This chapter describes how to isolate and solve 3C319 NIC hardware and network cabling problems in the following sections:
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on the backplate of the 3C319 NIC, shown in , indicate the configured ring speed and whether or not the 3C319 NIC is inserted into the ring. The LEDs also light when drivers are loading and when the diagnostics program is running.
Figure 9-1 NIC LEDs
When the green LED (labeled "4") is lit, it indicates that the 3C319 NIC is set to 4 Mbps speed and is correctly inserted into the token ring network.
When the yellow LED (labeled "16") is lit, it indicates that the 3C319 NIC is set to 16 Mbps and is correctly inserted into the token ring network.
You can run the Configuration and Diagnostic Program on TokenDisk diskette #1 to test the setup or configuration and test for physical board problems.
The diagnostic program tests the 3C319 NIC, not the network. Boot from DOS before running the diagnostic program. Connect the 3C319 NIC to the network for all diagnostic tests.
The Configuration and Diagnostic Program is a DOS application that does not function properly if the 3C319 NIC drivers are already installed. The program also indicates memory conflicts if you run it with a memory manager without excluding the memory range used by the 3C319 NIC. You must bypass the drivers and the memory manager before you run the diagnostic program. Use a DOS diskette if you are running DOS 5.0 or earlier.
If you are running Windows NT, boot from the DOS partition or boot from a DOS diskette to run the diagnostic program. If you use Windows 95 or Windows for Workgroups, exit Windows and restart the PC in MS-DOS mode, or boot from a floppy that has the operating system installed on it.
There are two groups of Configuration and Diagnostic Program tests.
A lobe cable must be connected from the 3C319 NIC to a retiming concentrator or MAU for all Group 1 tests. A lobe cable is the section of cable that attaches a ring station or network device to a MAU or wiring hub.
Group 1 diagnostics test physical components, connectors, and circuitry of the 3C319 NIC as follows.
This test verifies that the PC can access the 3C319 NIC's memory mapped I/O registers correctly.
This test verifies that the PC can access the boot PROM correctly and verifies the integrity of the boot PROM.
This test verifies that the 3C319 NIC's node ID, channel identifier, and supported function identifiers such as data rate, shared RAM, and transmit buffer size are correct.
This test verifies that the shared RAM base address is aligned on the proper address boundary according to the shared RAM page size setting and verifies that its domain does not conflict with that of the 3C319 NIC ROM.
This test verifies that the PC can correctly access the total 64 KB of available shared RAM.
This test verifies the 3C319 NIC's timer operations by comparing the 3C319 NIC timing to the PC's timing.
This test prepares the 3C319 NIC for a NIC ring operation test and verifies the 3C319 NIC's ability to transmit data over the network. This test requires you to connect to an STP or a UTP cable with a DAU, MAU, CAU, or token ring switch at the other end.
This test assesses communication on the ring. The 3C319 NIC must be attached to the ring to run this test successfully. The 3C319 NIC also must be set to the correct ring speed. Note that this test always fails when you are using a Dedicated Token Ring (DTR) hub.
This test verifies the 3C319 NIC's ability to close the 3C319 NIC and terminate the Ring Operations Test. The 3C319 NIC must have been previously opened.
The Group 2 diagnostic test (NIC Wrap Test) causes all user-transmitted data to be sent and received without going to the network.
A lobe cable must be connected from the selected 3C319 NIC to a retiming concentrator or MAU for the Group 2 test. A lobe cable is the section of cable that attaches a ring station or network device to a MAU or wiring hub.
The Configuration and Diagnostic Program can be started from the menus or the DOS command line. For command line instructions, see the INSTRUCT.TXT file in the \HELP subdirectory on TokenDisk diskette #1.
1 . Insert TokenDisk diskette #1 in the floppy drive and type:
a:\ [Enter]
2 . To start the diagnostic program, type:
3trdiag [Enter]
3 . Use the arrow keys to select the Test pull-down menu shown in .
Figure 9-2 Configuration and Diagnostic Program Main Window
4 . Select Run Tests.
Figure 9-3 Run Tests Dialog Box
5 . Press [Enter] to start the tests.
To change the test parameters, follow these steps:
1 . Select Test Setup in the Run Tests dialog box and press [Enter].
Figure 9-4 Test Setup Dialog Box
2 . Press [Tab] to move from field to field and select any field within the Test Setup dialog box.
3 . Select OK and press [Enter].
4 . To run the tests, select Start and press [Enter].
If a diagnostic test fails, the 3C319 NIC may not be defective. The problem is usually incorrect option settings or option settings that conflict with the settings of other boards, or the 3C319 NIC may be improperly installed.
Windows NT versions 3.51 and 4.0 are not PnP-enabled operating systems. If the network driver fails to load when the 3C319 NIC is installed in a PnP PC, configure the NIC using the Configuration and Diagnostic Program on TokenDisk diskette #1. Follow the procedures in , ," to disable PnP for the 3C319 NIC and then configure the NIC.
If a test fails, you can get additional information by highlighting the test that failed in the Run Tests dialog box and pressing [Enter]. You can also highlight the Zoom button and press [Enter]. The program notifies you of the error and suggests actions for solving the problem.
CAUTION: Turn off the power before inserting or removing the 3C319 NIC from the PC.
Follow these steps to isolate the problem further:
1 . Seat the 3C319 NIC firmly in the slot.
2 . Inspect all cables and connections.
3 . Make sure that the LEDs on the 3C319 NIC and the MAU light, or that the solenoid on the MAU engages.
4 . Ensure that the settings (memory allocations, interrupts, etc.) for the 3C319 NIC do not conflict with other devices installed in the PC.
5 . Check that the ring speed (4 or 16) matches the network speed.
6 . If you installed the 3C319 NIC correctly and still experience problems, review your configuration procedures.
7 . Install the 3C319 NIC in another slot and run the diagnostic tests again to isolate a defective slot.
8 . Install the 3C319 NIC in another functioning PC and run the tests again.
9 . Replace the failed 3C319 NIC with a working 3C319 NIC. If the second 3C319 NIC fails, the PC may be defective.
10 . Try a different lobe cable.
11 . Verify that you have the latest software drivers from the network vendor for the network operating system (NOS) that you are using.
Press the [F1] key for Help information at any time during operation of the Configuration and Diagnostic Program. , ," contains sources of online information. In addition, the SYSRESRC.TXT file in the \HELP subdirectory contains information about commonly used interrupts and I/O base addresses.
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