ABOUT THIS MANUAL.TXT FILE for the Novell NE2000plus by Microdyne family of Network Interface Boards for Ethernet This document supplements user reference and installation information provided on the quick installation card you received with this product. The table of contents that follows lists the section numbers of the information contained in this readme file. If you want to print this file, use a nonproportional font (such as Courier) for best results. ********************************** * TABLE OF CONTENTS * ********************************** ******************************************** 1) NE2000plus OVERVIEW ******************************************** 2) Multiple Media Access Options 3) Installation Overview 4) Configuration Overview 5) Diagnostics Overview ******************************************** 6) INSTALLING THE BOARD ******************************************** ******************************************** 7) CONFIGURING THE NE2000plus ******************************************** 8) Running User Configuration Software 9) Changing the Configuration 10) Configuration Options 11) Default Board Options 12) I/O Address Options 13) Interrupt Options 14) Select Connector Type 15) Data Transport Mode 16) Boot PROM Address 17) Timing Compatibility Controls 18) Exiting the Program ******************************************** 19) NE2000plus DIAGNOSTICS ******************************************** 20) Auto Test 21) Communications Loopback Test 22) I/O Read/Write Test 23) Interrupt Test 24) Transfer Test ******************************************** 25) LOADING LAN DRIVERS ******************************************** 26) Servers NetWare v3.1x NetWare v4.xx 27) Workstations DOS ODI OS/2 28) Routers and Bridges NetWare v3.1x ******************************************** 29) TROUBLESHOOTING HINTS ******************************************** Possible Symptoms Possible Solutions ******************************************** 30) TECHNICAL SUPPORT ******************************************** Returning Defective Products * * * * * * * * * * * * ******************************************** 1) NE2000plus OVERVIEW ******************************************** This manual contains a brief introduction to the NE2000plus family of Network Interface Boards for Ethernet. Three versions of the NE2000plus are available: NE2000plus-3 part number 883-002650-001 NE2000plus part number 883-300100-001 NE2000Tplus part number 883-300101-001 The manual.txt file also provides installation, configuration, and diagnostic procedures, and troubleshooting instructions. ============================================ 2) Multiple Media Access Options ============================================ The NE2000plus-3 has interface capabilities for Unshielded Twisted-Pair (UTP), coaxial, and AUI type connectors. The NE2000plus has interface capabilities for Coaxial and AUI type connectors. The NE2000Tplus has interface capabilities for unshielded twisted-pair. NE2000plus Network Interface Boards are software configurable NE2000 series compatible boards. The NE2000plus-3 and the NE2000plus boards default to the BNC type connector. The NE2000plus family of boards can use the same LAN driver as the NE2000 and NE2000T boards. All three boards default to port 300h and IRQ 3. The NE2000plus family of boards provides the ability to attach a network station to 10Base-2, 10Base-5, 10Base-T, or StarLAN-10 networks. ____ NOTE: Polarity and Link status lights only have meaning when using UTP cabling. The Link status light will be continuously lit when using StarLAN-10 networks. When the yellow LED on the NE2000Tplus board is on, it indicates the correct polarity of the UTP cable. ____ NOTE: The term NE2000plus is used throughout this manual.txt file to refer to all three board types unless a specific reference to a specific board is needed. When using default options, the board can be installed directly out of the box as long as no other board is set for port 300h and IRQ 3. Configuration is necessary only when using non-default options. ============================================ 3) Installation Overview ============================================ Install and configure one NE2000plus at a time. Run NE2000plus configuration software if using non-default parameters. The NE2000plus board can be installed in ISA or EISA bus computers. An EISA configuration file, !NVL1501.CFG, for the NE2000plus is provided to be used when installing the board in EISA bus computers. _________ Important: Two configuration programs are used when installing the NE2000plus in EISA computers, EISACONFIG (for the computer) and PLUSDIAG (for the NE2000plus). Make sure the EISA configuration port address and IRQ in the computer configuration match the ones in the NE2000plus configuration. Install a Remote Boot (Remote Reset) PROM, if needed, then continue the installation process. If a Remote Boot PROM will not be used, continue the installation process as explained in the next section. Remote Boot PROMs are enabled during user configuration. ============================================ 4) Configuration Overview ============================================ - Install and configure only one NE2000plus at a time. Configure the board using port 300h and IRQ 3 last to prevent conflicts. - Run the NE2000plus user configuration/diagnostics utility (PLUSDIAG.EXE) provided, if changing the configuration. - Select "Change Configuration." - Select an IRQ option, I/O port, and ROM address that does not conflict with another board or device in the