Installing the EtherFast 10/100 LA N Card

Linksys EtherFast Series

Overview

Each EtherFast 10/100 LAN Card is equipped with an RJ-45 port that auto- matically adjusts to either 10Mbps or 100Mbps speeds, allowing your PC to attach to either Fast Ethernet (also known as 100BaseTX) or regular 10BaseT Ethernet network segments without additional hardware or software.

The card should only be used with twisted-pair cabling. 10BaseT and 100BaseTX cabling is available in a number of different grades. For best results, we recommend using 8-wire, category 5 unshielded twisted-pair for both 10BaseT and 100BaseTX network segments, although category 3 can be used for 10BaseT segments. The cable that runs from your PC’s EtherFast card to your network should not exceed 100 meters (328 feet). Both Category 3 and 5 twisted-pair cabling can be purchased at most computer stores, or if you prefer, you can crimp your own cables. See page 67 for wiring informa- tion.

Installing the Network Card & Cabling

1. Power off your PC and any peripheral equipment attached to it. Unplug

your PC’s power cord.

2.Remove your computer's outside cover.

3.Open your computer and locate the PCI slot(s) on your motherboard. PCI slots are eas- ily identified by their beige or white color, and by the fact that network cards fit snugly into them. Remove the metal slot cover on the back of the PC, then insert the EtherFast 10/100 LAN Card into a PCI card slot, as shown in the photograph on the next page (top).

Note: Some network cards might need a bit of muscle to be installed.

Our network cards are built strongly, and are hard to break. Avoid a call to tech- nical support by making sure that your card is insert- ed all the way into your PC’s network slot!

4.If you are interested in Wake-On-LAN, you can go to page 62 now. Wake-On-LAN can be installed at any time, so there is no need to do it now. If you don’t know what Wake On LAN is, or if you know that you don’t want to use WOL, proceed to step 5 on the next page and return to WOL later.

10/100 specifications

Boca Research is a recognized name in the field of networking hardware, particularly known for its role in the proliferation of 10/100 networking technology during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The Boca Research 10/100 series of network interface cards (NICs) and hubs represented a significant advancement, facilitating faster data transmission speeds for personal and professional computing environments.

One of the standout features of Boca Research's 10/100 technology is its dual-speed capability, supporting both 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps Ethernet standards. This flexibility allowed users to easily upgrade their networks without the need for complete overhauls of existing infrastructure. The ability to switch between speeds ensured that users could benefit from increased bandwidth as their needs grew, all while maintaining compatibility with older 10Mbps devices.

The Boca Research 10/100 NICs were designed with Plug and Play support, enabling seamless installation and configuration on a range of operating systems. This user-friendly approach helped demystify networking for non-technical users, as the cards often automatically detected the network settings and optimized performance without requiring extensive manual configuration.

One of the key technologies behind the Boca Research 10/100 products was the implementation of the IEEE 802.3u standard, which defined the Fast Ethernet specifications. This compliance ensured not only compatibility with a wide array of networking equipment but also adherence to industry standards that promised reliable performance and stability.

In addition to speed and user-friendliness, Boca Research's 10/100 solutions also incorporated advanced features such as auto-negotiation, which allowed devices to automatically detect and align their operating speeds for optimal communication. This capability significantly reduced network bottlenecks and improved overall efficiency.

Moreover, Boca Research was committed to providing robust support and firmware updates, extending the lifespan of their products and ensuring that users benefited from the latest advances in networking technology. Their dedication to performance, combined with an accessible user experience, made the Boca Research 10/100 series popular among both home users and businesses seeking to modernize their networking setups.

Overall, the Boca Research 10/100 series was instrumental in shaping the landscape of Ethernet networking, offering versatile and efficient solutions that catered to the evolving demands of the digital age. Through a combination of cutting-edge technology, user-centric design, and ongoing support, Boca Research left an indelible mark on the industry, paving the way for future advancements in network connectivity.