This chapter provides the following information:
System Requirements
Before installing the Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, make sure your system meets the requirements listed for your operating system:
Windows 2000, NT, and .NET Requirements
- Pentium-based computer that meets Windows 2000 software requirements
- One open 32-bit or 64-bit PCI slot
- PCI v2.2 33/66 MHz Bus Interface (5700/5701)
- PCI-X v1.0 64-bit 100 MHz Bus Interface (5701 only)
- 128 MB RAM (minimum)
- Microsoft Windows 2000 Server, Microsoft Windows 2000
Advanced Server, or Microsoft Windows Datacenter (Windows 2000 only)
- Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Server with Service Pack 4 or later (Windows
NT only)
- Microsoft Windows .NET Server, or Microsoft Windows .NET Enterprise Server (Windows .NET only)
- Pentium-based computer that meets Novell NetWare 5.1 and 6.0 software requirements
- One open 32-bit or 64-bit PCI slot
- PCI v2.2 33/66 MHz Bus Interface (5700/5701)
- PCI-X v1.0 64-bit 100 MHz Bus Interface (5701 only)
- 64 MB RAM (minimum)
- One of the following versions of Novell NetWare:
- Novell NetWare 5.1 and 6.0, with Support Pack 3 or the most recent NetWare
5 Support Pack
- Novell NetWare 5.1 and 6.0, with Support Pack 3 or the most recent NetWare
5 Support Pack
Linux Requirements
- Pentium-based computer that meets Linux software requirements
- One open 32-bit or 64-bit PCI slot
- PCI v2.2 33/66 MHz Bus Interface (5700/5701)
- PCI-X v1.0 64-bit 100 MHz Bus Interface (5701 only)
- 128 MB RAM (minimum)
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NOTE - Although the driver should work with many Linux kernel versions and distributions, it has only been tested on Red Hat 7.1, and 7.2 Linux distributions for i386 and IA64 (kernel version 2.4.x). Furthermore, the driver has only been tested as a loadable module. |
Safety Precautions
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WARNING - The adapter is being installed in a system
that operates with voltages that can be lethal. Before you remove the cover
of your system, you must observe the following precautions to protect yourself
and to prevent damage to the system components.
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Pre-Installation Checklist
- Check that your server meets the hardware and software requirements listed under "System Requirements."
- Verify that your system is using the latest BIOS.
- Review the information in the readme.txt file on the CD-ROM for important
information not available at the time this manual was created.
NOTE - If you acquired the adapter software on floppy disk or from the Broadcom support website, enter the path to where the adapter driver files reside on your system.
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If your system is active, shut it down.
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When system shut down is complete, power OFF and unplug your system.
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Holding the adapter card by the edges, remove it from its shipping package and place it on an antistatic surface.
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Check the adapter for visible signs of damage, particularly on the cards edge connector. Never attempt to install any damaged adapter. If the adapter is damaged, report it to Broadcom.
The following instructions apply to installing the gigabit ethernet adapter in most systems. Refer to the manuals that were supplied with your system for details about performing these tasks on your particular system.
- Review the Precautions and Pre-Installation Instructions. Before installing the adapter, ensure the system power is OFF and unplugged from the power outlet, and that proper electrical grounding procedures have been followed.
- Remove the system cover, and select any empty PCI/PCI-X slot. If you do not know how to identify a PCI slot, refer to your system documentation.
- Remove the blank cover-plate from the slot that you selected.
- Holding the PCI/PCI-X card by the edges, align the adapters connector edge with the PCI connector dock in the system.
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NOTE - The connector dock in a 32-bit PCI slot is shorter than in a 64-bit PCI slot. Although the adapter is designed to fit in either slot type, when installed in a 32-bit PCI slot, part of the adapters connector edge will remain undocked. This is perfectly normal. |
- Applying even pressure at both corners of the card, push the adapter card until it is firmly seated in the PCI/PCI-X slot. When properly seated, the adapters port connectors will be aligned with the slot opening, and its faceplate will be flush against the system chassis.
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CautionDo not use excessive force when seating the card, as this may damage the system or the adapter. If the card resists seating, remove it from the system, realign it, and try again. |
- Secure the adapter with the adapter clip or screw.
- Replace the system cover and disconnect any personal antistatic devices.
- Power the system on.
Once the system returns to proper operation, the adapter hardware is fully installed. You must next connect the network cables.
The adapter has one RJ-45 connector used for attaching the system to an Ethernet copper-wire segment. When automatic link negotiation is disabled, the port can be configured for 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, or 1000 Mbps signaling and either half-duplex or full-duplex operation.
Perform the following procedure for connecting a network cable to the Gigabit Ethernet Adapter:
- Prepare an appropriate cable. The following table lists
the cable characteristics for connecting to 10/100/1000BASE-T ports:
Table 1. 10/100/1000BASE-T Cable Specifications
| Port Type | Connector | Media | Maximum Distance |
| 10BASE-T | RJ-45 | Cat. 3, 4, or 5 UTP | 100 meters (328 feet) |
| 100/1000BASE-T | RJ-45 | Cat. 5 UTP | 100 meters (328 feet) |
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Note 1000BASE-T signaling requires four twisted pairs of Category 5 balanced cabling, as specified in ISO/IEC 11801:1995 and EIA/TIA-568-A (1995) and tested using procedures defined in TIA/EIA TSB95. |
- Connect one end of the cable to the Gigabit Ethernet Adapter.
- Connect the other end of the cable to an RJ-45 Ethernet network port.
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Note Once the cable is properly connected at both ends, the adapter port LEDs should be functional. See Table 1 in "Introduction" for a description of adapter port LED operation. For driver installation and configuration instructions, refer to the software configuration for that specific driver. |