3Com 3C996B-T VLANs Overview, Bit or 64-bit PCI Bus Master, Asic with Embedded Risc Processor

VLANs Overview

32-bit or 64-bit PCI Bus Master

The PCI Interface on the Gigabit Ethernet NIC complies with PCI Local Bus Rev 2.2, is compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit PCI buses. As a bus master, the NIC requests access to the PCI bus, instead of waiting to be polled.

ASIC with Embedded RISC Processor

The core control for the Gigabit Ethernet NIC resides in a tightly integrated, high- performance ASIC. The ASIC includes dual RISC processors. This provides the flexibility to add new features to the card and adapt it to future network requirements via software download. This also enables the NIC drivers to exploit the built-in host off-load functions on the NIC as host operating systems are enhanced to take advantage of these functions.

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