It is a diagnostic program that will help you deter

mine if any faults exist in your DFE-650TXD Network Adapters or

connection.

Restart your computer in MS-DOS mode. (Click "Start,"

then ""Shut Down" and finally select ""Restart the computer in MS-DOS mode.")

2. Insert the CD-ROM labeled "DFE-650TXD PCMCIA

Ethernet Adapter Driver Program" into your CD-ROM D:\

3. Type D:\DIAG.EXE at the MS-DOS prompt and press

"Enter" to start the D-Link PCMCIA Fast Ethernet Adapter

Diagnostic Program.

Read the follow the instructions on the screen (Press F1

key anytime for additional help.)

"Adapter Basic Diagnostic" will determine if any problems

exist with DFE-650TXD.

"Network Diagnostic" will determine if problems exist with

your network or connections. To use "Network Diagnostic,"

please run program on both computers in MS-DOS Mode.

If you encounter any problems, please contact D-Link technical support.

TROUBLESHOOTING continued

Pinging your DFE-650TXD Card

Follow these steps to Ping a device:

Ping is the acronym for Packet Internet Groper (PING), a utility to

determine if a specific IP address is accessible. It works by send

ing a packet to the specified address and waiting for a reply. Ping

is primarily used to troubleshoot Internet connections. By sending

out a ping, you are verifying that a specific computer is available.

Since all computers on the network must have a unique IP

address, getting a reply means that a computer is on the network

and can communicate. If you cannot ping another computer, then

there is probably a problem with the hardware. Check the cabling

and adapter installation. If you are unable to network, even when

you receive a reply to your ping, it is probably a software configu

ration issue. Verify that all the settings are correct.

1. Start MS-DOS Prompt.

2. Type in the following: ping:xxx.xxx.xx.xx, where xxx.xxx.xx.xx is the IP address to be pinged (i.e.

192.168.0.1.) and hit the enter key. In this case, computer A is pinging its own IP address.

A successful ping shows four replies.

TROUBLESHOOTING

HOW TO FREE AN IRQ What to do if you don't have an available IRQ

If there is not an available (open) IRQs on your system, you can do

the following:

The first thing you can do is let your Motherboard and Windows do

the work for you. For this option you will need to check that you

have a Plug and Play compatible Motherboard and set it to reset

the configuration.

Note:

All of the setting names below may not be the exact wording

on your system. This is due to the great number of Motherboard

and hardware manufacturers. The settings may be listed on your

system using different words that mean the same thing. Refer to

your motherboards's manual or contact the manufacturer if you are

unsure.

Perform the following steps to check for a Plug and Play Motherboard and to reset the configuration.

1. Reboot your computer.

2. When your computer is going through its POST (Power On Self Test) enter into your BIOS(Basic Input/Output System).

3. Some BIOS's have a setting that will let you

enable the Motherboard for Plug and Play. You should look for a setting that says "Plug and

Play OS." "Enable" this function.

4. The second setting to look for is under the

heading "PNP/PCI Configuration." Under this heading check to make sure that "Resources

Controlled By" is set to "Auto."

5. The next setting below should be "Reset

Configuration" or "Reset ESSCD." Set this to a

"Enabled." Note: This is a one-time setting. Meaning after

you reboot your computer the setting will return to "Disabled." This setting allows Windows to recon-

figure all of the configuration information for your Plug and Play hardware. It is reset to "Disabled" so

that Windows will not perform the reconfiguration

each time you start your computer.

6. "Save" the new settings and Exit your BIOS. This

will allow your computer to boot up and load Windows.

7. After Windows loads, check in the Device Manager to

see if there is an available IRQ.

TROUBLESHOOTING

HOW TO FREE AN IRQ What to do if you don't have an available IRQ

continued

TROUBLESHOOTING

HOW TO FREE AN IRQ

If you do not have a Plug and Play Motherboard or you still do

not have a free IRQ

If you do not have a Plug and Play Motherboard or you still do not

have a free IRQ you might need to disable some unused

Hardware. For instance if you have a PS/2 or USB Mouse then

you might be able to disable your COM Ports.

Perform the following steps to disable your COM Ports.

1. Reboot your computer.

2. When your computer is going through its POST (Power On Self Test) enter into your BIOS (Basic

Input/Output System).

3. Under the heading "Integrated Peripherals," look for "Serial Port 1 or 2" or "COM Port 1 or 2."

4. Change the setting to "Disable."

5. Go to the heading "PNP/PCI Configuration."

6. Make sure the setting for "Resources Controlled By" is set to "Auto."

7. Change the setting for "Reset Configuration" to "Enabled."

8. Hit the "ESC" key and go to the heading "Save and Exit."

9. Let Windows load and follow the steps to Checking for an Available IRQ.

TROUBLESHOOTING

HOW TO FREE AN IRQ

If you do not have a Plug and Play Motherboard or you still do

not have a free IRQ

continued

Other hardware that can be disabled

are referred to as "Built On." If your Motherboard has a "Built On"

if it is disabled.

Perform the following steps to disable a "Built On "

Modem.

1. Reboot your computer.

2. When your computer is going through its POST

(Power On Self Test) enter into your BIOS (Basic

Input/Output System).

3. Under the heading "Integrated Peripherals,"

look for

a setting "Modem COM Port. "

4. Change the setting to "Disable."

Note: Only disable your "Built On "

Modem if you

know that you have upgraded your Modem, you

have had a Broadband connection (Cable/DSL)

installed, or if you do not use it to connect to the

Internet. Disabling the "Built On "

Modem will make

it so it no longer functions, until reset to "

enabled.

5. Go to the heading "PNP/PCI Configuration."

6. Make sure the setting for "

Resources Controlled

By" is set to "Auto."

+ 40 hidden pages

D-Link DFE-650TXD User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual