Intel PRO/100 appendix ODI M16BODI.COM, NDIS2 M16BNDIS.EXE, M16BPD.EXE

Models: PRO/100

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4-52 PRO/100 LAN+Modem PC Card User’s Guide

After the driver has been successfully loaded, the memory exclusion may be reduced through trial and error or in accordance with the Card and Socket Services documentation. The system must be rebooted before the revised settings take effect.

B. When the PRO/100 PC Card driver is loaded it either reads a configu- ration file or uses command line parameters to determine which resources it should use. The following is a list of driver types, driver file names, and the configuration method used by each:

Type

File Name

Configuration Method

ODI

M16BODI.COM

reads NET.CFG configuration file

NDIS2

M16BNDIS.EXE

reads PROTOCOL.INI configuration file

Packet

M16BPD.EXE

uses COMMAND LINE parameters

Test

M16BTEST.EXE

uses COMMAND LINE parameters

C. Card and Socket Services will generally try to assign a set of resources (interrupt, memory window, I/O window) to the PRO/100 PC Card. The resources configured for the PRO/100 PC Card (in a configuration file or on a command line) must match the resources assigned by Card and Socket Services. If they do not, the driver will generally fail to load.

The way resources are assigned to the PC Card varies among Card and Socket Services manufacturers. The following section provides guidelines for the most popular Card and Socket Services. Review your Card and Socket Services documentation. To use Card and Socket Services with the PRO/100 PC Card, you must know what resources will be assigned by Card and Socket Services, then specify the same resources when configur- ing the PRO/100.

IBM

The following are the files generally loaded with IBM Card and Socket Services.

DEVICE=C:\THINKPAD\IBMDSS01.SYS /S0=2

DEVICE=C:\THINKPAD\IBMDOSCS.SYS

DEVICE=C:\THINKPAD\DICRMU01.SYS /MA=C800-CFFF (/MA SHOULD MATCH THE EMM386 EXCLUSION)

DEVICE=C:\THINKPAD\AUTODRV.SYS C:\THINKPAD\AUTODRV.INI (CALLED A “GENERIC” CARD DRIVER)

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Intel PRO/100 appendix ODI M16BODI.COM, NDIS2 M16BNDIS.EXE, M16BPD.EXE

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.