Running the LAN Card’s Diagnostics

Instant EtherFast® Series

•Click on the IRQ Steering tab. Remove the check from Use IRQ Holder and click OK. Windows will ask you to restart the PC (if it doesn’t ask you, then reboot the PC manually).

•After the computer boots up, Windows will try to re-detect the PCI Steering. Continue rebooting the PC until Windows stops detecting new hardware and settings for PCI Steering. This normally takes a total of four reboots.

Fast Ethernet Switched 10/100 Network In a Box

If you suspect that there may be a problem with the EtherFast® LAN Card, or if you need to identify the LAN Card’s MAC address, you can use the DIAG diagnostic program on the EtherFast® 10/100 LAN Card Driver Disk.

To run the program, start up your computer in DOS. The program only works in standard “real DOS mode” DOS – it will not work in a Windows DOS window. To get into “real DOS mode,” do the following:

•In Windows 95, start your computer. When the Starting Windows... mes- sage appears, press the F8 key. You will then get to the Microsoft Window Startup Menu.

•In Windows 98 and Millennium, start your computer (No Starting Windows... message will appear). Immediately and rapidly press the F8 key until you get the Microsoft Window Startup Menu.

1.Choose the Safe mode command prompt only option. Press Enter on the keyboard.

2.Insert the EtherFast® 10/100 LAN Card Driver Disk into drive A. Enter the appropriate commands after the following prompts:

•When “C:\>” appears, type “a:” then press Enter.

•When “A:\>” appears, type “cd diag” then press Enter.

•When “A:\diag>” appears, type “diag” then press Enter.

You can also copy the software to your local (c:\) drive and run DIAG from your hard disk.

3.The Fast Ethernet Diagnostics Program will appear, providing a display of the card’s basic information (Ethernet Address, IRQ, I/O Port and Media Type). Press Enter to begin the testing cycle. If the card isn’t found, power off the PC and ensure that the card is properly seated in the PCI slot.

4.The word “pass” will appear next to each successful test. If the card fails the Link Status Test check your cabling and switch connections. If the card fails the Loopback test, check your computer’s settings, then contact Linksys Customer Support for help.

EZXS55W, FESWSK05 v3 specifications

The Linksys FESWSK05 v3 and the EZXS55W are both notable pieces of networking hardware designed to enhance connectivity in various environments, from small businesses to homes. These Ethernet switches offer crucial features that facilitate efficient data transfer and network management.

The Linksys FESWSK05 v3 is a 5-port Fast Ethernet switch, utilizing a non-blocking architecture that allows for full wire-speed performance. Each port supports 10/100Mbps connections, making it a versatile choice for environments requiring high-speed data transfer. The switch is designed with ease of use in mind; it features a plug-and-play setup, eliminating the need for complex configuration. This makes it suitable for users of all technical levels. Furthermore, it includes auto-sensing technology that detects the speed of connected devices and automatically adjusts to ensure optimal alignment.

The EZXS55W, on the other hand, is a smart switch with features that cater to growing networking demands. It also supports 5 ports, with similar 10/100Mbps capabilities, but offers additional functionalities, such as a built-in web management interface. This allows for advanced features like VLAN support and Quality of Service (QoS). These capabilities enable users to prioritize traffic for bandwidth-sensitive applications such as VoIP and video conferencing, ensuring a stable and reliable connection.

Both models support Auto-MDI/MDI-X functionality, which simplifies installation by automatically detecting and configuring the type of connection. This is particularly useful for network administrators managing multiple connections without the need for crossover cables. Additionally, they are equipped with IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, and 802.3x standards compliance, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.

In terms of physical characteristics, the Linksys switches are compact and designed for desktop or wall-mounted installation, making them suitable for space-constrained environments. Their fanless design ensures silent operation, which is ideal for both home and office settings.

Overall, the Linksys FESWSK05 v3 and EZXS55W are excellent choices for users seeking reliable, efficient, and straightforward networking solutions. With their robust feature set and user-friendly design, they provide the necessary foundation for a well-functioning network, catering to the demands of modern connectivity. Whether for home use or in a small office, these switches deliver performance and reliability that users can count on.