Dell Precision 420 - Manual (Page 110)

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Using the Network Interface Controller: Dell Precision™ WorkStation 420 Systems
User's Guide
Overview
This section describes how to connect your computer system to an Ethernet network using the integrated 3Com ® Peripheral Component
Interconnect (PCI) 3C920 (3C905C-TX compatible) network interface controller (NIC). The NIC provides all the functions normally provided by a
separate network expansion card, but does not require a slot in the system.
The integrated NIC includes a Remote Wake Up 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, basic input/output system (BIOS) upgrades,
software downloading and installation, file updates, and asset tracking after hours and on weekends when LAN traffic is typically at a minimum.
This section also provides instructions for configuring the NIC under the following operating systems:
l Microsoft ® Windows NT® 4.0
l Microsoft Windows ® 98
l Microsoft Windows 2000
The NIC connector on the computer's back panel (see Figure 1 ) has the following indicators:
l
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.)
l A dual-colored link integrity and speed indicator, which lights up green when there is a good connection between a 10-Mbps network and
the NIC, or it lights up orange when there is a good connection between a 100-Mbps network and the NIC. When the orange or green
indicator is off, the computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.
Figure 1. NIC Connector and Indicators
Overview
Connecting to a Network
Reinstalling the NIC Drivers
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, have a valid network connection 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.
The link-integrity and activity indicators on the NIC connector (see
Figure 1 ) remain active whenever the computer is plugged in,
whether or not the computer is turned off, and whether or not the Network Interface Controller and Remote Wake Up options are
enabled in System Setup.
NOTE: The NIC drivers for systems running Dell-installed Windows operating systems are installed at the factory. Instructions for
reinstalling these NIC drivers are included in the documentation that came with your Dell Precision Resource CD.
NOTE: The activity and link integrity and speed indicator remain active even if the system is turned off or if the NIC is disabled in
System Setup.
1 Link-integrity
indicator
2 Activity indicator
3 NIC connector