2-14 PRO/100 LAN+Modem PC Card User’s Guide

There are user-configurable parameters for the M16B.SYS driver that can be modified using the Network Control Panel applet built into Windows

95.This applet queries the user for parameter selections and then sets the corresponding parameters in the registry. The user-configurable param- eters are as follows:

Parameter

Default

Valid Values

Registry Value

DIRECT ENABLE

 

OFF

OFF, ON

0

EARLY TRANSMIT

 

ON

OFF

0

 

 

 

ON

1

FULL DUPLEX

 

OFF

OFF

0

 

 

 

ON

1

FUNCTION(S)

 

NETWORK&MODEM

 

 

 

 

NETWORK&MODEM

0

 

 

 

NETWORK ONLY

1

 

 

 

MODEM ONLY

2

LINE SPEED

 

AUTO

AUTO DETECT

0

 

 

 

10MBPS

1

 

 

 

100MBPS

2

LINK INTEGRITY

 

ON

OFF

0

 

 

 

ON

1

MODE

 

I/O

I/O

0

 

 

 

MEMORY MAPPED

1

NETWORKADDRESS

 

 

 

 

TRANSMITBUFFERSIZE

7168

1024-29696

1024-29696

The network node address can be modified by specifying a value for ‘NetworkAddress’ such as ‘00A0C9112233’. If the user does NOT specify a ‘NetworkAddress’ then the M16B.SYS driver uses the network node address contained in the PRO/100 Card information structure.

There are parameters in the Windows 95 registry which specify the configuration of the EtherExpress™ PRO/100 LAN+Modem PC Card hardware to the M16B.SYS driver. Many of these parameters correspond directly to the user-configurable parameters. These parameters are found in the registry at the following location:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONTROLSET\SERVICES\CLASS\NET\000X

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Intel PRO/100 appendix Parameter Default Valid Values
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PRO/100 specifications

The Intel PRO/100 network adapter series, introduced in the mid-1990s, revolutionized networking by providing robust performance and reliability for both desktop and server environments. These adapters were pivotal in enabling fast Ethernet connectivity, helping to establish standards that would be instrumental in the advancement of network technology.

One of the primary features of the Intel PRO/100 series is its support for 10/100 Mbps Ethernet speeds. This dual-speed capability allowed organizations to transition seamlessly from older 10 Mbps networks to faster 100 Mbps connections without the need for a complete hardware overhaul. This adaptability made the PRO/100 cards a flexible choice for various network architectures.

Another significant characteristic of the Intel PRO/100 is its use of advanced bus mastering technology. This feature enhances data throughput by allowing the network adapter to take control of the system's bus when transmitting data. By doing so, it minimizes CPU overhead, which results in better overall system performance and efficient network communication. This was particularly beneficial in environments where network traffic was heavy, allowing the processors to handle other tasks without being bogged down.

The Intel PRO/100 series was also incorporated with Intel’s Plug and Play technology. This innovation simplified the installation process, automatically detecting the hardware and configuring it to work with existing system resources. As a result, system administrators could save time and reduce errors during setup, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to streamline their IT operations.

In terms of compatibility, the PRO/100 adapters supported a variety of network operating systems, including Windows NT, Linux, and Novell NetWare, providing users with a versatile solution for integrating into existing infrastructures. Furthermore, the cards were designed with high-quality, durable components to ensure longevity and reliability even in demanding environments.

Intel also emphasized the importance of network security and management with these adapters. The PRO/100 series featured capabilities for diagnostics and performance monitoring, allowing administrators to quickly identify and resolve network issues. Advanced features like Wake-on-LAN (WoL) provided additional functionality, enabling remote management and maintenance.

In conclusion, the Intel PRO/100 network adapter series represented a significant leap in networking technology during its time. With features such as dual-speed functionality, bus mastering, Plug and Play installation, and extensive compatibility, it laid the foundation for future innovations in network communication, solidifying Intel's reputation as a leader in networking solutions. Whether for small businesses or large enterprises, the PRO/100 series offered the reliability and performance critical to maintaining efficient and effective network operations.
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