Using Broadcom Advanced Control Suite 2:
Broadcom NetXtreme® 57XX User Guide
Broadcom Advanced Control Suite 2 Overview
Installing the Broadcom Advanced Control Suite 2 Software
Updating Broadcom Advanced Control Suite 2
Removing Broadcom Advanced Control Suite 2
Starting Broadcom Advanced Control Suite 2
Using Broadcom Advanced Control Suite 2
Broadcom Advanced Control Suite 2 Overview
Broadcom Advanced Control Suite 2 (BACS2) is an integrated utility that provides useful information about each Broadcom NetXtreme Gigabit Ethernet adapter that is installed in your system. BACS2 also enables you to perform detailed tests, diagnostics, and analyses on each adapter, as well as to view and modify its property values and view traffic statistics. BACS2 contains three panes:
- In the Information/Task pane, users can view available information and perform certain tests, diagnostics, and analyses on a selected adapter by clicking a specific tab.
- To the left of the Information/Task pane is the Device Name pane, which shows the names of the individual network adapters and the individual members of teams that have been created.
- A third pane contains the Menu bar.
Broadcom Advanced Server Program (BASP), which runs within Broadcom Advanced Control Suite 2, is used to configure virtual local area networks (VLANs).
Types of Information Provided by Broadcom Advanced Control Suite 2
Broadcom Advanced Control Suite 2 lists all of the network adapters in your system, and provides the following information (if available) about each adapter:
Vital Sign. At-a-glance information on all of the LAN adapters in your system.
Resources. Shows the resource settings for the selected adapter.
Hardware. Shows the hardware information for the selected adapter.
Advanced. Shows the available properties and their values for the selected adapter.
Statistics. Provides detailed performance statistics for the selected adapter.
BASP Statistics. Provides detailed performance statistics for the selected team (this BASP Statistics tab is displayed only when you click the name of an adapter that is part of a team).
Testing, Diagnostics, Analyses, and Teaming Functions
The following testing, diagnostics, analyses, and teaming functions are provided:
Network Test. Confirms network connectivity to a remote station.
Diagnostics Performs comprehensive diagnostics on Broadcom network adapters.
Cable Analysis. Determines if your network cable is too long for optimum network performance.
Creating a VLAN. Allows you to create a team for the purpose of creating virtual LANs (VLANs).
Installing the Broadcom Advanced Control Suite 2 Software
The Broadcom Advanced Control Suite 2 (BACS2) software and related management applications can be installed from the installation CD. Both a graphical interactive installation mode (see Using the InstallShield Installer) and a command-line silent mode for unattended installation (see Using Silent Installation) are available.
Notes:
- Do not install the BACS2 software until after you have installed the Broadcom NetXtreme Gigabit Ethernet adapter(s).
- To prevent an error from occurring, type change user /install from the command prompt before installing the BACS2 software on a system running Windows 2000 with Terminal Services.
- Before you begin the installation, close all applications, windows, or dialog boxes.
Using the InstallShield Installer
- Insert the installation CD into the CD-ROM drive.
- Open the folder on the installation CD that contains the BACS Setup.exe file.
- Double-click Setup.exe.
- Click Next in Broadcom Management Programs - InstallShield Wizard.
- After you read the license agreement, click I accept the terms in the license agreement, and then click Next to continue.
- Click the icon opposite each program, click the installation option you prefer, and then click Next to continue.
Control Suite. Installs Broadcom Advanced Control Suite 2.
BASP. Installs Broadcom Advanced Server Program.
SNMP. Installs the SNMP subagent.
Note: Microsoft SNMP Service must be running for the SNMP subagent to function properly.
- Click Install.
- At the end of the installation process, click OK, and then click Finish to close the wizard.
Using Silent Installation
To perform a silent installation, see Silent.txt on the installation CD in the BACS directory for your operating system.
Updating Broadcom Advanced Control Suite 2
Note: Before you begin the update, close all applications, windows, or dialog boxes.
Follow the instructions for Installing the Broadcom Advanced Control Suite 2 Software.
Removing Broadcom Advanced Control Suite 2
Starting Broadcom Advanced Control Suite 2
In Control Panel, click Broadcom Control Suite 2.
Using Broadcom Advanced Control Suite 2
Start BACS2. Click the tab that provides the information of interest or from which you can perform a desired test, diagnostic, analysis, or set adapter properties. To create a team, from the Tools menu, click Create a Team, which starts Broadcom Advanced Server Program (BASP).