computer. - Select Data Transport Mode (either Shared Memory or Programmed I/O). - Select the interface connector that matches the cable type being used in your network segment. - Run the NE2000plus Diagnostics if necessary. _______ Warning: Do not run the PLUSDIAG utility when any driver is loaded. ============================================ 5) Diagnostics Overview ============================================ - Run the NE2000plus user configuration/diagnostics utility (PLUSDIAG.EXE) provided with the Network Interface Board. - Select the board to be tested if more than one NE2000plus is installed in the computer. - Select "Run Diagnostics" from the menu. - Select a test option from the list displayed on the monitor. ******************************************** 6) INSTALLING THE BOARD ******************************************** - Before starting NE2000plus board installation, turn off the system power. - Remove the computer cover. - Remove the expansion slot cover bracket for the slot where the board will be installed. - Aligning the board jack with the empty slot, insert the NE2000plus board into the expansion slot. Make sure the board is seated properly by pressing it firmly into the slot, then fastening the holding screw. __________ Important: The configuration program does not need to be used if only one board is being used with default settings. When installing more than one NE2000plus, each board should be installed and configured before installing additional boards. The board being used with default options should be installed last. - Configure the board if not using default options. - Install and configure additional NE2000plus boards as needed. - Reinstall the computer cover. ******************************************** 7) CONFIGURING THE NE2000plus ******************************************** The board is configured with the user configuration utility (PLUSDIAG.EXE) and has no hardware jumpers. If you are using the default configuration the board may be used without running the NE2000plus configuration utility as long as no other board is set for port 300h and IRQ3. _______ Warning: Do not run the PLUSDIAG utility when any LAN driver is loaded. ============================================ 8) Running User Configuration Software ============================================ Multiple boards should be installed and configured one at a time with the last board using the default configuration parameters. _________ Important: If a boot PROM is installed, the correct option parameters must be selected each time the configuration program runs or the PROM will be disabled. NE2000plus configuration can be done from either a fixed disk or a floppy disk. Insert the NE2000plus disk in a floppy drive and copy the files to the fixed disk, or type PLUSDIAG at the A: or B: prompt then press to start the configuration program. The network station monitor displays a list of all previously installed NE2000plus boards and the Ethernet node address for each NE2000plus board. ============================================ 9) Changing the Configuration ============================================ When an NE2000plus board is selected, the current configuration is displayed. Options to either "Change Configuration" or "Run Diagnostics" are also displayed. Select "Change Configuration" to display the Configuration Options list. ============================================ 10) Configuration Options ============================================ The Configuration Options screen displays parameters that can be changed if the default options are not suitable. - I/O Address (controls base I/O Port Address selection). - Interrupt (controls Interrupt Request Line selection). - Connector Type (select BNC, AUI, or UTP connector types). - Transport Mode (controls Programmed I/O or Shared Memory selection). - ROM Address (controls Boot PROM Memory mapping). - Timing compatibility (controls computer-NE2000plus timing). ============================================ 11) Default Board Options ============================================ Default Parameter Default Setting ----------------- --------------- Base I/O Address Port 300h Interrupt IRQ 3 Connector Type BNC (NE2000plus and NE2000plus-3) UTP (NE2000Tplus) Data Transport Mode Programmed I/O Boot PROM Disabled ============================================ 12) I/O Address Options ============================================ A list of possible port addresses will be displayed on the monitor when this option is selected. 300h 320h, 340h, 360h, 240h, 280h, 2C0h Port 300h is the default base I/O address for the NE2000plus. If another board or device in your computer conflicts with the NE2000plus, change the option on the NE2000plus or the other device to prevent a conflict. ============================================ 13) Interrupt Options ============================================ A list of possible interrupt options will be displayed on the monitor when this option is selected. IRQ2, IRQ3, IRQ4, IRQ5 IRQ10, IRQ11, IRQ12, IRQ15 The default Interrupt Request Line is IRQ3. If another board or device in our computer conflicts with the NE2000plus, change the option on the NE2000plus or the other device to prevent a conflict. The program automatically detects used interrupts and reconfigures the board for an unused interrupt. ============================================ 14) Select Connector Type ============================================ A list of interface connector type options will be displayed on the network station monitor when this