
Page 2-3
Configuring the Adapter
Configuring the Adapter
Self-Configuring the Adapter
One of the advantages of PCI is that all of its devices are self-configuring.
The Asanté PCI adapter is designed to utilize this feature.
To configure the adapter, plug it into a PCI slot with bus-mastering capabil-
ity. During system initialization at power-up, the PCI BIOS (system ROM)
configuration software automatically selects an unused interrupt line and
I/O addresses for use with the adapter. You do not need to set interrupts,
I/O addresses, jumpers, or switches to configure the adapter.
Computers without the Self-Configuring Feature
Early versions of PCI BIOS do not support the PCI specification, version 2.0.
To successfully install the adapter in computers without the self-configuring
feature, you may need to modify IRQ jumper settings on the computer’s
motherboard and/or modify the PCI BIOS setup with the setup utility that
came with your computer system. Refer to your computer manuals for infor-
mation on changing the BIOS setup for a PCI bus.
∆
Note:
Check with your computer manufacturer to see if
your computer properly supports the PCI Specification,
version 2.0.
∆
Note:
It is recommended that you verify the PCI config-
uration using the PCI BIOS setup utility after installing
the adapter. Check that your PCI configuration does not
conflict with other bus configuration.
After power-up initialization, the adapter automatically connects at the
appropriate speed (10Mbps or 100Mbps) and/or full duplex without user
intervention. Full duplex operation can only be configured with a switch
product that supports it.
If you are initially planning to use the adapter to run at 10Mbps speed, when
you are ready to upgrade to 100Mbps (100BASE-TX), it will not be necessary
to modify the configuration or settings. The same driver will run at both
10Mbps or 100Mbps speed.
Another benefit of NWay auto-negotiation is that a connection will not occur
without a common mode of operation between connecting devices. This
preserves network integrity and minimizes network downtime.