1-8CHAPTER 1: INSTALLING THE NETWORK INTERFACE CARD

Interpreting the Link LED

The 3C900B NICs have one light-emitting diode (LED). When the LED is on (but before the driver is loaded), the LED indicates that the NIC is receiving power.

Other than indicating that the NIC is receiving power, the LED serves no other purpose for either an AUI or a BNC media connection. Table 1-2 explains the LED states for 3C900B NICs.

Table 1-2

LED Interpretation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Connector

 

LED

 

 

 

 

Meaning

RJ-45

AUI

BNC

State

 

 

 

 

 

On

If drivers are installed, the

Yes

N/A

N/A

 

connection is active.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If drivers are not installed, the

Yes

Yes

Yes

 

NIC is receiving power.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Off

Something is preventing the

Yes

N/A

N/A

 

connection between the NIC

 

 

 

 

and the hub.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blinking

The cable polarity is reversed.

Yes

N/A

N/A

 

Try a different network cable or

 

 

 

 

contact your MIS representative.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If the NIC LED indicates a problem, check the following:

1Ensure that your network hub and the network cable connecting to your 3C900B NIC comply with the 10BASE-T specifications.

2Ensure that the hub is powered on.

You have completed the hardware installation.

The next step is to install the network driver. Go to the next chapter.

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3Com XLPCI manual Interpreting the Link LED, Meaning RJ-45, State, Off, Blinking