Vital Sign
The Vital Sign tab shows useful information about the Broadcom NetXtreme Gigabit Ethernet adapter and other network adapters that are installed in your system. Such information includes the link status of the adapter and network connectivity. To view this information for any installed network adapter, click the name of the adapter listed in the Name pane.
Note: Information about network adapters made by others is less comprehensive than the information provided for Broadcom network adapters.
MAC Address. This is a physical MAC (media access control) address that is assigned to the adapter by the manufacturer. The physical address is never all 0s.
IP Address: The network address that is associated with the adapter. If the IP address is all 0s, this means that the associated driver has not been bound with Internet Protocol (IP).
Driver Status. The status of the driver that is associated with the selected adapter.
Loaded. Normal operating mode. The driver that is associated with the adapter has been loaded by Windows and is functioning.
Not Loaded. The driver that is associated with the adapter has not been loaded by Windows.
Information Not Available. The value is not obtainable from the driver that is associated with the adapter.
Driver Name/Version/Date. The file name, version, and creation date of the software driver that is associated with the adapter.
BASP State. Information about the status of the BASP application. This information is displayed only when there is a team.
Network Status: The following network status information is provided:
Link Status. The indicator is green if a link is established. A red indicator means that a link is not established.
Speed. The link speed of the adapter.
Duplex. The duplex mode in which the adapter is operating.
Resources
Bus Type. The type of input/output (I/O) interconnect used by the adapter.
Slot No. The PCI slot number on the system board occupied by the adapter. This item is not available for PCI Express™ type adapters.
Bus Speed (MHz). The bus clock signal frequency used by the adapter. This item is not available for PCI Express type adapters.
Bus Width (bit). The number of bits that the bus can transfer at a single time to and from the adapter. This item is not available for PCI Express type adapters.
Bus No. Indicates the number of the bus in which the adapter is installed.
Device No. The number assigned to the adapter by the operating system.
Function No. The port number of the adapter. For a single-port adapter, the function number is 0. For a two-port adapter, the function number for the first port is 0, and the function number for the second port is 1.
Interrupt Request. The interrupt line number that is associated with the adapter. Valid numbers range from 2 to 25.
Memory Address. The memory mapped address that is assigned to the adapter. This value can never be 0.
Hardware
ASIC Version. The chip version of the Broadcom adapter (this information is not available for adapters made by others).
Firmware Version. The firmware version of the Broadcom adapter (this information is not available for adapters made by others).
Vendor ID. The vendor ID.
Device ID. The device ID.
Subsystem Vendor ID. The subsystem vendor ID.
Subsystem ID. The subsystem ID.
Advanced
The Advanced tab allows you to view and change the values of the available properties of the selected adapter. The potentially available properties and their respective settings are described below. To view the value of a property, click the name of the property in the Property list. The property value is displayed in the Value box. To change the value, click an item in the Value list or type a new value, as appropriate (selection options are different for different properties).
Notes:
802.1p QOS
The 802.1p QOS property enables quality of service, which is an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (IEEE) specification that treats different types of network traffic differently to ensure required levels or reliability and latency according to the type of traffic. This property is disabled by default. Unless the network infrastructure supports QoS, do not enable QoS. Otherwise, problems may occur.
Checksum Offload
Normally, the checksum function is computed by the protocol stack. When you select one of the Checksum Offload property values (other than None), the checksum can be computed by the network adapter.
Rx TCP/IP Checksum. Enables receive TCP/IP/UDP checksum offload.
Tx TCP/IP Checksum. Enables transmit TCP/IP/UDP checksum offload.
TX/Rx TCP/IP Checksum (default). Enables transmit and receive TCP/IP/UDP checksum offload.
None. Disables checksum offload.
Ethernet@Wirespeed™
The Ethernet@Wirespeed property enables a Gigabit Ethernet adapter to establish a link at a lower speed when only 2 pairs of wires are available in the cabling plant. By default, this property is set to Enable. To disable Ethernet@Wirespeed, change the setting to Disable.
Disable. Disables Ethernet@Wirespeed.
Enable (default). Enables Ethernet@Wirespeed.
Flow Control
The Flow Control property enables or disables the receipt or transmission of PAUSE frames. PAUSE frames enable the network adapter and a switch to control the transmit rate. The side that is receiving the PAUSE frame momentarily stops transmitting.
Auto (default). PAUSE frame receipt and transmission are optimized.
Disable. PAUSE frame receipt and transmission are disabled.
Rx PAUSE. PAUSE frame receipt is enabled.
