Interphase 5511 PCI FDDI Adapter 
Field Guide

This guide is designed to assist technical support engineers and customers in first-line support of the Interphase 5511 PCI FDDI Adapter, generally referred to in this guide as the 5511 . The Field Guide supplements rather than replaces the users guide supplied with the product.
For particulars concerning this guide, see About this Field Guide .

 

C O N T E N T S

Product Identification 

Installation and Operation 

Manufacturer's Information 

Troubleshooting 

References 
 

About this Field Guide

Last update: January 29, 1998.
This document is available only in English.

If you are working from a hard copy of this guide and need to check the latest version or obtain another copy, the address of this document on our web site is http://www.iphase.com/Public/AppEng/prodsup/5511/5511fg.html

Intended Audience and Scope

This Field Guide is directed towards the application of the 5511 in Hewlett-Packard PCI-based platforms, running Microsoft Windows NT versions 3.5x and 4.x, and Novell NetWare versions 3.x and 4.x. It is aimed at field engineers and customers who require technical support beyond the scope of the users guide. The delivery mechanism (ftp and World Wide Web) for the guide means the latest information can be made available to our customers and partners on a continuous basis.

Feedback and Comments

Feedback and comments on this Field Guide, and on the use of our products in general, is always welcome. Please e-mail your comments to intouch@iphase.com or contact us via your supplier.

Legal Matters

Copyright Notice

© Copyright 1998 by Interphase Corporation. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer

Information in this document supersedes any preliminary specifications, preliminary data sheets, and prior versions of this document. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this document, Interphase Corporation assumes no liability resulting from omissions, or from the use of information obtained from this document. Interphase Corporation reserves the right to revise this document without obligation to notify any person of such revision. Information available after the release of this document will be in one or more Read Me First documents. Each product shipment includes all current Read Me First documents. All current Read Me First documents are also available on our web site.
THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED "AS IS." INTERPHASE DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ARISING FROM A COURSE OF DEALING, USAGE, OR TRADE PRACTICE.

IN NO EVENT SHALL INTERPHASE BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST PROFITS OR LOSS OR DAMAGE TO DATA ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THIS DOCUMENT, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Trademark Credits

Important Safety & Regulatory Information

This Field Guide does not replace the users guide, Interphase Part Number UG05511-000,REVC (or later) shipped with each 5511. It is essential to locate and review this users guide for information which is not duplicated in this Field Guide. This includes, but is not limited to:
To obtain the latest copy of this users guide, see Documentation .

Product Identification

This section helps you identify the product hardware, firmware, software, and documentation. For an overview of the product, check our web site at: http://www.iphase.com/Public/Products/Technology/FDDI/DataSheets/5511.html
The topics discussed in this section are as follows:

Product Kits

The Ordering Code in the table below denotes which adapter is included in the kit, controls the firmware level of the EPROMS, and specifies which software drivers, documentation, and accessories are included in the kit.

 

5511 Product Kits
Ordering Code  Contents 
5511-DAS-MM  Adapter: 5511 Dual Attach with SC Duplex Connectors for Multimode Fiber Media 
Firmware: SMT 7.3 
Drivers: AIX, HP-UX, NetWare, Windows NT 
Documentation: Users Guide, RMFs, Software License 
5511-SAS-MM  Adapter: 5511 Single Attach with SC Duplex Connectors for Multimode Fiber Media 
Firmware: SMT 7.3 
Drivers: AIX, HP-UX, NetWare, Windows NT 
Documentation: Users Guide, RMFs, Software License 
5511-SAS-UTP  Adapter: 5511 Single Attach with RJ45 Connector for Cat 5 UTP Copper Media 
Firmware: SMT 7.3 
Drivers: AIX, HP-UX, NetWare, Windows NT 
Documentation: Users Guide, RMFs, Software License 
5511-UIO-SAS-UTP  Adapter: 5511 Universal I/O, Single Attach with RJ45 Connectors for Cat 5 UTP Copper Media 
Firmware: SMT 7.3 
Drivers: AIX, HP-UX, NetWare, Windows NT 
Documentation: Users Guide, RMFs, Software License 
5511-UIO-DAS-UTP  Adapter: 5511 Universal I/O, Dual Attach with RJ45 Connectors for Cat 5 UTP Copper Media 
Firmware: SMT 7.3 
Drivers: AIX, HP-UX, NetWare, Windows NT 
Documentation: Users Guide, RMFs, Software License 
5511-UIO-SAS-MM  Adapter: 5511 Universal I/O, Single Attach with SC Duplex Connectors for Multimode Fiber Media 
Firmware: SMT 7.3 
Drivers: AIX, HP-UX, NetWare, Windows NT 
Documentation: Users Guide, RMFs, Software License 
5511-UIO-DAS-MM  Adapter: 5511 Universal I/O, Dual Attach with SC Duplex Connectors for Multimode Fiber Media 
Firmware: SMT 7.3 
Drivers: AIX, HP-UX, NetWare, Windows NT 
Documentation: Users Guide, RMFs, Software License 
 

