Handy for the modern network (3Com EtherLink 10/100 PCI Network Interface Card)

Member Name: andycharger

Product:	3Com EtherLink 10/100 PCI Network Interface Card
Date:	06/03/02 (485 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great value, Good performance

Disadvantages: Resticted to RJ 45 networks

This is my 2nd review of the 3com Network cards today. This time I intend to write about one of the less expensive cards that offer great performance on modern networks.
I have already explained about networks on my previous opinion so for those of you who have not read it and want to know more about networks, please read my other opinion too. It will help with the terminology here.


The 3Com 905B NM 10/100MBit PCI

Overview.

This truly is a great Network Card. Produced by 3com, who are one of the market innovators in Network Technology, it provides the user with a solitary connection to a network via a modern RJ-45 type connector. the NM in its title stands for Non-Management. This will be explained.


Compatibility.

This card, like the other card I have written about, is also PCI slot fitting. This means that it fits into the WHITE expansion slots inside your machine. Almost all PC's built in the last 5 or 6 years will have PCI slots. Best way to make sure is to open up your PC case. If you are unsure about this, consult a local shop.
The slot will be towards the rear of the machine and on the motherboard.

Installation.
Simply open up your computer (with the power off) and find a vacant slot. Push the card firmly into the slot without damaging it. Screw in the little retaining bolt and reassemble your case.
Turn on the power and your computer should automatically detect the new hardware. Follow the onscreen instructions and insert the drivers in to the CD rom when prompted.
If you do not have a PC operating system that supports plug and play software, you may need to manually install all of the drivers from the CD provided with the card. This is not as complicated as it sounds.

Features.
Significantly less than the Combo card, the NM has only one connection to a network.
This means that if you are using the older, coaxial type cabling and BNC connecto
rs, you cannot support this card.
This card uses the modern RJ-45 type socket with a phone plug type hole. This is the technology that you use to get the 100Mbps transfer rate through the card.
The older, Co-axial type only sends and recieves at 10 Mbps meaning this card is far superior. Check your network type before ordering.



Performance.
This card is known as a Non Management card. This prevents centralised desktop configuration by network owners.
More work in setting up and maintaining than the managed cards, they are affset in price by being cheaper than the managed cards.
However this card does support Parallel Tasking which improves the PCI bus speed even further allowing more operations to be carried out.


Overall.
For modern networks that do not support older technology, this is the card to go for. I would always use this in a modern schema because it provides all the functionality needed for a small business while remaining financially attractive.

Summary: