Windows 3.x/MS-DOS Installation 4-43

If nondefault configuration settings are used, these must be stated on the M16BPD.COM command line. For example,

M16BPD IOADDRESS=320 INT=7

ETHDRV

Driver Keyword Alphabetical Reference

?

displays a summary of command line options.

COMx

specifies which COM port the PRO/100 PC Card

 

should use when providing serial port emulation

 

for modem operations. Values for x can be 1, 2, 3,

 

or 4. Each of these values instructs the driver to

 

use pre-defined values for I/O address and

 

interrupt level, and to enable the specified I/O

 

address in the COM port BIOS table. The modem

 

driver IMENABLE.COM defaults to COM3. Use

 

the keywords COMIRQ and COMBASE to

 

override the values set with COM1, COM2,

 

COM3, or COM4 in case of a conflict between

 

LAN and modem settings.

COMBASE

can be used to override the pre-defined I/O port

 

value for a specific COM port in case of a conflict

 

between LAN and modem settings. It can also be

 

used with COMIRQ to select a user-defined COM

 

port. Default is no keyword. Parameter setting is a

 

hexadecimal value in the range 248 to 3F8 which

 

must be different from the value used with the

 

IOADDRESS or PORT keyword. Serial emulation

 

mode requires 8 addresses.

COMIRQ

is used to override the pre-defined interrupt value

 

for a specific COM port in case of a conflict

 

between LAN and modem settings. It can also be

 

used with COMBASE to select a user-defined

 

COM port. Default is no keyword. Parameter

 

setting is a decimal value which must be different

 

from the value used with the INTERRUPT

 

keyword.

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Intel PRO/100 appendix Driver Keyword Alphabetical Reference, Combase, Comirq
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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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