The Ordering Code of each product kit is composed of a series of mnemonics which identify the features contained on the adapter:
Marketing Number ( 5511 )
The marketing number identifies the bus and the network technology:

"55" indicates a PCI bus interface.
"11" indicates FDDI technology.
Universal I/O ( UIO )
The adapter is capable of operating in either a 5 volt or a 3.3 volt PCI signalling environment. Non-UIO versions of the adapter require a 5 volt PCI bus.
Single Attach Station ( SAS ) or Dual Attach Station ( DAS )
SAS has one media connector which can be either SC Duplex or RJ45.

DAS has two media connectors of the same type, either SC Duplex or RJ45.
Note: All DAS fiber boards have a mini-DIN connector for attaching an optical bypass switch.
Multimode Fiber ( MM ) or Unshielded Twisted Pair ( UTP )
Fiber versions are configured for multimode cabling with SC Duplex connectors.

UTP versions are configured for Category 5 copper cabling with RJ45 connectors.
To obtain the latest list of available kits, see our web site at: http://www.iphase.com/Public/Products/Technology/FDDI/DataSheets/5511-Specs.html

Customer Configurations

If a part number is followed by a 4-digit code (-nnnn), such as the HP Part Numbers in the following section, the contents of the kit are modified for a specific customer and are revision controlled. The 4-digit code is made up of two components; the first two digits identify the customer and the last two digits identify the revision.

HP Part Numbers

All product kits for the 5511 are available in Europe through Interphase's European Operations by Interphase part number (see Product Kits above). The following customized kits can be ordered through Hewlett-Packard's Local Product Organization:

 
HP 
Part Number 		 Interphase 
Part Number 		 Contents 
IPH5511D  5511-UIO-DAS-MM-0100  Adapter: 5511 Universal I/O, Dual Attach with SC Duplex Connectors for Multimode Fiber Media 
Firmware: SMT 7.3 
Drivers: NetWare, Windows NT 
Documentation: Users Guide, RMFs, Software License 
IPH%5511D  5511-UIO-DAS-MM-0200  Adapter: 5511 Universal I/O, Dual Attach with SC Duplex Connectors for Multimode Fiber Media 
Firmware: SMT 7.3 
 

Identifying the Adapter

The Interphase 5511 adapter is a single-slot PCI bus FDDI network controller card. Physically, the 5511 is a PCI short card with sockets on the front panel for either fiber (SC Duplex) or UTP copper (RJ45). There are four LED indicators on all models except for one of the dual connector fiber models. All dual connector fiber models have a mini-DIN connector located between the two fiber connectors. The front panel may show the Interphase name and logo.
On the board itself you will find labels which contain the following:
The hardware number is prefixed with "H05511" followed by a. 3-digit code (-nnn) indicating the board's configuration as follows:

 
5511 PCI FDDI Adapters
Hardware Number  Configuration 
H05511-000  5511-DAS-MM 
H05511-001  5511-SAS-MM 
H05511-002  5511-SAS-UTP 
H05511-003  5511-UIO-SAS-UTP 
H05511-004  5511-UIO-DAS-UTP 
H05511-005  5511-UIO-SAS-MM 
H05511-006  5511-UIO-DAS-MM 
 

Hardware numbers have a revision suffix (REVann) which identifies the exact version of the adapter. The initial release is assigned a revision suffix of "REVA00". Different versions of the adapter are represented by different letters, REVA00 and REVB00 for example. The letter "X" is reserved for experimental adapters. Increments in the number (01, 02, 03, and so forth) represent enhancements and improvements to a specific version. The higher the number, the more recent the revision.
Note: Older versions of the product may have a hardware number with a prefix of "CC05511"instead of "HO5511". These are special configurations of the product that were used as pre-release or field test units. You must contact Interphase to obtain their configuration.