option is selected. The NE2000plus can be configured for one of four network topologies. Thin Ethernet is the default option. If your network cabling is one of the other types, highlight the required option and press . - Thin Ethernet (50 ohm coax, BNC, or 10Base-2 networks) - Thick Ethernet (AUI port or 10Base-5 networks) - Twisted-Pair Ethernet (10Base-T networks) - Twisted-pair Ethernet (Starlan-10 networks) 10Base-T and Starlan-10 Ethernet networks use the same RJ-45 connector on the NE2000plus. ============================================ 15) Data Transport Mode ============================================ A list of possible data transport options will be displayed on the monitor when data transport mode is selected. An I/O port base address must be selected whether using programmed I/O or shared RAM. The I/O options are listed in the I/O Address Options section. Shared RAM will provide better performance than programmed I/O. Basic Shared RAM Address Options: --------------------------------- C000:0h, C400:0h C800:0h, CC00:0h D000:0h, D400:0h C800:0h, DC00:0h _______ Warning: Eight bit memory devices mapped between C000:0h and DFFF:Fh will conflict with the NE2000plus in sixteen bit shared RAM mode using a Basic Option. If such a device is installed, choose an Extended Option if possible. ____ Note: The Shared RAM Options are set in the AUTOEXEC.NCF file for NetWare server and in the NET.CFG for DOS ODI workstation and OS/2 drivers. Extended Shared RAM address options will not work with Remote boot PROMs. Extended Shared RAM Address Options: ------------------------------------ These options are available when using protected move LAN drivers (for example, NetWare server and OS/2 drivers). E0000:0h, E2000:0h, E4000:0h, E6000:0h, E8000:0h, EA000:0h, EC000:0h, EE000:0h, F0000:0h, F2000:0h, F4000:0h, F6000:0h, F8000:0h, *FA000:0h, *FC000:0h, *FE000:0h _______ Warning: The last three options in the table (marked with an asterisk) may conflict with system memory that has been remapped to these addresses. ____ Note: The extended shared RAM options cannot be used in systems with more than 14 Mb of RAM. If your system has more than 14 Mb of RAM, options from the Basic Options table must be used. If the Basic and Extended Options conflict with the current system setup, the NE2000plus should be run in programmed I/O mode. ============================================ 16) Boot PROM Address ============================================ _________ Important: If a boot PROM has not been installed, do not select a boot PROM address. Errors can occur if a boot PROM address is selected and a PROM is not installed. The NE2000plus default setting for the boot PROM is disabled. If the ROM is enabled and another board or device in your computer uses the default setting, change the option on the NE2000plus or the other board to prevent a conflict. There are two different versions of the boot PROMs: original and enhanced remote boot PROMs: Original Remote Boot Prom Settings ---------------------------------- Option IRQ I/O Port Memory Address Frame Type ------ --- -------- -------------- -------------- 1 3 300h C800:0h Ethernet 802.3 2 4 340h D000:0h Ethernet II 3 5 320h CC00:0h Ethernet 802.3 Enhanced Remote Boot Prom Settings ---------------------------------- PROM Address IRQ I/O Port ------------ --- -------- C800:0h * 300h CC00:0h * 320h D000:0h * 340h D400:0h * 360h D800:0h * 240h DC00:0h * 280h ============================================ 17) Timing Compatibility Controls ============================================ A list of timing compatibility control options will be displayed on the network station monitor when this option is selected. _________ Important: Do not change the following parameters unless timing compatibility issues arise: I/O 16 Control, I/O Timing Compatibility, and I/O 16 CONTROL. I/O 16 Control Normal: --------------------- This is the default setting for most computers. This sets the board for standard 16 bit "AT Compatible" bus timing. I/O 16 Control Late: ------------------- This is an optional setting that makes the board timing compatible with computers using VLSI brand chips. For example, IBM PS/2 Model 30 computers use VLSI chips. I/O Timing Compatibility ------------------------ This option is the software equivalent of the W16 jumper on the NE2000 and NE2000T boards. It allows bus timing compatibility between the NE2000plus and computers such as those using the Chips and Technologies chip sets. Normal Channel Ready is the default setting for most computers. This sets the board for standard "AT Compatible" bus timing. Early Channel Ready is an optional setting that makes the board timing compatible with the following computers: Compaq portable, IBM 286/30, and Computers using the Chips and Technologies chip sets. ============================================ 18) Exiting the Program ============================================ When you have completed the configuration, press to exit. Configuration changes are saved automatically when exiting. Test the board configuration by running the user configuration program again and selecting the "Run Diagnostics" option from the main screen. ________ Important: To make boot PROM settings effective, the computer must be cold booted. ******************************************** 19) NE2000 USER DIAGNOSTICS ******************************************** ________ Warning: Do not run the PLUSDIAG utility when any driver is loaded. NE2000 diagnostics must be run from either a fixed disk or a floppy disk. Insert