IBM Netfinity 3500, User Handbook Manual

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Configuring the Ethernet Controller
Ÿ
You must install a device driver to enable your operating
system to address the Ethernet controller. Use ServerGuide to
install this device driver. Refer to your ServerGuide package for
instructions on installing device drivers. For more information
about ServerGuide, see “What Your IBM Netfinity 3500 Server
Offers” on page 4.
Fast Ethernet operates at a data rate of 100 Mbps; that is, ten times
faster than standard Ethernet. However, except for the different
operating speeds, Fast Ethernet and standard Ethernet are
structurally identical. Applications and protocols that are currently
installed on a standard Ethernet system can be seamlessly migrated
to a Fast Ethernet system. (In a very small number of cases, minor
tuning might be required to adjust the application to the faster
response time of a Fast Ethernet system.) Because of the
equivalence of the two types of Ethernet, mixed Ethernet and Fast
Ethernet systems also can be designed and implemented.
The bandwidth required at each workstation connected to a server is
generally far less than the bandwidth required at the server. This is
because the server might have to handle the bandwidth of multiple
workstations at the same time. A cost-effective solution to the
bandwidth requirements of this type of system is a mixed Ethernet
and Fast Ethernet network. This mixed network consists of
standard Ethernet connections at the workstations and Fast Ethernet
connections at the servers.
The Ethernet controller is a PCI device, and is therefore, a Plug and
Play device. You do not have to set any jumpers or configure the
controller for your operating system before you use the Ethernet
controller.
The Ethernet controller supports the auto-detection mode only.
When you install your device drivers and configure the Ethernet
controller for use with your operating system, do not select the
10BASE-T mode. To ensure proper operation of your controller,
always select the default parameters provided.
Chapter 3. Configuring Your Server
45