If the product you are examining has none of these features or labels, it is probably not an Interphase 5511 adapter.

All hardware upgrades for the 5511 are performed at our factory in Dallas, Texas USA. See Factory Repairs and Upgrades for instructions on returning the hardware to Dallas.

Firmware Levels

The firmware on the 5511 is used by the on-board processor to run the FDDI SMT (Station Management) code and support the host interface. It is contained in two UV-erasable EPROMs located on the board and is part of the configuration criteria when shipped from the factory. The firmware is physically identified by the labels attached to the EPROM devices. The labels are prefixed "FA" for the first (odd) EPROM of a pair of EPROMs, or "FB", for the second (even) EPROM of the set. The SMT versions available for the 5511 are as follows:

 
Firmware Number 
(odd) 		 Firmware Number 
(even) 		 Configuration 
FA00121  FB00121  5511 ANSI SMT 6.2 
FA00139  FB00139  5511 ANSI SMT 7.3 
 

The part numbers have a revision suffix (-ann) which identifies the exact version of the firmware. The initial release is assigned a revision suffix of "A00". Different versions of the firmware are represented by different letters, A00 and B00 for example. The letter "X" is reserved for experimental versions. Increments in the number (01, 02, 03, and so forth) represent enhancements and improvements to a specific version. The higher the number, the more recent the revision.
For systems that are operational, a message containing the revision level of the firmware is displayed to the console during bootup.

The firmware in the 5511 is not field upgradeable. All boards must be returned to the factory in Dallas, Texas USA. See Factory Repairs and Upgrades for instructions on how to return the board to Dallas.

Serial Number and MAC Address

Every adapter is assigned a 6-digit serial number which is shown in both numeric and barcode format on a label attached to the board. The MAC address is derived from the serial number during the manufacturing process and stored in the adapter hardware.
If you can supply Interphase with the serial number or the MAC address, we can determine the following:

Software

The 5511 drivers provide a link-level interface to the protocol stack and use a ring-buffer interface to the board, which runs the FDDI SMT. Therefore, each driver is compatible with all versions of the board (fiber, copper, single attach or dual attach). Part numbers for the media independent images begin with the prefix "SX", followed by a five-digit tracking number.
The part numbers of the software for the 5511 adapter are listed in the table below:

 
Part Number  Description 
SX00208  5511 driver for AIX version 4.1 
SX00225  5511 driver for Windows NT version 3.5x or 4.0 (PowerPC) 
SX00227  5511 driver NetWare version 3.x or 4.x 
SX00246  5511 driver for Windows NT version 3.5x or 4.0 (x86) 
SX00359  5511 driver for HP-UX version 10.20 
 
Software part numbers have a revision suffix (-ann) which identifies the exact version of the software. The initial release is assigned a revision suffix of "A00". Different versions of a driver are represented by different letters, A00 and B00 for example. The letter "X" is reserved for experimental versions. Increments in the number (01, 02, 03, and so forth) represent enhancements and improvements to a specific version. The higher the number, the more recent the revision.
The filename for a driver is usually derived from the part number. For example, filename SX00208.A00 or SX208A00.exe are referring to the part number SX00208-A00.

Identifying the Installation Media

An existing installation can have the driver supplied in several ways. The two-character prefix of the part number designates the type of media containing the "SX" installation file(s):
Examples of installation media for the 5511:

 
Part Number  Media  Description 
SJ00045  3.5 Diskette  5511 driver for Windows NT version 3.5x or 4.0 (PowerPC) 
SJ00075  3.5 Diskette  5511 driver for AIX version 4.1 
SJ00082  3.5 Diskette  5511 driver for NetWare version 3.x or 4.x 
SJ00085  3.5 Diskette  5511 driver for Windows NT version 3.5x or 4.0 (x86) 
SM00030  4 mm Tape  5511 driver for HP-UX version 10.20 
 

The part number is followed by a revision suffix. Since diskettes and tape contain only one "SX" installation file, the revision level of these media is usually the same revision level as the software. CD-ROMs, however, contain multiple drivers arranged in directories. The revision level of a CD changes as its contents change, and is not based on any particular revision level of the software on the CD.

Upgrading the Software

The latest release of the drivers can be obtained in two ways:
Install the software as directed in the users guide or in the appropriate Read Me First document. If you have any questions, please contact Interphase Customer Service.

