7      Running NIC Diagnostics
46
3-LED Configuration
Viewing the NIC LEDs in the Diagnostics Program
In addition to the LEDs that are on the NIC, you can view LEDs in the 3Com NIC 
Diagnostics program.
1 Make sure that the NIC, the driver, and the 3Com NIC Diagnostics program are installed.
2 Open the Windows Start menu.
3 Select Programs, 3Com NIC Utilities, and then 3Com NIC Doctor.
The 3Com NIC Diagnostics General screen appears and displays the following LEDs: 
■ Link—lights if there is a valid connection between the NIC and the network. The 
color denotes link speed:
■ Yellow: 10 Mbps
■ Green: 100 Mbps
■ Transmit—lights if the NIC is transmitting information.
■ Receive—lights if the NIC is receiving information.
■ Duplex—indicates if the NIC is transmitting data across the network in half-duplex 
mode (half the LED lights), or in full-duplex mode (the entire LED lights).
Connector 
LED State Meaning RJ-45 AUI BNC SC ST
10 LNK (link) On
If drivers are installed, the 10Mbps 
connection is active.
Yes N/A N/A N/A Yes
If drivers are not installed, the NIC is 
receiving power.
Yes Yes Yes N/A Yes
Off
Something is preventing the 
connection between the NIC and the 
hub or switch.
Yes N/A N/A N/A Yes
Blinking
The cable polarity is reversed. Try a 
different network cable or contact 
your system administrator.
Yes N/A N/A N/A N/A
100 LNK (link) On
If drivers are installed, the 100Mbps 
connection is active.
Yes N/A N/A Yes N/A
If drivers are not installed, the NIC is 
receiving power.
Yes Yes Yes Yes N/A
Off
Something is preventing the 
connection between the NIC and the 
hub or switch.
Yes N/A N/A Yes N/A
Blinking
The cable polarity is reversed. Try a 
different network cable or contact 
your system administrator.
Yes N/A N/A N/A N/A
ACT (activity) Blinking
Network traffic is present. Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Steady
Heavy network traffic is present. Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Off
No network traffic is present. Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes