COM Ports, IRQs, and I/O Base Addresses

Windows 3.x/MS-DOS Installation 4-33

Automatic COM Port Detection

The PRO/100 PC Card drivers will automatically configure a COM port on the system. The driver scans the BIOS table for the first unused COM port, then checks to see if the corresponding IRQ is in use. If it is, it moves to the next available COM port.

This process takes precedence over the network resources. If you specify a network IRQ that is the same as the first available COM IRQ (3 or 4), the driver will respond with an error.

To force a COM port, use the COMx keyword described in the following heading. If you do not want a COM port, add the NOCOM keyword to your configuration file or command line.

Manually Setting COM Port, Interrupt, and I/O Address Values

Use the COMx keyword to manually specify which COM port the PRO/ 100 PC Card should use when providing erial port emulation for modem operations. Values for x can be 1, 2, 3, or 4. Each of these settings also activates a specific set of predefined values for I/O address and interrupt level, as follows:

PORT	IRQ	IOADDRESS
COM1	4	03F8
COM2	3	02F8
COM3	4	03E8
COM4	3	02E8

Do not select a COM port that is currently used by any other system device, such as the PC Card interface itself, or a mouse or trackball.

Note

Configure your communications software to the COM port you selected with the COMx keyword.

By default the LAN drivers will select the first open COM port. You can add the COMx keyword and a port number to the LAN driver configura-

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.

Intel PRO/100 appendix COM Ports, IRQs, and I/O Base Addresses, Automatic COM Port Detection

Models: PRO/100