BroadCom NetXtreme NT 4.0 only linking @ 10mb Half-Duplex

Question

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

I work with a Dell PowerEdge 4600.

I have a Cat 5 cable about 12' from the Broadcom Gigabit NIC

to a 3com 3300 Switch.

No matter which port I try on the switch, it will not link.

I have checked the driver configuration, and it is set to Auto Sense.

When I try and "force" it to 100 Full Duplex, I don't get a link.

The switch is linking fine at 100 FD for all ports with other NICs.

The NIC will only link at 10MB HD with an older 3com 10baseT hub.

Not sure if this is a known issue with this NIC and NT 4.0 SP6

Thanks for any help!

icx · Answer

Hi,

I have exactly the same problem. I've a PE 2650, with two of the Broadcom NetXtreme Gigabit adapters. I'm attempting to connect to a 3COM Superstack switch, but this time on Windows 2003 Server. Win2k3 informs me that the link is connecting only at 10MB Half-Duplex, and I've just downloaded and installed the latest drivers.

No joy.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

Quino · Answer

The 3com switch is a *managed* switch.

The speed and duplex settings must *match* on the client and the switch. Hence, you can only use "autonegotiation" on the Dell server if "autonegotiation" is turned on the switch port.

First, you need to look at the switch port and determine the port setting of the port you are using. For best results, always lock the switch and the client on the settings you desire..... such as 100/full on the switch, and 100/full on the server NIC driver. Depending on autonegotion may work ok for clients, but not for servers.

Sometimes, as newer NIC's come out, you may be required to update the firmware of your switch, to fully support negotiation with different NICs. Thats fairly common.

PowerEdgeSuppor · Answer

Great, thanks for sharing your information. I will access the management aspect of the 3COM switch and check firmware / port settings etc.

PowerEdge OS Forum

BroadCom NetXtreme NT 4.0 only linking @ 10mb Half-Duplex

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