AT-2450 PCI Ethernet Adapter Card
36
Experiment with Possible Solutions
This chapter provides the common factors to check in
troubleshooting. It is by no means exhaustive since there are too
many environmental factors to take into account.
The first rule of troubleshooting is to isolate the problem. As you
experiment, vary only one factor at a time. Substitute known
good equipment and see if the problem persists or is eliminated.
❑
Do not overlook the obvious—make sure the card is seated
in the computer and that the cables and connectors are
securely attached.
❑
Check your computer manual for BIOS Setup instructions
(sometimes called “CMOS Setup”). Make sure the PCI slot
is enabled and has a unique interrupt request (IRQ)
assigned to it.
❑
If the LNK indicator does not light with UTP or fiber
media, make sure the cabling is intact and connected to a
functioning network port. Swap fiber optic connectors
between receptacles to verify TX-RX connection.
❑
If the LNK indicator lights on a 10BASE-T segment, but
data transfer is slow, collision-prone, or non-existent, verify
that your cable is of level 3, 4, or 5 (see “10BASE-T
Connection” on page 27). Level 1 and 2 voice-quality cable
will not work properly.
If the cable is more or less round in section, you probably
have data grade cable, correctly paired, and no transmission
problems. If, however, the cable appears flat in section (as
“Silver Satin” telephone-type cable) you probably have
voice-grade cable and transmission problems. If it looks like
telephone cable, double-check it.
❑
If the computer is on a 10BASE2 segment, make sure the
cable is connected with T-connectors, terminated at the
ends with 50
Ω
terminators, and grounded in only one place.