Do you have a question about the D-Link DFE-530TX and is the answer not in the manual?
Explains Advanced Configuration and Power Interface for power saving.
Describes the feature to power on computers remotely.
Details IEEE 802.3x flow control for full duplex operation.
Lists key features and capabilities of the DFE-530TX adapter.
Instructions for unpacking and verifying contents of the adapter package.
Step-by-step guide for physically installing the adapter card into a PCI slot.
Procedure for connecting the Wake-On-LAN cable to the NIC and motherboard.
How to connect the adapter for 100Mbps Fast Ethernet using Category 5 UTP cable.
How to connect the adapter for 10Mbps Ethernet using Category 3, 4, or 5 UTP cable.
Guidance on installing the adapter's software drivers.
General steps to diagnose and resolve adapter issues.
Explains the meaning of the adapter's LINK/ACT, 100M, and FULL LEDs.
Details the network standards (100Base-TX, 10Base-T) and media interface.
Lists physical dimensions, host interface, and EMI compatibility.
Outlines storage and operating temperature and humidity ranges.
Lists supported operating systems and network protocols for driver installation.
Provides contact details for D-Link offices worldwide for support and service.
Form for registering the product, including purchase and usage information.
Explains Advanced Configuration and Power Interface for power saving.
Describes the feature to power on computers remotely.
Details IEEE 802.3x flow control for full duplex operation.
Lists key features and capabilities of the DFE-530TX adapter.
Instructions for unpacking and verifying contents of the adapter package.
Step-by-step guide for physically installing the adapter card into a PCI slot.
Procedure for connecting the Wake-On-LAN cable to the NIC and motherboard.
How to connect the adapter for 100Mbps Fast Ethernet using Category 5 UTP cable.
How to connect the adapter for 10Mbps Ethernet using Category 3, 4, or 5 UTP cable.
Guidance on installing the adapter's software drivers.
General steps to diagnose and resolve adapter issues.
Explains the meaning of the adapter's LINK/ACT, 100M, and FULL LEDs.
Details the network standards (100Base-TX, 10Base-T) and media interface.
Lists physical dimensions, host interface, and EMI compatibility.
Outlines storage and operating temperature and humidity ranges.
Lists supported operating systems and network protocols for driver installation.
Provides contact details for D-Link offices worldwide for support and service.
Form for registering the product, including purchase and usage information.
The D-Link DFE-530TX is an Ethernet/Fast Ethernet Adapter designed for PCI Bus systems, offering a blend of versatility and performance for network connectivity. This adapter is engineered to provide high-speed data transfer and efficient network operation, making it suitable for a wide range of computing environments.
At its core, the DFE-530TX facilitates network communication by supporting both 10-Mbps Ethernet and 100-Mbps Fast Ethernet standards. This dual-speed capability, coupled with auto-negotiation, allows the adapter to automatically detect and adapt to the network speed of the connected hub or switch, ensuring optimal performance without manual configuration. It supports both full-duplex and half-duplex operations, also determined through auto-negotiation, which further enhances its adaptability to different network setups. Full-duplex operation, in particular, allows for simultaneous sending and receiving of data, significantly improving network efficiency when connected to a compatible switch.
A key feature of the DFE-530TX is its compliance with the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface 1.0 (ACPI) specifications. ACPI is a crucial industry standard that enables sophisticated power management capabilities through cooperation between hardware and the operating system. This means the adapter can enter a "Sleep" mode alongside the host computer, significantly reducing power consumption. Even in Sleep mode, the network interface card (NIC) remains active, continuously monitoring the local area network (LAN) for specific "wake-up" packets. This functionality is integral to the "Wake On LAN" (WOL) feature.
Wake On LAN is a powerful ACPI function that allows a powered-down or sleeping computer to be remotely powered on from another station on the network. This is particularly useful for tasks such as retrieving forgotten documents when away from the office, initiating long routines or reports during off-hours, transferring large files when network traffic is low, or even simply powering on a PC before arriving at work. For IT departments, WOL is invaluable for performing software upgrades or maintenance on computers after hours from a remote location, thereby minimizing disruptions during working hours. This feature contributes significantly to limiting the power consumption of PCs, workstations, and kiosks, promoting energy efficiency. To utilize WOL, both the NIC and the PC's motherboard must be ACPI compliant and WOL capable.
The DFE-530TX also implements IEEE 802.3x compliant flow control for full-duplex operation. This provides robust traffic management functions, especially when the adapter is directly connected to a switch. In scenarios where a switch's data buffer is nearing overflow, the DFE-530TX can receive a "Pause frame" from the switch. This signal temporarily halts data transmission, preventing the buffer from overflowing and subsequent data loss. This enhancement not only improves overall network throughput but also ensures data integrity and helps the network achieve optimal performance by managing traffic flow efficiently.
For installation, the DFE-530TX is designed for Plug and Play, simplifying the setup process. It features a 32-bit PCI Bus Master memory access, which ensures high throughput, and operates at a PCI clock speed of up to 33MHz, independent of the network clock. The adapter includes built-in FIFO buffers, which help reduce the overhead of memory transfers, further optimizing performance. Connectivity is handled via a standard RJ-45 connector, compatible with common network cabling.
Maintenance and troubleshooting are supported by three LED indicators on the adapter. The "LINK/ACT" indicator, when steadily green, confirms that the card is receiving power and has a good link with the connected device. It flashes when data is being sent or received, providing visual feedback on network activity. The "100M" indicator glows steady green when the adapter is operating at 100Mbps and is off when connected at 10Mbps, indicating the current speed. The "FULL" (duplex) indicator is on for full-duplex connections and off for half-duplex, showing the operational mode. These LEDs are crucial for quickly diagnosing network connectivity and operational status issues.
The device is designed to be jumperless, further simplifying installation and configuration. It comes with drivers for all leading Network Operating Systems, ensuring broad compatibility across various computing environments. The DFE-530TX is a reliable and efficient solution for upgrading or adding Fast Ethernet capabilities to PCI-based systems, incorporating advanced features like ACPI power management, Wake On LAN, and flow control to enhance network performance and energy efficiency.
| Interface | PCI |
|---|---|
| Standards | IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u |
| Data Transfer Rate | 10/100 Mbps |
| Connector | RJ-45 |
| Device Type | Network adapter |
| Form Factor | Plug-in card |
| Data Link Protocol | Ethernet, Fast Ethernet |
| Cable Type | 10Base-T, 100Base-TX |
| Full Duplex Support | Yes |
| LED Indicators | Link/Activity |
| Operating System Support | Windows, Linux |
| Ports | 1 x RJ45 |