Rx/Tx PAUSE. PAUSE frame receipt and transmission are enabled.
Tx PAUSE. PAUSE frame transmission is enabled.
Large Send Offload
Normally the TCP segmentation is done by the protocol stack. When you enable the Large Send Offload property, the TCP segmentation can be done by the network adapter.
Disable. Disables Large Send Offload.
Enable (default). Enables Large Send Offload.
Locally Administered Address
The Locally Administered Address is a user-defined MAC address that is used in place of the MAC address originally assigned to the network adapter. Every adapter in the network must have its own unique MAC address. This locally administered address consists of a 12-digit hexadecimal number.
Value. Assigns a unique node address for the adapter.
Not Present (default). Uses the factory-assigned node address on the adapter.
The appropriate assigned ranges and exceptions for the locally administered address include the following:
Speed & Duplex
The Speed & Duplex property sets the connection speed and mode to that of the network. Note that Full-Duplex mode allows the adapter to transmit and receive network data simultaneously. This property is not available for fiber adapters.
10 Mb Full. Sets the speed at 10 Mbit/s and the mode to Full-Duplex.
10 Mb Half. Sets the speed at 10 Mbit/s and the mode to Half-Duplex.
100 Mb Full. Sets the speed at 100 Mbit/s and the mode to Full-Duplex.
100 Mb Half. Sets the speed at 100 Mbit/s and the mode to Half-Duplex.
Auto (default). Sets the speed and mode for optimum network connection (recommended).
Notes:
- Auto is the recommended setting. This setting allows the network adapter to dynamically detect the line speed of the network. Whenever the network capability changes, the network adapter automatically detects and adjusts to the new line speed and duplex mode. A speed of 1 Gbit/s is enabled by selecting Auto, when that speed is supported.
- 10 Mb Half and 100 Mb Half settings force the network adapter to connect to the network in Half-Duplex mode. Note that the network adapter may not function if the network is not configured to operate at the same mode.
- 10 Mb Full and 100 Mb Full settings force the network adapter to connect to the network in Full-Duplex mode. The network adapter may not function if the network is not configured to operate at the same mode.
Wake Up Capabilities
The Wake Up Capabilities property enables the network adapter to wake up from a low-power mode when it receives a network wake-up frame. Two types of wake-up frames are possible: Magic Packet™ and Wake Up Frame.
Both (default). Selects both Magic Packet and Wake Up Frame as wake-up frames.
Magic Packet. Selects Magic Packet as the wake-up frame.
None. Selects no wake-up frame.
Wake Up Frame. Selects Wake Up Frame as the wake-up frame and allows the network adapter to wake the system when an event such as a ping or an Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) request is received.
Wake on Link
When the Wake on Link property is enabled, connecting or disconnecting the network cable wakes up the operating system.
Disable (default). Disables Wake on Link.
Enable. Enables Wake on Link.
WOL Speed
The WOL Speed property sets the speed at which the network adapter connects to the network while the network adapter is in Wake on LAN mode. By default, the WOL Speed property is set to Auto.
10 Mb. Sets the speed to 10 Mbit/s. This is the network speed when the system is in a standby mode awaiting a wake-up frame.
100 Mb. Sets the speed to 100 Mbit/s.
Auto (default). Sets the speed for optimum network connection.
Network Test
From the Network Test tab, you can verify IP network connectivity. This test verifies if the driver is installed correctly and tests connectivity to a gateway or other specified IP address on the same subnet. Network Test uses TCP/IP. The network test sends ICMP packets to remote systems and waits for a response. If a gateway is configured, the test automatically sends packets to that system. If a gateway is not configured or if the gateway is unreachable, the test prompts you for a destination IP address.
Diagnostics
From the Diagnostics tab you can perform diagnostic tests on the physical components of a Broadcom NetXtreme Gigabit Ethernet adapter. The tests are continuously performed. The number of passes and fails in the Pass/Fail column increments each time the tests are performed. For example, if a test is performed four times and there are no fails, the value in the Pass/Fail column is 4/0. If there were 3 passes and 1 fail, however, the value in the Pass/Fail column is 3/1.
Notes:
- You must have administrator privileges to perform diagnostics.
- The network connection is temporarily lost when these tests are running
Control Registers. This test verifies the read and write capabilities of the network adapter registers by writing various values to the registers and verifying the results. The device driver uses these registers to perform network functions such as sending and receiving information. A test failure indicates that the adapter may not be working properly.
