10.After installing the Solaris Operating System, install the Sun GigaSwift Ethernet software on the client system.

The software installed in Step 4 was required to boot the client system over the GigaSwift Ethernet interface. You now need to install the software in order for the operating system to use the client’s GigaSwift Ethernet interfaces in normal operation.

Before installing the Sun GigaSwift Ethernet software, make sure that the client system does not already have the software installed. Use the pkginfo command to see if the Sun GigaSwift Ethernet software packages are installed on the client system.

# pkginfo grep SUNWce

system

SUNWced

Sun Gigabit Ethernet Adapter Driver

system

SUNWcem

Sun

Gigabit Ethernet Adapter Driver Man Pages

system

SUNWcedu

Sun

Gigabit Ethernet Adapter Driver Headers

If the software is installed (as shown in the example above), skip to Step 11.

If the software is not installed, install the software from Solaris Supplement CD. See Appendix A for instructions on installing the required software packages.

11.Confirm that the network host files have been configured correctly during the Solaris installation.

Although the Solaris software installation creates the client’s network configuration files, you may need to edit these files to match your specific networking environment. See “Configuring the Network Host Files” on page 25 for more information about editing these files.

Booting Over the GigaSwift Ethernet Network

Note – The Solaris 9 x86 version of the operating system cannot be installed over a GigaSwift Ethernet interface.

The Sun GigaSwift Ethernet adapter can be linked up either with autonegotiation enabled or disabled. When link-up is attempted with autonegotiation enabled (the default), the link parameter capabilities (such as speed in megabits/second, duplex and link-clock mastership only for 1000 Mbps) are automatically negotiated between

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

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Sun Microsystems GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter manual Booting Over the GigaSwift Ethernet Network, # pkginfo grep SUNWce

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.