Chapter Introduction | NETGEAR GA311 guide

NETGEAR 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Adapter GA311 User Manual

Chapter 1 Introduction

This chapter introduces the features, package contents, and appearance of the NETGEAR 10/100/ 1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Adapter GA311.

About the NETGEAR 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Adapter GA311

Congratulations on your purchase of the NETGEAR® GA311 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter. Designed especially for high-performance systems, such as servers and high-end workstations, it offers 2 gigabits per second (Gbps) of aggregate bandwidth and optimized performance while minimizing network overhead on the host system. This guide describes the installation and use of the GA311 for operation with a Microsoft® Windows® Vista, Windows® XP, Windows® 2000, Windows® Me, Windows® 98SE 2nd edition, or Windows NT 4.0 (with Service Pack 5 or above) system.

It connects your PCI-compliant workstation to a Gigabit Ethernet network, incorporating a new technology that transfers data at a rate of 1 Gbps or 1000 megabits per second (Mbps) over standard Category 5 cables. Performance is optimized and network overhead on the host system is minimized with the use of the GA311 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter.

The GA311 has demonstrated interoperability with all major Gigabit Ethernet equipment on the market that is compliant with IEEE 802.3ab standards and should work with most non-compliant Gigabit Ethernet products. In addition, because the GA311 uses standard Ethernet frame and Media Access Control (MAC) formats, it provides full compatibility with Fast Ethernet network equipment through network switches from a variety of vendors, including NETGEAR®.

The GA311 is 802.1Q/1p-compliant for frame priority tagging. The IEEE 802.1Q standard defines the operation of Virtual LAN (VLAN) Bridges that permit the definition, operation and administration of Virtual LAN topologies within a Bridged LAN infrastructure. Using the GA311 with 802.1p-compliant switches or routers offers a range of traffic prioritization of Layer 2 frames, providing a higher Quality of Service on high-speed local area networks.

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GA311 specifications

The NETGEAR GA311 is a high-performance Gigabit Ethernet adapter designed to enhance the network capabilities of desktop computers, servers, or workstations. This device is particularly useful for users who want to upgrade their existing network interface or extend their connectivity options with reliable Gigabit speeds.

One of the most notable features of the GA311 is its ability to achieve data transfer rates of up to 1,000 Mbps, which significantly improves network performance compared to standard Fast Ethernet connections. The adapter operates using the PCI Express (PCIe) interface, allowing for quick and efficient data exchange between the network and the computer's motherboard.

The GA311 supports a variety of beneficial technologies, notably Wake-on-LAN (WoL) and jumbo frames. Wake-on-LAN enables remote systems to be awakened over the network, which is particularly useful for IT management and remote access setups. The support for jumbo frames allows for larger packet sizes than typical Ethernet frames, which can lead to enhanced throughput and reduced CPU utilization during data transfers, especially in high-bandwidth environments.

In terms of compatibility, the NETGEAR GA311 is designed to work seamlessly with various operating systems, including Windows and Linux. This broad compatibility ensures users can integrate this adapter with a wide range of hardware configurations without worrying about driver issues.

The GA311 embodies a robust yet compact design, making it an ideal choice for system builders or users looking for an unobtrusive upgrade for their setups. The adapter also features a standard RJ-45 connector, ensuring compatibility with the majority of networking equipment, including routers, switches, and modems.

Additionally, NETGEAR is known for its customer support and warranty policies. The GA311 typically comes with a limited lifetime warranty, giving users peace of mind regarding the longevity and reliability of their investment.

In conclusion, the NETGEAR GA311 stands out as a dependable and efficient Gigabit Ethernet adapter, boasting impressive speeds, advanced technologies, and wide compatibility. Whether for gaming, video streaming, or heavy file transfers, the GA311 is designed to meet the demands of modern networking seamlessly.