IBM xSeries 305 Type 8673 User Manual

Also see for eServer xSeries 305 Type 8673: Maintenance and troubleshooting guide Installation guide

Contents

Configuring the Gigabit Ethernet controllerThe Ethernet controller is integrated on the system board. This controller providesan interface for connecting to 10-Mbps, 100-Mbps, or 1000-Mbps networks andprovides full duplex (FDX) capability, which enables simultaneous transmission andreception of data on the Ethernet local area network (LAN). You do not need to setany jumpers or configure the controller for your operating system before you usethe Ethernet controller. However, you must install a device driver to enable youroperating system to address the Ethernet controller. The device drivers are providedon the ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD.When you connect your server to the network, the Ethernet controller automaticallydetects the data-transfer rate (10-Mbps, 100-Mbps, or 1000-Mbps) on the networkand then sets the controller to operate at the appropriate rate. In addition, if theEthernet ports that your server is connected to support auto-negotiation, the GigabitEthernet controller will set the appropriate duplex state. That is, the Ethernetcontroller will adjust to the network data rate, whether the data rate is standardEthernet (10BASE-T), Fast Ethernet (100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T), half duplex(HDX), or full duplex (FDX). The controller supports half-duplex (HDX) andfull-duplex (FDX) modes at both speeds.For information on configuring your Ethernet controller, see the BroadcomNetXtreme Gigabit Ethernet Software CD that comes with your server. For updatedinformation on configuring your Ethernet controller, go to the IBM Support Web siteat http://www.ibm.com/pc/support and navigate to the area for your specific servertype. From this area, you can download documentation, the most current devicedrivers for your server, and software that supports advanced networking functions.After downloading, run the downloaded program launch.exe.High-performance Ethernet modesYour Ethernet controller supports optional modes, such as teaming, priority packets,load balancing, fault tolerance, and virtual LANs, which provide higher performance,security, and throughput for your server. These modes apply to the integratedEthernet controller and to the controllers on supported Ethernet adapters.20 xSeries 305 Type 8673: User’s Guide