IBM xSeries 235 Configuring the Gigabit Ethernet controller, High-performance Ethernet modes

Configuring the Gigabit Ethernet controller

The Ethernet controller is integrated on the system board. This controller provides an interface for connecting to 10-Mbps, 100-Mbps, or 1000-Mbps networks and provides full duplex (FDX) capability, which enables simultaneous transmission and reception of data on the Ethernet local area network (LAN). You do not need to set any jumpers or configure the controller for your operating system before you use the Ethernet controller. However, you must install a device driver to enable your operating system to address the Ethernet controller. The device drivers are provided on the ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD.

When you connect your server to the network, the Ethernet controller automatically detects the data-transfer rate (10-Mbps, 100-Mbps, or 1000-Mbps) on the network and then sets the controller to operate at the appropriate rate. In addition, if the Ethernet ports that your server is connected to support auto-negotiation, the Gigabit Ethernet controller will set the appropriate duplex state. That is, the Ethernet controller will adjust to the network data rate, whether the data rate is standard Ethernet (10BASE-T), Fast Ethernet (100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T), half duplex (HDX), or full duplex (FDX). The controller supports half-duplex (HDX) and full-duplex (FDX) modes at both speeds.

For information about configuring your Ethernet controller, see the Broadcom NetXtreme Gigabit Ethernet Software CD that comes with your server. For updated information about configuring your Ethernet controller, go to the IBM Support Web site at http://www.ibm.com/pc/support and navigate to the area for your specific server type. From this area you can download documentation, the most current device drivers for your server, and software that supports advanced networking functions. After downloading, run the downloaded program launch.exe.

High-performance Ethernet modes

Your Ethernet controller supports optional modes, such as teaming, priority packets, load balancing, fault tolerance, and virtual LANs, which provide higher performance, security, and throughput for your server. These modes apply to the integrated Ethernet controller and to the controllers on supported Ethernet adapters.

Ethernet port connector

The following illustration shows the pin-number assignments for the RJ-45 connector. These assignments apply to both 10BASE-T and 100/1000BASE-TX devices.

8 1

Chapter 2. Configuring your server 27