2-4
C
HAPTER
2: H
ARDWARE
I
NSTALLATION
4 Connect a Category 5 UTP network cable with an
RJ-45 connector between the NIC and a Fast Ethernet
hub or switch. See
Figure 2-2
.
For optimal performance, use a Fast Ethernet switch that
supports frame sizes larger than 1500 bytes, such as the
3Com SuperStack II Switch 3000.
CAUTION:
Connect the cable only to the 3C395 NIC you
just installed. Connecting the cable to other NICs could
seriously damage the NIC and the network. Do not
daisy-chain NICs or connect them back to back.
Figure 2-2
Connecting the Cable
5 Turn on the PC and check the NIC LEDs.
When the PC is turned on, the PC BIOS automatically
configures the NIC’s base I/O address (port address) and
interrupt request (IRQ) line. You can only change these
settings in the PC BIOS. However, you can set other
parameters or run diagnostics with the Configuration and
Diagnostic Program, which is provided on the 3Com diskette.
Check that the 100 LNK LED on the NIC is green, which
indicates that the NIC is functioning properly. See
Figure 2-3
.
The NIC must be connected to the network before you can
install drivers or run diagnostics.
RJ-45 port
RJ-45
connector
TX
TX
ACT
10
100
L
N
K