the NE2000 disk in a floppy drive and type PLUSDIAG from the A: or B: prompt. Diagnostics are self- explanatory. If you discover a problem that cannot be resolved, refer to section 29, Troubleshooting Hints. Press to back out of any screen or exit the program. The program displays all NE2000plus boards installed in the workstation and the Ethernet Node Address for each LAN board. When a LAN board is selected, the current configuration for that board is displayed. Options to either "Change Configuration" or "Run Diagnostics" are also displayed. Select "Run Diagnostics" to display the Diagnostics Options list. A detailed list of diagnostics options will be displayed on the network station monitor. The Diagnostics Options screen displays the list of parameters that can be tested on the NE2000 board: - Auto Test - Communications Loopback Test - I/O Read/Write Test - Interrupt Test - Random Access Memory Test - Shared Memory Test - Transfer Test _____ NOTE: The workstation LAN driver software must not be loaded before running diagnostics except on the workstation running PING for the Transfer test. ============================================ 20) Auto Test ============================================ "Auto Test" performs the "Interrupt test," "I/O Read/Write test," and the "Random Access Memory test." The tests performed will be displayed on the left side of the monitor and the results of the test will be displayed on the right side. A message will also be displayed if a test fails. ============================================ 21) Communications Loopback Test ============================================ This test sends a packet out on the selected media and then tests to see if the packet is returned successfully. ____ NOTE: Do not run the Communications Loopback test unless a loopback connector is installed. A twisted pair loopback connector for the NE2000T can be built by using a male RJ-45 connector and wiring pin 1 to pin 3 and pin 2 to pin 6. The Communication Loopback test can run on an NE2000 board configured for Thick or Thin Ethernet by properly terminating the Thick or Thin connector. ============================================ 22) I/O Read/Write Test ============================================ This test writes information to the I/O port, then reads the data back to see if it is correct. ============================================ 23) Interrupt Test ============================================ This option tests the IRQ selected during configuration. The IRQ is captured and generated for this test. ============================================ 24) Transfer Test ============================================ This test requires PING to be running on a DOS ODI workstation with the 802.2 frame type loaded. All valid Ethernet packet sizes are tested. The Transfer test sends 1 packet at a time and waits for a reply (up to 1455 packets can be sent), therefore, testing the communications link. Novell's drivers default to the 802.2 frame type. The 802.2 frame type must be used on the workstation running the PING utility. The frame type can be set to 802.2 for older ODI drivers in the NET.CFG file on the workstation. PING cannot be used with a dedicated IPX driver. PING is used by first loading the ODI drivers in their normal order and then running PING. When any test option is successfully executed, a success message will be displayed. If the test fails, an error message will be displayed in the Test Results window. ******************************************** 25) LOADING LAN DRIVERS ******************************************** This section is a reference to LAN driver loading instructions according to the operating system you are using on your network. Refer to the appropriate documentation that came with your operating system. The NE2000plus can use the same drivers as the NE2000 and NE2000T network interface boards. Multiple frame types can be loaded with client or server LAN drivers. Network stations including bridges, routers, print servers and workstations on the same network segment must use one of the same frame types as used on the server. If the frame types do not match, communication will not take place. One workstation on the segment can use a different frame type than another workstation as long as both frame types are loaded on the server. Novell's drivers default to the 802.2 frame type. Workstation frame types for older drivers can be altered by using the NET.CFG file and frame types can be altered on servers when the LAN driver is loaded. Older drivers for servers and workstations default to the 802.3 Ethernet frame type. ============================================ 26) Servers ============================================ _____________ NetWare v4.xx See "Load LAN Drivers" in Installation and Upgrade. _____________ NetWare v3.1x See "Load LAN drivers and other loadable modules" and "Bind the protocol to the LAN driver" in Installation. ============================================ 27) Workstations ============================================ _______ DOS ODI See ODI shells for DOS. ____ OS/2 See NetWare Requester for OS/2. ============================================ 28) Routers and Bridges ============================================ _____________ NetWare v4.xx See online documentation provided with NetWare 4.xx. _____________ NetWare v3.1x See "Installing and generating router software" in Installation. Refer to section 19, Troubleshooting Hints, for general troubleshooting guidelines and Technical support