SMC Networks Ethernet ISA Network Cards manual Appendix E Glossary, AUI Attachment Unit Interface

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APPENDIX E

GLOSSARY

10BASE-T

IEEE specifications for 10 Mbps Ethernet on twisted-pair cable (100 Ω UTP). The maximum cable length for a point-to-point connection is 100 m (328 ft.) and the maximum number of nodes is 1024.

10BASE2

IEEE specifications for 10 Mbps Ethernet on thin coaxial cable (50 Ω RG-58). A cable segment can be up to 185 m (607 ft.) long and have a maximum of 30 nodes.

10BASE5

IEEE specification for 10 Mbps Ethernet on thick D-type cable. A cable segment can be up to 500 meters and have a maximum of 100 nodes.

AUI (Attachment Unit Interface)

A 15-pin logical, electrical and mechanical interface specified by the IEEE 802.3 standard for connecting a PC, server or other device to an Ethernet transceiver or Media Access Unit (MAU).

BNC

Connector with a half-twist locking shell typically used for thin coaxial cable.

Boot ROM

Read-only memory chip that allows a workstation to communi- cate with a file server and to read a DOS boot program from the server.

E-1

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Contents EZ Card User Guide For SMC’s EZ Card ISA Network Card Trademarks EZ Card 10 ISA Models About this GuideOrder Number Description Package Contents Quick Start Installing the CardConfiguring the Card Program Menu Vii Viii NetWare Client Operating System Software InstallationOther Operating Systems Including Windows95 and NT Software Installation ScreenQuick Start Table of Contents Glossary Index Limited Warranty Compliances SpecificationsList of Tables List of FiguresChapter Hardware Description LAN ConnectorsActivity Status ACT Link Status LnkDefault Setup Chapter Hardware SettingsManual Setup Plug and Play Environment Manual SetupBase Address Jumperless Environment only Changing the SettingsMedium Type Full DuplexCommonly Used IRQ Channels Boot ROMInterrupt Jumperless Environment only Commonly Used Memory Addresses Figure A-1. Main Menu Appendix a DiagnosticsDiagnose the Card Figure A-2. On-Board DiagnosticsFigure A-3. Eeprom Test Network DiagnosticsFigure A-5. On-Network Diagnostics Initiator Screen Clean Boot Appendix B TroubleshootingSuggestions Problems and SolutionsSymptoms Possible CausePossible Causes SymptomPin Number Assignment RJ-45 ConnectorTable C-1. RJ-45 Connector Pin Assignments Appendix C PIN AssignmentsTable C.2. AUI Connector Pin Assignments AUI ConnectorGeneral Appendix D SpecificationsOperating Environment EMC/Safety ComplianceOperating Temperature Power RequirementsNetwork Drivers AUI Attachment Unit Interface Boot ROMAppendix E Glossary Frame BroadcastCollision DriverUnshielded Twisted-Pair Cable UTP RJ-45 ConnectorNetWare Index Index Limited Warranty Limited Warranty Cdoc Class B CompliancesFCC Class B Vcci Class B Australia AS/NZS 3548 EC ConformityPrinted on recycled paper

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.