Hardware and Software Requirements

Before using the Sun GigaSwift Ethernet adapter, make sure your system meets the following hardware and software requirements:

Hardware and Software

Requirements

 

 

Hardware

Sun Ultra™ 60, 80

 

Sun Enterprise™ 280, 420, 3000/3500, 4000/4500, 5000/5500,

 

6000/6500/6800, 15000

 

Netra™ 20, 100 T1, 200 T1, 240, 1280 (lw8T8), 1405

 

Sun Fire™ 4900, 4800, 280R, v1280, v880, V480, v440, v240, v20Z*

 

Sun Blade™ 1000, 100

OpenBoot PROM**

Revision 4.x for SPARC platforms only

Operating System

SPARC Solaris 7, 8, and 9 releases

 

x 86 Solaris 9 release

 

 

*Opteron platforms such as the Sun Fire v20Z are the only platforms that currently support the Sun GigaSwift Ethernet adapter with the Solaris 9 x86 Operating System.

**the Solaris 9 x86 Operating System does not support OpenBoot PROM.

Sun Enterprise 3000, 4000, 5000, and 6000 series systems using the Sun GigaSwift Ethernet adapter require a shielded twisted-pair Ethernet cable.

Caution – Installing the Sun GigaSwift Ethernet adapter on the Sun Enterprise 3000, 4000, 5000, and 6000 series systems is prohibited if option (X)1080A Sun Enterprise Systems interface card is already installed on the 2632A PCI I/O board for these platforms. Install the Sun GigaSwift Ethernet adapter on the next available 2632A PCI I/O card.

Patch Requirements

The software driver package provided on the CD-ROM has the following patches preinstalled.

Solaris 7 Operating System Patch-ID Number 112327-18

Solaris 8 Operating System Patch-ID Number 111883-24

Solaris 9 Operating System Patch-ID Number 112817-17

Solaris 9 x86 Operating System Patch-ID Number 117714-01

4 Sun GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter Installation and User’s Guide • August 2004

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Sun Microsystems GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter manual Hardware and Software Requirements, Patch Requirements

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.