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7-2
Network Interface Controllers
Writer: Project: Network Interface Controllers Comments:
File Name: K-ch7.doc Last Saved On: 4/18/97 6:46 PM
Features
Standard features of this controller are:
Auto-Sensing drivers
Bus-mastering for maximum data throughput with minimal
CPU utilization
Fully software configurable (no switches or jumpers)
LEDs are visible on the controller through the end bracket for easy
monitoring of controller status
Superior performance provided by the Texas Instruments
ThunderLAN chip
Full-duplex Ethernet supported at both 10Mb/s and 100 Mb/s operation
100Base-TX Technology
The 100Base-TX design uses the same the Carrier Sense Multiple
Access/Collision Detect (CSMA/CD) shared media access method supported
by the 10Base-T protocol. The CSMA/CD access protocol requires each node
to listen to the shared media before starting a transmission. If more than one
node attempts a transmission on the media at the same time, it will result in a
collision. Each node then stops transmitting and waits a random time interval
before an attempt is made to retransmit. Because it uses the same protocol
and management software as 10Base-T, 100Base-TX is easily implemented as
a low-cost LAN technology with a minimum of change to the network
environment.
