Using the network interface controller, Using the network interface, Controller – Dell Precision 610 User Manual
Page 45: Using the network, Interface controller, Overview, Connecting to a network
Using the Network Interface Controller: Dell™ Precision™
WorkStation 610 Mini Tower Systems
Manually Configuring a 3Com
PCI 3C905b NIC
Overview
This chapter describes how to connect your computer system to an Ethernet network using the integrated 3Com Peripheral
Component Interconnect (PCI) 3C905b-TX network interface controller (NIC). The NIC provides all the functions normally provided
by a separate network expansion card.
The integrated NIC includes a Wakeup On LAN feature that enables the computer to be started up by a special local area network
(LAN) signal from a server management console. Wakeup On LAN capability allows remote computer setup, BIOS upgrades,
software downloading and installation, file updates, and asset tracking after hours and on weekends when LAN traffic is typically at
a minimum. For instructions on using this feature, see "
NOTES:
The Wakeup On LAN feature functions even when the computer is turned off; however, the computer must be
plugged into a working electrical outlet at all times and must be shut down in the normal method expected by the
operating system. Thus, if you disconnect the system power cable from the electrical outlet, if a power failure occurs, or
if you shut down the system abnormally, the Wakeup On LAN feature will not work.
When Wakeup On LAN is enabled in the System Setup program, the green link integrity indicator on the NIC connector
(see Figure 5-1) remains on when the computer is turned off.
This chapter also provides instructions for configuring the NIC under the Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 operating system.
NOTE:
The NIC drivers for systems running a Dell-installed Windows NT 4.0 operating system are automatically
detected and installed. Instructions for reinstalling these NIC drivers are included later in this chapter.
The NIC connector on the computer's back panel (see Figure 5-1) has the following indicators:
A yellow activity indicator flashes when the system is transmitting or receiving network data. (A high volume of network
traffic may make this indicator appear to be in a steady "on" state.)
A green link integrity indicator lights up when there is a good connection between the network and the NIC. When the green
indicator is off, the computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network or the power source to the computer has
been shut off.
Figure 5-1. NIC Connector and Indicators
Connecting to a Network