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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 Gigabit Ethernet adapters.

System Requirements

Before you install the Broadcom NetXtreme 57XX Gigabit Ethernet Controller, verify that your server 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 server meets the hardware and software requirements listed under System Requirements.
  2. Verify that your server 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 the Broadcom NetXtreme 57XX Gigabit Ethernet Controller (add-in NIC) in most servers. Refer to the manuals that were supplied with your server for details about performing these tasks on your particular server.

  1. Review the Precautions and Pre-Installation Checklist. Before installing the adapter, ensure the system power is OFF and unplugged from the power outlet, and that proper electrical grounding procedures have been followed.
  2. Remove the system cover, and select any empty PCI/PCI-X/PCI Express slot. If you do not know how to identify a PCI slot, refer to your server documentation.
  3. Remove the blank cover-plate from the slot that you selected.
  4. Holding the card by the edges, align the adapter connector edge with the connector slot in the server.
    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 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 card, push the adapter card 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 card, as this may damage the system or the adapter. If the card resists seating, remove it , realign it, and try again.
  1. Secure the adapter with the adapter clip or screw.
  2. Replace the server cover and disconnect any personal antistatic devices.
  3. Power the system on.

After the server returns to proper operation, the adapter hardware is fully installed. Go to Connecting the network cables.


Connecting the Network Cables

Copper

NOTE: The Broadcom NetXtreme 57XX Gigabit Ethernet Controller supports 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.

The Broadcom NetXtreme 57XX Gigabit Ethernet Controller has one RJ-45 connector used for attaching the system to an Ethernet copper-wire segment.

Perform the following procedure for connecting a network cable to the Broadcom NetXtreme 57XX Gigabit Ethernet Controller.

  1. Prepare 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 UTP 100 meters (328 feet)
    100/1000BASE-T RJ-45 Category 5 UTP 100 meters (328 feet)

    NOTE: 1000BASE-T signaling requires four twisted pairs of Category 5 balanced cabling, as specified in ISO/IEC 11801:1995 and EIA/TIA-568-A (1995) and tested using procedures defined in TIA/EIA TSB95.

  3. Connect one end of the cable to 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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