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Using the Network Interface Controller: Dell Precision™ WorkStation 620 Systems
User's Guide
Overview
This section describes how to connect your computer system to an Ethernet network using the integrated 3Com
®
Peripheral Component
Interconnect (PCI) (3C920 based and 3C905-TX compatible) network interface controller (NIC). The NIC provides all the functions normally
provided by a separate network expansion card.
The integrated NIC includes a
Remote Wake Up
feature that enables the computer to be started up by a special local area network (LAN) signal
from a server management console. Remote Wake Up capability allows remote computer setup, basic input/output system (BIOS) upgrades,
software downloading and installation, file updates, and asset tracking after hours and on weekends when LAN traffic is typically at a minimum.
The integrated NIC provides a method for the system management BIOS to send
platform event traps
to the network management system when
the operating system and Dell OpenManage™ Client Instrumentation are not available. For example, if the system is in a sleep state and someone
opens the chassis, the BIOS can send a chassis intrusion event to the network management system.
This section also provides instructions for configuring the NIC under Microsoft
®
Windows NT
®
4.0.
The NIC connector on the computer's back panel (see
Figure 1
) has the following indicators:
l
A
link-integrity indicator
, which lights up when there is a good connection between the network and the NIC. The indicator shows a green
light when connected to a 10-megabits-per-
second (Mbps) network and an orange light when connected to a 100
-Mbps network. When the
indicator is off, the computer system is not detecting a physical connection to the network or the power source to the computer has been shut
off.
l
A yellow
activity indicator
, which flashes when the system is transmitting or receiving network data. A high volume of network traffic may
make this indicator appear to be in a steady "on" state.v
Figure 1. NIC Connector and Indicators
Connecting to a Network
To connect your system to and configure it for use on an Ethernet network, perform the following steps:
1. Connect the
network cable
to the back of your computer.
Overview
Configuring the NIC
Connecting to a Network
Reinstalling the NIC Drivers
NOTES:
The Remote Wake Up feature functions even when the computer is turned off; however, the computer must be plugged into a
working electrical outlet at all times and must be shut down in the normal method expected by the operating system. Thus, if you
disconnect the system power cable from the electrical outlet, if a power failure occurs, or if you shut down the system abnormally, the
Remote Wake Up feature will not work.
The link-integrity and activity indicators on the NIC connector (see
Figure 1
) remain active whenever the computer is plugged in,
whether or not the computer is turned off, and whether or not the
Network Interface Controller
and
Remote Wake Up
options are
enabled in the System Setup program.
When
Remote Wake Up
is enabled in the System Setup program, the green link-integrity indicator on the NIC connector (see
Figure 1
)
remains on when the computer is turned off.
NOTE:
The NIC drivers for systems running a Dell-installed Windows
®
2000 operating system are automatically detected and installed.
1
Link-integrity
indicator
2
Activity indicator
3
NIC connector
Summary of Contents for Inspiron 620
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