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Installing the NIC Software

After installing the NIC, the NIC software must be installed and configured. Follow the steps for your operating system.

WARNING: If you are using VLANs or teaming, you cannot use 3Com DynamicAccess software.

If you have intermediate drivers for any third-party NICs installed, it will cause a conflict with the 3Com DynamicAccess intermediate drivers. Remove those intermediate drivers.

Installing the Software in Windows NT 4.0

The NIC must be physically installed in your server or workstation prior to installing the driver software. See Chapter 1, “Installing the NIC” for details.

A network device driver must be installed before the NIC can be used with your Windows NT system. To install the NIC software for Windows NT, perform the following procedure.

WARNING: Make sure that the correct and latest BIOS and firmware are installed on your system to ensure that the system works correctly. Failure to do so may result in system failure.

NOTE: Before installing the drivers for any new 3Com Gigabit EtherLink Server NIC, any previously installed 3Com Gigabit EtherLink Server NIC drivers prior to version 2.2 must be removed.

If there are no NIC drivers displayed in the Network Adapters window, or if the drivers shown are version 2.2 or higher, proceed with the installation.

If older NIC drivers are present, perform the procedure under “Removing the Driver Software” in the 3Com Gigabit EtherLink Server NIC User’s Guide for Windows 2000 and Windows NT. To update NIC versions from

2.2to the most recent release, perform the procedure under “Updating the Driver Software” in the user’s guide.

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3Com 3C986-T, 3C985B-SX, 710026, 710011, 710024, 710025 Installing the NIC Software, Installing the Software in Windows NT

710011, 710026, 710025, 710024, 3C985B-SX specifications

3Com, a pioneer in networking technology, has introduced several notable network interface cards (NICs) geared towards enhancing network performance and connectivity. Among these products are the 3Com 710011, 3C986-T, 3C985B-SX, 710026, and 710024, each designed with unique features to cater to various networking needs.

The 3Com 710011 is a 10/100 PCI Ethernet card that offers a reliable connection for desktop computers and servers. It features auto-sensing technology that allows it to automatically detect and adjust to the speed of the network, whether it’s 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps. This flexibility is crucial for environments where network demands can fluctuate. Additionally, the card supports full-duplex communication, enabling simultaneous data transmission and reception, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing latency.

Next, the 3C986-T is a Gigabit Ethernet PCI card that stands out for its impressive performance capabilities. It supports speeds of up to 1000 Mbps, making it an excellent choice for environments requiring high bandwidth, such as data centers and enterprise networks. The 3C986-T is equipped with advanced features such as Jumbo Frame support, which allows for the transmission of larger packets, thus improving throughput and reducing CPU load. Furthermore, it is compatible with various operating systems, ensuring broad usability across different network setups.

The 3C985B-SX is another high-performance card designed for fiber optic connections. It supports 1000Base-SX standards, offering reliable connectivity over multimode fiber cables. This NIC is ideal for applications demanding high speed and long-distance data transmission, with a reach of up to 550 meters depending on the fiber used. With its low latency and high data integrity, the 3C985B-SX is well-suited for businesses that prioritize performance and reliability in their networking infrastructure.

The 710026 and 710024 models are additional offerings from 3Com, featuring robust technology to support various networking applications. The 710026 is specifically designed for wireless networking needs, providing seamless connectivity to Wi-Fi networks while supporting advanced security protocols to safeguard data transmission. On the other hand, the 710024 is optimized for desktop users, providing a cost-effective solution for connecting to wired networks with reliable performance at 10/100 Mbps.

In summary, these NICs from 3Com, including the 710011, 3C986-T, 3C985B-SX, 710026, and 710024, exemplify the company’s commitment to delivering high-performance networking solutions. With features tailored for various applications, from Gigabit Ethernet support to wireless connectivity, these cards are essential for businesses looking to enhance their network efficiency and reliability.