information. ******************************************** 29) TROUBLESHOOTING HINTS ******************************************** Possible Symptoms - No status link light (valid only when using UTP). - Abort Retry problems. Possible Causes - Bad cables or segments. - Incorrectly configured LAN board. - Incorrect timing settings. Possible Solutions - Check and replace cables if necessary. - Verify correct configuration with configuration/ diagnostics utility. Reconfigure if necessary. - Replace the LAN board. - Check the concentrator for a partitioned or disabled port if using UTP cabling. Possible Symptoms - No board found error message displayed when board is installed. Possible Causes - I/O conflict. - Incorrectly installed LAN board. Possible Solutions - Reconfigure the board or other device so the conflict is eliminated. - Reinstall the board. - Replace the LAN board. _____ NOTE: Memory addresses C000h and C400h conflict with VGA boards. Port 360h conflicts with LPT2 when using shared memory. Possible Symptoms - System hangs when loading LAN driver. - Video distortion. Possible Causes - Shared memory device conflict. - Conflict with 8-bit shared RAM boards and 16-bit shared RAM boards. Possible Solutions - Replace the 8-bit shared memory device or remap it outside the C000:0h-DFFF:Fh range if possible. - Remap the NE2000plus to use an Extended Option. - If the Basic and Extended Options conflict with the current system setup, the NE2000plus should be run in programmed I/O mode. If these hints do not help, see the following Technical Support section. ******************************************** 30) Technical Support ******************************************** Microdyne Corporation is responsible for the manufacturing, sales, and marketing of Novell connectivity products. These products are manufactured by Microdyne Corporation and are tested to Novell's stringent specifications. Technical support is provided through Microdyne Corporation. Microdyne's Technical Support Department can be reached at (800) 255-3967. We can provide the best service for you if you have the following information ready before calling: Board Configuration Information - Board configuration? Other boards installed in the system? - Board settings and interrupt options? Network Information - Network operating system and version, server configuration? - Network topology: type of cable being used, size of network, number of workstations in network, etc. Computer Information - Manufacturer, model number, operating system used on the computer? History of the Problem - Symptoms of the problem? - Did the board work for a period of time or fail immediately after installation? - Was any workstation option changed (hardware or software) prior to the problem appearing? Returning Defective Products If you have a defective board, contact Microdyne's Technical Support Group. They will verify that the board is defective and issue a return authorization. ***************************************** DISCLAIMER NovellŪ, Inc. makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents or use of this manual, and specifically disclaims any express or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Further, Novell, Inc. reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes to its content, at any time, without obligation to notify any person or entity of such revisions or changes. Novell, Inc. makes no representations or warranties with respect to any NetWare software, and specifically disclaims any express or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Further, Novell, Inc. reserves the right to make changes to any and all parts of NetWare software, at any time, without any obligation to notify any person or entity of such changes. FCC WARNING The NE2000plus-3 board designed by Novell and manufactured by Microdyne generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions in this manual, may cause interference to radio communications. Such equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of the FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against radio interference when operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user-at his or her own expense-will be required to take whatever measures may be required to correct the interference. The NE2000plus and NE2000Tplus boards designed and manufactured by Microdyne have been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio and television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: - Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna; - Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver; - Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected; - Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. ___________ CAUTION: ----------- Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment TRADEMARKS Microdyne Corporation has made every effort to supply trademark information about company names, products, and services mentioned in this book. Trademarks indicated below were derived from various sources. NetWare and Novell are registered trademarks of Novell, Inc. IBM, AT, and PS/2 are registered trademarks and XT is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. AT/LANTIC is a trademark of National Semiconductor Corporation. VLSI is a registered trademark of VLSI Technology, Inc. Chips and Technologies is a registered trademark of Chips and Technologies, Inc. COMPAQ is a registered trademark of Compaq Computer Corporation. MX is a trademark of Macronix. Microdyne Documentation Part Number 4200615-00, Rev. A