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Installing the Hardware: Broadcom 440X Fast Ethernet Controller User's Guide

This chapter provides the following information:

System Requirements

Safety Precautions

Pre-Installation Checklist

Adapter Installation Process

Connecting the Network Cables


System Requirements

Before installing the Broadcom 440X Fast Ethernet Controller, make sure your system meets the requirements listed for your operating system:

Windows 2000 Requirements

Windows XP Requirements

Windows 98 Second Edition Requirements

Windows ME Requirements


Safety Precautions

WARNING - The adapter is being installed in a system that operates with voltages that can be lethal. Before removing your system's cover, you must observe the following precautions to protect yourself and to prevent damage to the system components.
  • Remove any metallic objects or jewelry from your hands and wrists.
  • Make sure to use only insulated or nonconducting tools.
  • Verify that the system is powered OFF and unplugged before accessing internal components.
  • Installation or removal of adapters must be performed in a static-free environment. The use of a properly grounded wrist strap or other personal antistatic devices and an antistatic mat is strongly recommended.


Pre-Installation Checklist

  1. Check that your server meets the hardware and software requirements listed under "System Requirements."
  2. Verify that your system is using the latest BIOS.
  3. Review the information in the readme.txt file on the CD-ROM for important information not available at the time this manual was created.

    NOTE - If you acquired the adapter software on a floppy disk or from http://www.dell.com, please check the appropriate source for the most recent information.

  4. If your system is active, shut it down.

  5. When system shut down is complete, power OFF and unplug your system.

  6. Holding the adapter card by the edges, remove it from its shipping package and place it on an antistatic surface.

  7. Check the adapter for visible signs of damage, particularly on the card’s edge connector. Never attempt to install any damaged adapter. If the adapter is damaged, report it to your network supplier.


Adapter Installation Process

The following instructions apply to installing the Broadcom 440X Fast Ethernet Controller in most systems. Refer to the manuals that were supplied with your system for details about performing these tasks on your particular system.

  1. Review the Precautions and Pre-Installation Instructions. Before installing the adapter, ensure the system power is OFF and unplugged from the power outlet, and that proper electrical grounding procedures have been followed.
  2. Remove the system cover, and select any empty PCI slot. If you do not know how to identify a PCI slot, refer to your system documentation.
  3. Remove the blank cover-plate from the slot that you selected.
  4. Holding the PCI card by the edges, align the adapter’s connector edge with the PCI connector dock in the system.
    NOTE - The connector dock in a 32-bit PCI slot is shorter than in a 64-bit PCI slot. Although the adapter is designed to fit in either slot type, part of the 64-bit PCI slot remains undocked when installed in a 64-bit PCI slot. This is perfectly normal.
  1. Applying even pressure at both corners of the card, push the adapter card until it is firmly seated in the PCI slot. When properly seated, the adapter’s port connectors will be aligned with the slot opening, and its faceplate will be flush against the system chassis.
    Caution—Do not use excessive force when seating the card, as this may damage the system or the adapter. If the card resists seating, remove it from the system, realign it, and try again.
  1. Secure the adapter with the adapter clip or screw.
  2. Replace the system cover and disconnect any personal antistatic devices.
  3. Power the system on.

Once the system returns to proper operation, the adapter hardware is fully installed. You must next connect the network cables.


Connecting the Network Cables

The adapter has one RJ-45 connector used for attaching the system to an Ethernet copper-wire segment. When automatic link negotiation is disabled, the port can be configured for 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps signaling and either half-duplex or full-duplex operation.

Perform the following procedure for connecting a network cable to the Broadcom 440X Fast Ethernet Controller:

  1. Prepare an appropriate cable. The following table lists the cable characteristics for connecting to 10/100BASE-T ports:

    Table 1. 10/100BASE-T Cable Specifications

    Port Type Connector Media Maximum Distance
    10BASE-T RJ-45 Cat. 3, 4, or 5 UTP 100m (328 feet)
    100BASE-T RJ-45 Cat. 5 UTP 100m (328 feet)
  1. Connect one end of the cable to the Broadcom 440X Fast Ethernet Controller.
  2. Connect the other end of the cable to an RJ-45 Ethernet network port.
    Note – Once the cable is properly connected at both ends, the adapter port LEDs should be functional. See Table 1 in "Introduction" for a description of adapter port LED operation. For driver installation and configuration instructions, refer to the software configuration for that specific driver.

Please read all restrictions and disclaimers.

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