Documentation

The user-level documentation for the 5511 is included in all product kits when shipped from the factory. The documentation package for a product kit includes the Users Guide, a Software License Agreement, and (if needed) Read Me First documents that cover any pertinent issues since the last printing of the users guide.
The part numbers for the items in the documentation package are as follows.

 
Part Number  Description 
UG05511-000  5511 PCI FDDI Adapter Users Guide 
Note: The part number is located on the title page, inside the front cover. 
UGR0129-000  Read Me First document for HP-UX driver 
UGRMF53-000  Read Me First document for Windows NT (x86) driver 
UGRMF64-000  Read Me First document for NetWare driver 
UGRMF74-000  Read Me First document for Windows NT (PowerPC) driver 
 
The "-nnn" in the above part numbers represent version numbers. For user guides, the version number changes for major revisions or additions to the primary manual. For Read Me First documents (RMFs), the version number changes with each new version of the primary product. The part numbers also have a revision suffix (REVA, REVB, REVC, and so forth) which represents updates and/or corrections to a specific version. The higher the letter, the more recent the revision.
To obtain the latest documentation, do one of the following:

Installation and Operation

Topics discussed in the section are as follows:

New Installations

To install a new 5511 Product Kit, use the procedures described in the documentation to install the hardware and software. If you are concerned about the revision level of the kit or any of its contents, check with Interphase Customer Support. See Contact Information .

External Connections

PCI Bus

The 5511 conforms to PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.1 and occupies a single slot. The UIO (Universal I/O) versions of the adapter are capable of operating in either a 5 volt or a 3.3 volt PCI signalling environment. Non-UIO versions of the adapter require a 5 volt PCI bus.

Fiber Optic Connections

The 5511 fiber adapters require multimode fiber "crossover" cabling with SC Duplex connectors. The maximum distance between nodes is 2 km. Minimum length for fiber cable is 3 m and the minimum bending radius is 13 mm (1/2 inch). Otherwise, excessive error rates can occur.
A local loopback plug is made by connecting the receive (Rx) port to the adjacent transmit (Tx) port with a single fiber.

Note: SC conversion pigtails to other type fiber connectors are available from Interphase.

UTP Connections

The 5511 UTP adapters require Category 5 UTP copper "crossover" cables with RJ45 connectors. The maximum distance between nodes is 100 meters.
The pinout for an 8-pin RJ45 connector is shown in the following table:

 
  Pin    Name    Pair    Name    Pin 
1  TX+  # 1  RX+  7 
2  TX-  # 1  RX-  8 
3  Spare  # 2  Spare  3 
4  Spare  # 2  Spare  4 
5  Spare  # 3  Spare  5 
6  Spare  # 3  Spare  6 
7  RX+  # 4  TX+  1 
8  RX-  # 4  TX-  2 
 
A loopback plug uses a similar "cross-over" pinout, Pin1-to-Pin7 and Pin2-to-Pin8, except the spare pairs can be omitted.

Optical Bypass Switch

A 6-pin circular mini-DIN connector is used to connect an OBS (optical bypass switch) to the 5511 dual-attach fiber adapters. The OBS is optional equipment for the user and is not required for the 5511 to function properly. The location of the pins and their function are shown in the following tables:

 
Pin Location (mini DIN) 
  (square key)   
Pin 6    Pin 5 
Pin 4  Pin 3 
(v-notch)  (v-notch) 
  Pin 2  Pin 1   
 

 
Pin  Function 
1  V+ 
2 
3  Switch 
4 
5  Ground 
6  Bypass switch 

LED Indicators

There are two configurations of LEDs for the 5511 adapter. One set applies to the non-UIO (Universal I/O) single-attach (SAS) boards using PC board number PB05511-000. The dual-attach (DAS) configuration for this adapter does not contain LEDs. The second set of LEDs apply to all UIO boards, both SAS and DAS in fiber and UTP configurations. The operating logic for the two sets of LEDs are similar, but are discussed in separate sections for clarity.
Note: The PC board number is etched on the board, not printed on a label.

