DIGITAL Fast EtherWORKS PCI 10/100 Installation

This document is an installation and configuration guide for the DIGITAL Fast EtherWORKS PCI 10/100 (DE500) adapter, a host processor-independent network interface card for the PCI bus. It covers various models, including UTP (10/100 Mb/s) and fiber-optic (100 Mb/s) versions.

Key features of the DE500 adapter include its high-performance 32-bit DMA architecture, plug-and-play driver installation, support for IEEE 802.3u autonegotiation/autosensing, optional boot ROM, software-controlled power saving, and compliance with PCI revision 2.1, FCC Class B, and CE Mark standards.

The guide provides detailed instructions for hardware installation, including system requirements (PCI slot, compliant system, diskette drive, appropriate cables), physical installation steps, and connecting the adapter to the network using UTP or fiber-optic cables. It also explains how to install an optional Remote Boot ROM.

For software configuration and diagnostics, the document describes the EZWORKS Installation utility (a DOS-based program). This utility allows users to view adapter information, configure NetWare ODI client, run diagnostic tests, and configure the Remote Boot ROM. It also lists various command line switches for advanced configuration.

Further sections provide information on obtaining the latest device drivers via FTP, CompuServe, World Wide Web, or Bulletin Board Service, and offer problem-solving guidance with symptom-based fault isolation and diagnostic error codes. General technical details include the adapter's physical description, functional components (connectors, LEDs, DECchips, ROM socket), electrical parameters, operating environment specifications, connector pin assignments, cabling requirements, and a list of other DIGITAL network products. For older PCI systems, it explains how to use the PCI BIOS Setup utility to enable the PCI slot, assign IRQ, and enable bus mastering.

Finally, the document provides an overview of Fast Ethernet technology, highlighting its advantages such as high performance, standards-based approach, cost-effective migration from 10BaseT, and broad vendor support, positioning it as an excellent solution for high-bandwidth LAN requirements.