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Installing the Hardware: Broadcom NetXtreme 57XX User Guide
System Requirements
Safety Precautions
Preinstallation Checklist
Installing the Adapter
Connecting the Network Cables
NOTE: This section applies only to add-in NIC models of Broadcom NetXtreme Gigabit Ethernet adapters.
System Requirements
Before you install the Broadcom NetXtreme Gigabit Ethernet adapter, verify that your system meets the requirements listed for your operating system:
Hardware Requirements
- Pentium-based system that meets operating system requirements
- One open 32-bit or 64-bit PCI and/or PCI Express slot
- 128-MB RAM (minimum) for Windows and Linux. 64-MB RAM (minimum) for NetWare
Operating System Requirements
General
- PCI v2.3 33/66 MHz Bus Interface (BCM5701/BCM5703)
- PCI-X v1.0 64-bit 100-MHz Bus Interface (BCM5701 only)
- PCI-X v1.0 64-bit 133-MHz Bus Interface (BCM5703 only)
- PCI Express v1.0a, x1 (or greater) Host Interface (BCM5721)
Microsoft Windows
One of the following versions of Microsoft Windows:
- Windows 2000 Server Family
- Windows Server 2003 Family
- Windows Server 2008 Family
Novell NetWare
One of the following versions of Novell NetWare: NetWare 4.2, NetWare 5.1, NetWare 6.0, or NetWare 6.5, with the latest support pack.
Linux
NOTE: The current version of the adapter driver has been tested on the latest Red Hat, SuSE, and other Linux distributions for i386, ia64, and x86_64 CPU architectures using 2.4.x and 2.6.x kernels. The driver has been tested up to kernel version 2.4.33 and 2.6.13. The driver should work on other little endian or big endian CPU architectures, but only very limited testing has been done on some of these machines. The Makefile may have to be modified to include architecture-specific compile switches, and some minor changes in the source files may also be required. On these machines, patching the driver into the kernel is recommended.
Safety Precautions
CAUTION! The adapter is being installed in a system that operates with voltages that can be lethal. Before you remove the cover of your system, you must observe the following precautions to protect yourself and to prevent damage to the system components:
- Remove any metallic objects or jewelry from your hands and wrists.
- Make sure to use only insulated or nonconducting tools.
- Verify that the system is powered OFF and unplugged before you touch internal components.
- Install or remove adapters in a static-free environment. The use of a properly grounded wrist strap or other personal antistatic devices and an antistatic mat is strongly recommended.
Preinstallation Checklist
- Verify that your server meets the hardware and software requirements listed under System Requirements.
- Verify that your server is using the latest BIOS.
NOTE: If you acquired the adapter software on a floppy disk or from the Broadcom support website (http://www.broadcom.com/support/ethernet_nic/downloaddrivers.php), verify the path to the adapter driver files.
- If your system is active, shut it down.
- When system shutdown is complete, turn off the power and unplug the power cord.
- Holding the adapter card by the edges, remove it from its shipping package and place it on an antistatic surface.
- Check the adapter for visible signs of damage, particularly on the card edge connector. Never attempt to install any damaged adapter.
Installing the Adapter
The following instructions apply to installing the Broadcom NetXtreme Gigabit Ethernet adapter (add-in NIC) in most servers. Refer to the manuals that were supplied with your server for details about performing these tasks on your particular server.
- Review the Safety Precautions and Preinstallation Checklist. Before installing the adapter, ensure the system power is OFF and unplugged from the power outlet, and that proper electrical grounding procedures have been followed.
- Open the system case, and select any empty PCI/PCI-X/PCI Express slot. If you do not know how to identify any of these PCI slots, refer to your system documentation.
- Remove the blank cover-plate from the slot that you selected.
- Align the adapter connector edge with the connector slot in the system.
- Applying even pressure at both corners of the card, push the adapter card into the slot until it is firmly seated. When the adapter is properly seated, the adapter port connectors are aligned with the slot opening, and the adapter faceplate is flush against the system chassis.
CAUTION! Do not use excessive force when seating the card as this may damage the system or the adapter. If you have difficulty seating the adapter, remove it, realign it, and try again.
- Secure the adapter with the adapter clip or screw.
- Close the system case and disconnect any personal antistatic devices.
Connecting the Network Cables
Copper
The Broadcom NetXtreme Gigabit Ethernet adapter has one RJ-45 connector used for attaching the system to an Ethernet copper-wire segment.
NOTE: The Broadcom NetXtreme Gigabit Ethernet adapter supports Automatic MDI Crossover (MDIX), which eliminates the need for crossover cables when connecting machines back-to-back. A straight-through Category 5 cable allows the machines to communicate when connected directly together.
Table 1: 10/100/1000BASE-T Cable Specifications
Port Type
|
Connector
|
Media
|
Maximum Distance
|
10BASE-T
|
RJ-45
|
Category 3, 4, or 5 UTP
|
100 meters (328 feet)
|
100/1000BASE-T1
|
RJ-45
|
Category 52 UTP
|
100 meters (328 feet)
|
11000BASE-T signaling requires four twisted pairs of Category 5 balanced cabling, as specified in ISO/IEC 11801:1995 and EIA/TIA-568-A (1995) and tested using procedures defined in TIA/EIA TSB95.
2Category 5 is the minimum requirement. Category 5e and Category 6 are fully supported.
|
- Connect one end of the cable to the adapter.
- Connect the other end of the cable to an RJ-45 Ethernet network port.
NOTE: After the cable is properly connected at both ends, the port LEDs on the adapter should be functional. See Table 1: "10/100/1000BASE-T Cable Specifications" for a description of network link and activity indications
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