C H A P T E R 2

Installing the Adapter

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

This chapter contains the following sections:

■“Installing the Adapter With Dynamic Reconfiguration” on page 7

■“Installing the Adapter Without Dynamic Reconfiguration” on page 8

■“Using the Installation Script” on page 14

■“Verifying the Software Installation” on page 21

■“Configuring the Network Host Files” on page 22

Note – If you are installing the Sun GigaSwift Ethernet adapter in a machine running the Solaris 9 x86 Operating System, the following features are not supported: diskless client, installing the Solaris Operating System over this adapter, using this adapter as the primary boot device.

Installing the Adapter With Dynamic Reconfiguration

If you have a Sun Enterprise system that supports dynamic reconfiguration (DR), you do not have to reboot your system after installing the adapter.

The process of adding and configuring an adapter with DR involves connecting the attachment point and configuring its occupant. In most cases, the cfgadm(1M) command can perform both steps at once.

7

Page 28 Page 30
Page 29
Image 29
Sun Microsystems GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter manual Installing the Adapter With Dynamic Reconfiguration
Page 28 Page 30

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.
Top Page Image Contents