PB05511-000 Adapter (SAS non-UIO)

The four LEDs are arranged in a 2x2 square, as shown in the following table:

 
LEDs by Position 
(adapter in vertical position) 
Green (Pwr)  Red (Err) 
Green (RC)  Yellow (Link) 
 

There are five sets of conditions for the LEDS, as shown in the following table:

 
 
 
Condition 		 LEDs by Color   
 
Meaning 
Green 
(Pwr) 		 Green 
(RC) 		 Yellow 
(Link) 		 Red 
(Err) 
1  OFF  OFF  OFF  OFF  No power to the board 
2  ON  ON  Flashing  OFF  Power-on diagnostics 
3  ON  Flashing  OFF  OFF  Diagnostics passed, 
connecting to Ring 
4  ON  Flashing  ON  OFF  Ring connect successful 
5  ON  OFF  OFF  ON  Failure 
 

The sequence of events during power-up of the adapter is as follows:
  1. When the power is turned on in the host machine, the LEDs immediately change from Condition 1 to Condition 2. If the Pwr LED fails to illuminate, the adapter is either not seated correctly in the bus or has an internal electrical short.
  2. The adapter remains in Condition 2 for a few seconds to perform its self-test diagnostics. If the self-test is not successful, the LEDs change to Condition 5 and the board switches to failure mode. Otherwise, the host system initializes the board (with the device driver) and the LEDs change to Condition 3.
  3. In Condition 3, the board attempts to connect to the FDDI ring. If successful, the LEDs change to Condition 4. A lock-up in Condition 3 indicates the network cabling is not connected to the adapter, the network hardware (connectors, cabling, or remote device) are configured incorrectly, or the transceiver on the adapter is defective.
  4. Upon reaching Condition 4, the board is initialized and connected to the FDDI ring. This does not mean the adapter is actively communicating with other nodes on the network. Condition 4 means the adapter has detected a light signal in fiber connections or detected an electrical current in UTP connections. Data may or may not be transmitting through the FDDI media.
Note: If any other combinations of the LEDs occur, the adapter is defective and should be removed from the machine immediately.
To rectify the failures stated above, see the Troubleshooting section.

PB05511-002 Adapter (all UIO configurations)

There are five sets of conditions for the LEDS, as shown in the following table:

 
 
 
 
Condition 		 LEDs by Position and Color 
(adapter in vertical Position) 		  
 
 
Meaning 
Green 
(SD) 		 Green 
(RC) 		 Yellow 
(Link) 		 Yellow 
(Err) 
1  OFF  OFF  OFF  OFF  No power to the board 
2  ON or OFF  OFF  OFF  ON  Onboard CPU failed to bootup 
3  ON or OFF  ON  Flashing  OFF  Adapter waiting to be accessed by the host 
4  ON or OFF  Flashing  OFF  OFF  Adapter and host are communicating 
5  ON  Flashing  ON  OFF  Adapter ready to communicate on the network. 
LED Note: The Green SD (signal detect) LED operates independent of the other LEDs at all times. It turns ON when the adapter's FDDI chipset detects a LAN signal input to the board. The Green SD must be ON before the adapter can change to Condition 5. 
 

The sequence of events during power-up of the adapter is as follows:
  1. When the power is turned on in the host machine, the LEDs change to Condition 3, unless the CPU on the adapter fails to bootup. In this case the LEDs change to Condition 2 and the adapter switches to failure mode. If none of the LEDs illuminate, the adapter is not receiving power and is either seated incorrectly in the PCI bus or has an internal electrical short.
  2. The adapter remains in Condition 3 until the host system device driver initializes the board. When complete, the LEDs change to Condition 4 and the board attempts to connect to the FDDI ring.
  3. When connected to the FDDI ring, the LEDs change to Condition 5. This does not mean the adapter is actively communicating with other nodes on the network. It means the adapter has detected a light signal in fiber connections or detected an electrical current in UTP connections. Data may or may not be transmitting through the FDDI media.
Note: If any other combinations of the LEDs occur, the adapter is defective and should be removed from the machine immediately.
To rectify the failures stated above, see the Troubleshooting section.

Specifications

The technical specifications for the 5511 adapters are as follows:

