Constructing Loopback Plugs 83 Insert the NIC in another slot; the original slot maybe defective. The NIC may be defective. Replace the suspectedNIC with one that is known to work properly. Forinformation on product repair, see Appendix D. To test for a defective server, install the NIC in afunctioning server. Other NICs may be causing contention. Remove allother NICs from the server and test the 3C985B-SXserver NIC separately.Constructing Loopback PlugsTo run the External Loopback Test, you must firstinsert a loopback plug into the cable connectors ofthe 3C985B-SX server NIC. The loopback plug lets the3C985B-SX server NIC transmit and receive on a closedloop. A fiber-optic loopback plug for the 3C985B-SXserver NIC can be constructed from a single strand ora double strand of standard fiber-optic cable. Single-strand cable — Insert the male connectors atboth ends of the cable into the female connectors onthe NIC. Double-strand cable — The following procedure forcreating a loopback plug from a common type ofdouble-strand cable is provided for your reference.The way the connectors clip together may vary withthe manufacturer.Table 8 PCI BIOS ParametersParameter SettingBus master Enabled.Interrupt number Set to any IRQ that does not conflict withanother device.Interrupt type Level.Latency timer Recommended range is between 20 and 255;typically set to 40.
