HARDWARE SETTINGS

Changing the Settings

The following settings may be changed in the Plug and Play and Jumperless environments.

Medium Type

The transceiver setting depends on the type of card you are using. It should agree with the network cabling type. For combo cards, this program provides two media type selections: Auto Detect and AUI.

If you are using the RJ-45 or BNC connector, you can select “Auto Detect” to have the system automatically determine the media type (i.e., 10BASE-T or 10BASE2). If you are using an AUI connection, then specify 10BASE5 (AUI).

Full Duplex

Enable full-duplex mode only if the card is connected directly to a switch that also supports this mode. Do not enable this mode if the card is connected to a hub.

I/O Base Address (Jumperless Environment only)

Select any available address in the range 200h to 3E0h from the displayed list. The factory default is 300h. The following table represents the most commonly used I/O Base Addresses:

I/O Base

Potential Conflicting Devices and

Addresses

their Typical I/O Addresses

 

 

300

NE2000 default setting

 

 

320

XT Hard Disk Interface (320 to 32F)

 

 

360

LPT1: (378 to 37F) +

 

 

Table 2.1. Commonly Used I/O Base Addresses

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SMC Networks Ethernet ISA Network Cards Changing the Settings, Medium Type, Full Duplex, Commonly Used I/O Base Addresses
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Ethernet ISA Network Cards specifications

SMC Networks, known for its innovative networking solutions, produced Ethernet ISA network cards that made significant contributions to the realm of computer networking during the late 20th century. These cards represented a pivotal development in the transition from traditional networking to more modern, high-speed connections, catering to the needs of both businesses and home users.

One of the main features of SMC Networks Ethernet ISA network cards was their ability to provide a reliable wired connection using the Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus. This interface facilitated an easy installation process on compatible devices, ensuring plug-and-play capabilities and broad compatibility with various operating systems available at the time, such as DOS and early versions of Windows. Users appreciated the straightforward setup process, which allowed even less technical individuals to integrate networking functions into their computers seamlessly.

SMC's Ethernet ISA network cards typically supported a data transmission rate of 10 Mbps, which was the standard speed for Ethernet technology during their prime. This speed, while modest by today’s standards, represented a significant improvement over older serial and parallel communication methods, allowing for faster file transfers and improved networking capabilities among connected devices.

The cards also featured an onboard 12-pin connector for attaching an external transceiver, supporting twisted pair cabling and coaxial connections. This versatility allowed users to choose their preferred cabling solutions based on their specific network environment. Furthermore, the Ethernet ISA cards supported the CSMA/CD protocol, which effectively managed data collisions in a shared network environment, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of data transmission.

Durability and robust design characterized SMC Networks’ approach to network card manufacturing. The cards were built to withstand the demands of various operating environments, ensuring stable performance over extended periods. Additionally, the compatibility with several popular networking protocols made these cards suitable for a broad range of applications, from simple peer-to-peer networks to more complex enterprise systems.

Overall, SMC Networks Ethernet ISA network cards played a crucial role in evolving networking technologies. Their reliable performance, ease of installation, and compatibility made them a valuable asset for organizations and individuals looking to harness the power of computer networking effectively. As technology advanced, these cards paved the way for the development of faster and more sophisticated networking solutions that we rely on today.
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