 
Item  Specification 
Host Bus Interface  PCI Local Bus Revision 2.1 or later 
Network Interface  Motorola FDDI chipset 
ANSI X3T9.5 (X3T12) @ 100 Mbps 
Buffer RAM  128 Kbytes 
Host Data Transfer  32-bit bus master DMA transfers to 132 MBps 
Open Boot Interface  IEEE 1275 
Station Management  SMT 6.2 or 7.3 
SNMP Support  MIB II, Interphase Extensions 
Requires separate SNMP Agent on host for access
Mechanical  Occupies a short card PCI slot 
Length: 167.64 mm (6.6 in.) 
Width: 102.360 mm (4.00 in.) 
Maximum Operating Power  UIO (Universal I/O) Adapters: 
Single Attach: 1.10A @ 5V +/- 5% 
Dual Attach: 2.0A @ 5V +/- 5% 
Non-UIO Adapters: 
Single Attach: 1.14A @ 5V +/- 5% 
Dual Attach: 2.10A @ 5V +/- 5% 
Network Connections  SC Duplex to Multimode Fiber (62.5/125) 
RJ45 to Category 5 UTP Copper 
Operating Environment  Temperature: 0 to 55 C (32 to 131 F) 
Relative humidity: 10-95% noncondensing 
Altitude: 0-15,000 feet 
Storage Environment  (stored in original anti-static bag and box) 
Temperature: -40 to 85 C (-40 to 185 F) 
Relative humidity: 10-95% noncondensing 
Altitude: 0-50,000 feet 
 

Troubleshooting

Preparation

If a 5511 adapter is not functioning correctly, there are many things that can be wrong. The general approach is to eliminate the problem(s) in a step-wise fashion until a diagnosis is achieved. Before starting the troubleshooting procedures, consider the following:
Note: Always backup the host system before commencing any diagnostic or troubleshooting procedures.
If no diagnosis is made after checking the suggestions that follow, then escalate the problem to Interphase Technical Support .

Boot Up Problems

If the adapter or the host system fails during boot up, use the tables in LED Indicators as a guide and check the following:

No LEDs come ON

The board is not getting power through the PCI bus.
  1. Remove and reseat the adapter.
  2. Try a different PCI slot.
  3. Install a known good adapter.
If a known good adapter performs okay, note the symptom as "power failure" and return the defective adapter to Interphase. See Factory Repairs and Upgrades for instructions.

Host system locks during bootup

  1. Remove and reseat the adapter.
  2. Try a different PCI slot.
  3. Remove the adapter and reboot the machine. If the system returns to a normal state of operation, the adapter could be defective.
  4. Install a known good adapter.
  5. If a known good adapter also fails, the problem is most likely within the host system. Contact the manufacturer of the host system with the problem.
If a known good adapter performs okay, note the symptom as "locks host during boot up" and return the defective adapter to Interphase. See Factory Repairs and Upgrades for instructions.

Host adapter not found

The procedures in this section assume the adapter is not in one of the hardware failure modes above.
  1. The driver may not be installed correctly. Restart the system and look for a driver message during bootup. If this message does not appear or an error message is generated while the driver is loading, remove and reinstall the driver.
  2. Confirm the bus address of the adapter (assigned by the PCI system in the host system) is not in conflict with other hardware, such as printers, modems, and so forth.
If the problem persists, contact Interphase Technical Support .

Network Problems

The procedures in this section assume the host endstation is up and running, the adapter is not in a failure mode, and the driver is loaded.

Adapter cannot connect to the network

  1. Unplug and reinstall the connectors.
  2. For dual-attach stations (DAS), confirm the network connectors for PHY A and PHY B are in their appropriate ports.
  3. Check the transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) wiring for the correct "cross-over" configuration. See External Connections .
  4. Confirm the port(s) on the remote device (usually a concentrator) is functioning correctly.
  5. For dual-attach (DAS) fiber adapters, check the OBS (optical bypass switch). Listen for a mechanical "click" when the 5511 powers up and is ready to join the ring.
  6. In UNIX based systems, use the netstat -i command to confirm if packets are being transmitted or received.
  7. If possible, try connecting the adapter directly to the FDDI ring. Bear in mind, however, this can cause temporary segmentation problems if another system is "down" elsewhere in the network.
  8. Connect a loopback plug or cable to the adapter.
If the adapter cannot establish a link with a loopback test, note the symptom as "transceiver failure" and return the defective adapter to Interphase. See Factory Repairs and Upgrades for instructions.

Adapter cannot communicate with other hosts on the network

  1. Confirm the network cable and connectors are functioning correctly. A cable less than 3 m in length or a tight bend in the fiber, for example, can cause excessive error rates and disrupt normal communications. In UNIX based systems, check the error rates with the netstat -i command. Otherwise, use a network analyzer or an FDDI monitoring utility to check the error rates.
  2. Confirm the port(s) on the remote device is functioning correctly.
  3. Try to ping the adapter from another host on the network.
  4. Confirm the host address for the adapter is correct. The adapter must be on a logically separate subnet from any other network interface (another FDDI card or an Ethernet card) in the host system.
Note: If you suspect the problem is driver related, remove and install the latest version of the software before contacting Interphase. This may or may not cure the problem, but will enhance our chances of helping you resolve the problem.

