Linksys PCMPC200 User Guide - Page 4

Linksys Instant EtherFast® Series About Fast Ethernet In recent years, Fast Ethernet has emerged as the fastest growing network topology around. Operating at an incredible 100 million bits per second (100Mbps), and sometimes referred to as 100BaseTX, Fast Ethernet is more than fast enough to handle the latest speed-dependent applications like video, multimedia, and Internet connectivity. Fast Ethernet is ten times faster than regular Ethernet networks. Also known as 10BaseT, regular Ethernet networks typically run at 10Mbps. Unfortunately because of their speed and other technological differences, Ethernet and Fast Ethernet cannot be readily mixed together in most cases. A 10BaseT network adapter, for example, cannot be attached directly to a Fast Ethernet network. In environments where 10BaseT and Fast Ethernet need to be mixed together-in migration scenarios, for example, where file servers are moved to 100Mbps speeds for better performance-a switch or a dual-speed hub can be used to connect network segments of disparate speeds together. The EtherFast 10/100 CardBus PC Cards will run with both 10BaseT and 100BaseTX networks without any special settings, allowing you to plug into virtually any network while at the office or on the road, regardless of speed. When a network cable is plugged in, the EtherFast Card automatically determines the speed, duplex, and polarity of the arriving network packets and adjusts itself accordingly. Also known in the industry as NWAY, this "live wire" ability also allows network cables to be swapped with the EtherFast Card while it's turned on--the card will automatically reconnect itself to the network as soon as a new cable is plugged in. 2 EtherFast® 10/100 CardBus PC Cards About CardBus CardBus devices, which were developed by the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA), allow your laptop PC to utilize applications that were previously only available to PCI-equipped desktop PCs. With the older 16-bit PC Card standard, networking and file transfer speeds were being slowed down by the computer's inability to move large amounts of data in a short period of time. The CardBus standard offers the speed of a bus mastering 32-bit data processor and a lower power consumption rate, satisfying the need for speed while vastly improving upon the old design. Because CardBus is a new technology, there are many questions about compatibility. Some of the most frequently asked questions follow: · What is Bus Mastering? Bus Mastering is a technique employed by CardBus and some PCI cards that allows data to be received and transmitted by the network adapter without clogging up or interrupting your PC's main processor. This means faster network applications and faster file transfers. · Can I Use My 16-Bit Cards in My CardBus Slot? Yes. CardBus slots are backwards-compatible, allowing them to accept almost any slower PC Card. · Can I Use My CardBus PC Card in My Old PC Card Slot? No. The card will not fit into the 16-Bit slot. In order to use a CardBus PC Card, your PC must be equipped with a CardBus slot. However, if you insert your CardBus PC Card into a 16-bit PC Card slot, the card will not slide all the way in. Also, you needn't worry about overloading the card's power system. The CardBus card has been designed to only accept a power flow of 3.3 Volts. · Do I Need to Update My Card and Socket Services? Yes. CardBus PC Cards require different service configurations than older PC Cards. Most CardBus PCs have pre-installed services that will allow you to fully utilize your CardBus slot. If you are upgrading your hardware and need to obtain new services, most manufacturers supply free downloadable upgrades on their Web sites. If you don't have Web access, then contact your CardBus slot's manufacturer. Keep in mind that CardBus is not supported under DOS. Linksys drivers have client enablers built-in so the card can be used under some DOS-based network operating systems. 3