HP Compaq NC3131 Fastethernet NIC 10/100 Base-T PCI 64 Dual Base 1 REF

The NC3131 is a modular network adapter that provides a scalable transition path from Ethernet to Fast Ethernet to Bonded Fast Ethernet to Gigabit network connections. The Compaq NC3131 Fast Ethernet Adapter includes two 10/100BASE-TX ports with optional upgrade modules for two additional 10/100BASE-TX ports, a single 100FX port or a Gigabit Ethernet port (SX or LX). The NC3131 provides a cost-effective transition for server adapter upgrades. Its modular design enables additional fault-tolerant redundancy and the ability to upgrade to higher network performance without having to replace the base adapter.

 

The NC3131 includes an efficient 64-bit bus data transfer between the network and the PC that is essential for high-performance and low CPU utilization. This model also has a 32/64-bit PCI Universal Connector to work in either 32- or 64-bit bus slots. It also uses bus-mastering technology to maximize throughput and minimize CPU utilization.

 

Transmit Load Balancing (TLB) and Switch-Assisted Load Balancing (FEC/GEC/802.3ad static-mode configuration only) are two port-bonding methods supported by the NC3131. TLB provides both failover and balancing of transmit traffic across all adapters for increased performance. For even higher performance, Switch-Assisted Load Balancing (SLB) provides port failover and balancing of both transmit and receive traffic across all adapters when connected to a switch that supports this feature.

 

The NC3131 NIC is fully Plug and Play compliant with the 2.1 PCI specification, this adapter automatically configures its I/O address and interrupt (IRQ) settings for easy installation. The NC3131 drivers can be used for all Compaq 10 or 100 Mbps NC series network adapters. No driver change is required when moving from 10 to 100 Mbps. Common drivers provide consistency, easy management and support, and save money and time. Using the Compaq provided OS drivers, the NC3131 senses for 10 or 100 Mbps and half- or full-duplex and automatically configures to the highest common network connection speed between the adapter and hub or switch port.

 

The Network Fault Tolerance feature of the NC3131 ensures that the server can always keep an active link. After installing a second, compatible adapter, if the primary network connection fails, the second, backup adapter will automatically take over, retaining the network connection. The NC3131 can be configured to tail over to any NC31xx, NC61xx, or NC71xx adapter by using the latest drivers.