NETGEAR 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Adapter GA311 User Manual

Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products

The key features of the GA311 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter are:

Flexible 10/100/1000 Mbps capability

Includes proven Gigabit controller technology

Full-duplex operation (2,000 Mbps: 1,000 Mbps each way) with DMA (Direct Memory Access) Gigabit Ethernet interface (IEEE 802.3ab)

RJ-45 connector for Category 5 unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable

Interoperability with existing Fast Ethernet equipment compliance with the following standards and protocols:

IEEE 802.3ab Gigabit Ethernet

IEEE 802.3u Fast Ethernet

IEEE 802.3 Ethernet

IEEE 802.3u Auto Negotiation for auto-selectable 10/100/1000 Mbps line speed

IEEE 802.1Q VLAN

Standard Ethernet frame size (up to 1500 bytes), optional Jumbo frame size (7500 bytes)

33/66 MHz, 32/64-bit PCI bus master (Local Bus Revision 2.2 compliant) with adaptive DMA channels

Software driver support for Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows 98SE, and Windows NT 4.0

Universal dual-voltage signaling (3.3 V and 5 V)

The optional advanced configuration choices include:

Configurable 802.1Q VLAN ID and 802.1Q/1p VLAN frame tagging for traffic prioritization

Optional Jumbo Ethernet frame size (7500 bytes)

Configurable link speed and duplex mode

Checksum off loading to the network card

Off load of TCP large packets to the network card

Wakeup on ARP/PING

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NETGEAR GA311 user manual Key Features and Related Netgear Products

GA311 specifications

The NETGEAR GA311 is a high-performance Gigabit Ethernet adapter designed to enhance the network capabilities of desktop computers, servers, or workstations. This device is particularly useful for users who want to upgrade their existing network interface or extend their connectivity options with reliable Gigabit speeds.

One of the most notable features of the GA311 is its ability to achieve data transfer rates of up to 1,000 Mbps, which significantly improves network performance compared to standard Fast Ethernet connections. The adapter operates using the PCI Express (PCIe) interface, allowing for quick and efficient data exchange between the network and the computer's motherboard.

The GA311 supports a variety of beneficial technologies, notably Wake-on-LAN (WoL) and jumbo frames. Wake-on-LAN enables remote systems to be awakened over the network, which is particularly useful for IT management and remote access setups. The support for jumbo frames allows for larger packet sizes than typical Ethernet frames, which can lead to enhanced throughput and reduced CPU utilization during data transfers, especially in high-bandwidth environments.

In terms of compatibility, the NETGEAR GA311 is designed to work seamlessly with various operating systems, including Windows and Linux. This broad compatibility ensures users can integrate this adapter with a wide range of hardware configurations without worrying about driver issues.

The GA311 embodies a robust yet compact design, making it an ideal choice for system builders or users looking for an unobtrusive upgrade for their setups. The adapter also features a standard RJ-45 connector, ensuring compatibility with the majority of networking equipment, including routers, switches, and modems.

Additionally, NETGEAR is known for its customer support and warranty policies. The GA311 typically comes with a limited lifetime warranty, giving users peace of mind regarding the longevity and reliability of their investment.

In conclusion, the NETGEAR GA311 stands out as a dependable and efficient Gigabit Ethernet adapter, boasting impressive speeds, advanced technologies, and wide compatibility. Whether for gaming, video streaming, or heavy file transfers, the GA311 is designed to meet the demands of modern networking seamlessly.