System Overview
1-5
Optional Built-In NIC
The Dell OptiPlex N computers offer an optional integrated 10/100-Mbps
3Com
®
PCI 3C905 Ethernet NIC subsystem. The NIC provides all the func-
tions of a separate 3Com 3C905 network expansion card and supports the
100BASE-TX Ethernet standards. Category 5 wiring and connections must be
used.
The integrated NIC does not support the Wakeup On LAN feature. Wakeup
On LAN capability is provided by an optional NIC expansion card such as the
Intel EtherExpress
™
PRO/100M.
The NIC subsystem connects to the Ethernet network through an RJ45 connec-
tor on the back panel of the computer.
Figure 1-5. NIC Connector on I/O Panel
On computers with the optional built-in NIC, the NIC (RJ45) connector and
NIC interface circuitry are mounted on the system board. The connector
includes the following indicators (see Figure 1-5):
•
A yellow activity indicator flashes when the computer is transmitting or
receiving network data. (A high volume of network traffic may make this
indicator appear to be in a steady “on” state.)
•
A green link integrity indicator lights up when there is a good connection
between the network and the NIC. When the green indicator is off, the com-
puter is not detecting a physical connection to the network.
“Network Considerations” in the online Network Administrator’s Guide pro-
vides instructions for connecting the computer to, and configuring it for use on,
an Ethernet network.
Stand for Vertical Orientation
The computer can be used in a vertical orientation by attaching an available
stand to the left side of the computer.
NIC connector
link integrity
indicator
activity
indicator
