Preface

The Sun GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter Installation and User’s Guide provides installation instructions for both the Sun GigaSwift Ethernet UTP adapter and the Sun GigaSwift Ethernet MMF adapter. This manual also describes how to configure the driver software.

These instructions are designed for enterprise system administrators with experience installing network hardware and software.

How This Book Is Organized

Chapter 1 provides a description of the adapter, including hardware and software.

Chapter 2 describes how to install the adapter in your system and how to verify that it has been installed correctly. It then describes how to install the driver software using the automated script. Finally, the chapter describes how to edit the network host files after installing the adapter on your system.

Chapter 3 describes how to edit the network host files after the hardware and software have been installed on your system.

Chapter 4 describes how to configure the driver parameters used by the Sun GigaSwift Ethernet adapter.

Chapter 5 explains VLANs in detail and provides configuration instructions and examples.

Appendix A describes how to install the driver software manually.

Appendix B describes the features and limitations of using the Sun GigaSwift Ethernet driver software in the Solaris 9 x86 Operating System.

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Sun Microsystems GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter manual Preface, How This Book Is Organized
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GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter specifications

The Sun Microsystems GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter is a high-performance network interface card that was designed to provide advanced connectivity solutions for enterprise environments. Launched in the early 2000s, this adapter caters to the increasing demands for speed and efficiency in networking, especially amidst the rise of data-intensive applications.

One of the standout features of the GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter is its capability to support gigabit Ethernet technology, delivering data transfer rates of up to 1 Gbps. This allows organizations to boost their network throughput significantly, ensuring that bandwidth-intensive applications, such as video conferencing, online collaboration, and large file transfers, can be handled without significant lag or disruption.

The adapter utilizes a PCI-X interface, which enhances its performance compared to traditional PCI interfaces. This allows for higher bandwidth operations, making the GigaSwift suitable for servers and workstations that require robust connectivity. It is backward compatible with earlier Ethernet standards, which means it can seamlessly communicate with existing network infrastructures, preserving investments in legacy technologies.

Another critical characteristic of the GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter is its support for various networking protocols. It is designed to operate in diverse networking environments, supporting both full-duplex and half-duplex modes, which maximizes its efficiency in data transmission. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for heterogeneous networks where different devices and standards coexist.

Furthermore, the adapter features advanced error detection and correction technologies, ensuring reliable transmission of data over the network. With features such as flow control and jumbo frame support, it enhances the efficiency and performance of large-scale data transfers.

The GigaSwift also comes equipped with diagnostic and management utilities, allowing network administrators to monitor the network performance effectively. This is crucial for identifying bottlenecks and optimizing network configurations to ensure peak operational efficiency.

Overall, the Sun Microsystems GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter is an essential tool for businesses looking to upgrade their networking infrastructure. Its combination of speed, versatility, and reliability allows enterprises to adopt next-generation networking solutions while maintaining compatibility with existing systems, ultimately contributing to a more robust and efficient IT environment.
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