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Installing the Hardware: Broadcom NetXtreme® 57XX User Guide

System Requirements

Safety Precautions

Pre-Installation Checklist

Installing the Adapter

Connecting the Network Cables


NOTE: This section applies only to add-in NIC models of Broadcom NetXtreme 57XX Gigabit Ethernet controllers.

System Requirements

Before you install the Broadcom NetXtreme 57XX Gigabit Ethernet Controller, verify that your system meets the requirements listed for your operating system:

Windows 2000/Windows Server 2003 Requirements

NetWare Requirements

Linux Requirements

NOTE: Although the driver should work with many Linux® kernel versions and distributions, it has only been tested on Red Hat® AS 2.1 and RHEL 3.0 distributions for i386 (kernel version 2.4.x). Furthermore, the driver has only been tested as a loadable module.

Safety Precautions

WARNING: The adapter is being installed in a system that operates with voltages that can be lethal. Before you remove the cover of your system, you must observe the following precautions to protect yourself and to prevent damage to the system components.
  • Remove any metallic objects or jewelry from your hands and wrists.
  • Make sure to use only insulated or nonconducting tools.
  • Verify that the system is powered OFF and unplugged before accessing internal components.
  • Installation or removal of adapters must be performed in a static-free environment. The use of a properly grounded wrist strap or other personal antistatic devices and an antistatic mat is strongly recommended.

Preinstallation Checklist

  1. Verify that your system meets the hardware and software requirements listed under System Requirements.
  2. Verify that your system is using the latest BIOS.
NOTE: If you acquired the adapter software on a floppy disk or from the Broadcom support website (http://www.broadcom.com), verify the path to the adapter driver files.
  1. If your system is active, shut it down.
  2. When system shutdown is complete, turn off the power and unplug the power cord.
  3. Holding the adapter card by the edges, remove it from its shipping package and place it on an antistatic surface.
  4. Check the adapter for visible signs of damage, particularly on the card edge connector. Never attempt to install any damaged adapter.

Installing the Adapter

The following instructions apply to installing a Broadcom NetXtreme Gigabit Ethernet adapter (add-in NIC) in most systems. Refer to the manuals that were supplied with your system for details about performing these tasks on your particular system.

  1. Review the Precautions and Pre-Installation Checklist.
  2. Open the system case to provide access to the empty PCI/PCI-X/PCI Express slot. If you do not know how to identify such slots, refer to your system documentation.
  3. Remove the blank cover-plate from the slot that you selected.
  4. Align the adapter connector edge with the connector slot in the system.
    NOTE: The connector slot in a 32-bit PCI slot is shorter than in a 64-bit PCI slot. Although the adapter is designed to fit in either slot type, when the adapter is installed in a 32-bit PCI slot, part of the adapter connector edge remain undocked, which is normal.
  1. Applying even pressure at both corners of the adapter, push the adapter into the slot until it is firmly seated. When the adapter is properly seated, the adapter port connectors are aligned with the slot opening, and the adapter faceplate is flush against the system chassis.
    CAUTION: Do not use excessive force when seating the adapter, as this may damage the system or the adapter. If you have difficulty seating the adapter, remove it , realign it, and try again.
  1. Secure the adapter with the adapter clip or screw.
  2. Close the system case and disconnect any personal antistatic devices.

Connecting the Network Cables

NOTE: Broadcom NetXtreme Gigabit Ethernet adapters support Automatic MDI Crossover (MDIX), which eliminates the need for crossover cables when connecting machines back-to-back. A straight-through Category 5 cable allows the machines to communicate when connected directly together.
  1. Select an appropriate cable. Table 1 lists the cable requirements for connecting to 10/100/1000BASE-T ports:
  2. Table 1. 10/100/1000BASE-T Cable Specifications

    Port Type
    Connector
    Media
    Maximum Distance
    10BASE-T
    RJ-45
    Category 3, 4, or 5 unshielded twisted pairs (UTP)
    100m (328 ft)
    100/1000BASE-T1 RJ-45 Category 52 UTP 100m (328 ft)

    11000BASE-T signaling requires 4 twisted pairs of Category 5 balanced cabling, as specified in ISO/IEC 11801:1995 and ANSI/EIA/TIA-568-A (1995) and tested for additional performance using testing procedures defined in TIA/EIA TSB95.

    2Category 5 is the minimum requirement. Category 5e and Category 6 are fully supported.


  3. Connect one end of the cable to the RJ-45 port on the adapter.
  4. Connect the other end of the cable to an RJ-45 Ethernet network port.
    NOTE: After the cable is properly connected at both ends, the adapter port LEDs should be functional. See Table 1: RJ-45 10/1001000 Ethernet LEDs for a description of adapter port LED indications.

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