Interphase Technical Support

Before contacting Interphase Technical Support:
  1. Confirm the host system is supported by Interphase. If the system is not listed in the users guide or the appropriate Read Me First (if applicable), the adapter probably will not work.
  2. .Check with the Operating System manufacturer for software patches that may apply to the symptoms being seen.
  3. Collect the basic information about the problem.
  4. It will also be helpful if you have the following:

    5. - Serial number or MAC address of product
    - Approximate purchase date, if known
    - Configuration, if known
The best way is to e-mail us with your questions. Do not forget to include:
Contact Interphase at the numbers shown in the Contact Information section.
The normal process is for us to assign a Call Tracking System number to your query. This number should be quoted in all subsequent correspondence by both parties and will remain "open" until the issue is resolved.

Please note Interphase does not operate a "7 x 24" service other than by contractual arrangement. Our usual hours for technical support provide our European customers with coverage from 09:00 AM to 01:00 AM the following morning, each working day.

Manufacturer's Information

This section contains information about Interphase Corporation. Please feel free to contact us at any time if you need assistance.

Contact Information

Interphase support offices are located in the USA, France, England, and Japan.
Interphase Corporation

13800 Senlac
Dallas, TX 75234-8823
USA
1-800-FASTNET
Phone: +1.214.654.5555 (Hotline)
Fax: +1.214.654.5500
Office hours: 08:00AM to 18:00PM CST

European Headquarters - France
Centre d' affaires 10eme Avenue
855, avenue Roger Salengro
92370 Chaville
France
Phone: +33 (0) 1 41 15 44 00
Fax: +33 (0) 1 41 15 12 13
Office hours:

Interphase International - England
Astral House
Granville Way
Bicester, Oxfordshire OX6 0JT
England
Phone: +44 (0)1869 321222
Fax: +44 (0)1869 247720
Office hours: 08:00AM to 17:30PM GMT

Asia/Pac Rim Headquarters
AIOS Gotanda #711
1-10-7 Higashi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-Ku
Tokyo 141
Japan
Phone: +81 35423 6513
Fax: +81 35423 6511

World Wide Web: http://www.iphase.com - for product and company information

E-mail: intouch@iphase.com - reaches all support offices simultaneously

Anonymous ftp server: ftp://ftp.iphase.com/ - for downloading drivers and other support information

Factory Repairs and Upgrades

All Interphase products are repaired and re-tested at the Dallas, Texas, USA facility. Interphase does not have any other repair and test centers. A Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number is required prior to returning any product to Interphase for repair, upgrade or exchange. The RMA number must be clearly marked on the outside of the package, for example "RMA 1234".
The following information is required for us to issue an RMA number:
  1. Type and configuration of the product to be returned.
  2. The 6-digit serial number (along with a barcode) located on a label attached to the adapter.
  3. Failure symptoms or other reason for return.
  4. A contact point for more information should this be needed.
  5. Your purchase order number for the repairs.
To obtain an RMA number:
PHONE: 1-214-654-5345 (voice-mail after 5 PM Central Standard Time)

FAX: 1-214-654-5506 (24 hours)

E-mail: intouch@iphase.com

Normal turn-around time is 10 working days from receipt of the product at Interphase. Expedited 48-hour turn-around time is also available.

Warranty Information

For a product to be accepted for warranty repair or upgrade, it must meet the following conditions:
  1. No missing parts, including front panels, resistor packs, firmware or other socketed parts.
  2. No obvious mechanical damage to the product.
  3. No burnt parts or circuit board tracks, or smoke damage.
  4. No modifications except those made by Interphase.
  5. Product not operated outside of design specifications.
  6. Proper ESD (electronic static discharge) techniques observed when handling the product.
  7. The product should be adequately and safely packed.
If we determine one or more of the above conditions are at fault, the product may be refused for repair or subject to an additional charge, whether inside the warranty period or not.
Note: Do not return the documentation or the software media.

See Factory Repairs and Upgrades for instructions on how to return the product to factory.

ISO Certification

As a designer and manufacturer of electronic products, Interphase is certified to ISO 9001 Quality Standards. If you would like more detail about our ISO certification, please contact Interphase.

References

A glossary of FDDI and general networking terms is located in the users guide.