MII Registers. This test verifies the read and write capabilities of the registers of the physical layer (PHY). The physical layer is used to control the electrical signals on the wire and for configuring network speeds such as 1000 Mbit/s.
EEPROM. This test verifies the content of the electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) by reading a portion of the EEPROM and computing the checksum. The test fails if the computed checksum is different from the checksum stored in the EEPROM. An EEPROM image upgrade does not require a code change for this test.
Internal Memory. This test verifies that the internal memory of the adapter is functioning properly. The test writes patterned values to the memory and reads back the results. The test fails if an erroneous value is read back. The adapter cannot function if its internal memory is not functioning properly.
On-Chip CPU. This test verifies the operation of the internal CPUs in the adapter.
Interrupt. This test verifies that the Network Device Driver Interface Specification (NDIS) driver is able to receive interrupts from the adapter.
Loopback MAC and Loopback PHY. These tests verify that the NDIS driver is able to send packets to and receive packets from the adapter.
Test LED. This test causes all of the LEDs to blink 5 times for the purpose of identifying the adapter.
Cable Analysis
From the Cable Analysis tab, you can monitor the conditions of each wire pair in an Ethernet Category 5 cable connection within an Ethernet network. The analysis measures the cable quality and compares it against the IEEE 802.3ab specification for compliance.
To run a cable analysis
The test results are described below:
Good. Good cable/PCB signal paths, but no gigabit link.
Crossed. Pin short or crosstalk along two or more cable/PCB signal paths.
Open. One or both pins are open for a twisted pair.
Short.Two pins from the same twisted pair are shorted together.
Noise. Persistent noise present (most likely caused by Forced 10/100).
GB Link. Gigabit link is up and running.
Note: Valid cable lengths are returned for all test results except for Noise.
Statistics
On the Statistics tab, you can view traffic statistics for both Broadcom network adapters and network adapters made by others. Statistical information and coverage are more comprehensive for Broadcom adapters.
Note: Team statistics are not compiled for a Broadcom network adapter if it is disabled.
General Statistics
Frames Tx OK. A count of the frames that are successfully transmitted. This counter is incremented when the transmit status is reported as Transmit OK.
Frames Rx OK. A count of the frames that are successfully received. This does not include frames received with frame-too-long, frame check sequence (FCS), length, or alignment errors, or frames lost due to internal MAC sublayer errors. This counter is incremented when the receive status is reported as Receive OK.
Directed Frames Tx. A count of directed data frames that are successfully transmitted.
Multicast Frames Tx. A count of frames that are successfully transmitted (as indicated by the status value Transmit OK) to a group destination address other than a broadcast address.
Broadcast Frames Tx. A count of frames that were successfully transmitted (as indicated by the transmit status Transmit OK) to the broadcast address. Frames transmitted to multicast addresses are not broadcast frames and therefore, are excluded.
Directed Frames Rx. A count of directed data frames that are successfully received.
Multicast Frames Rx. A count of frames that are successfully received and are directed to an active nonbroadcast group address. This does not include frames received with frame-too-long, FCS, length, or alignment errors, or frames lost due to internal MAC sublayer errors. This counter is incremented as indicated by the Receive OK status.
Broadcast Frames Rx. A count of frames that are successfully received and are directed to a broadcast group address. This count does not include frames received with frame-too-long, FCS, length, or alignment errors, or frames lost due to internal MAC sublayer errors. This counter is incremented as indicated by the Receive OK status.
Frames Rx with CRC Error. The number of frames received with CRC errors.
IEEE 802.3 Statistics
Frames Rx with Alignment Error. A count of the frames that are not an integral number of octets in length and do not pass the FCS check. This counter is incremented when the receive status is reported as Alignment Error.
Frames Tx with one Collision. A count of the frames that are involved in a single collision and are subsequently transmitted successfully. This counter is incremented when the result of a transmission is reported as Transmit OK, and the attempt value is 2.
Frames Tx with more than one Collision. A count of the frames that are involved in more than one collision and are subsequently transmitted successfully. This counter is incremented when the transmit status is reported as Transmit OK, and the value of the attempts variable is greater than 2 and less than or equal to the attempt limit.
Frames Tx after Deferral. A count of the frames that were delayed being transmitted on the first attempt because the medium was busy. The frames involved in any collision are not counted.
Custom Statistics
Note: Custom statistics are available only for an enabled Broadcom network adapter.
Frames size less than 64-byte with bad FCS. The number of frames with a size less than 64 bytes with bad FCS.
MAC Rx w/ Pause Command and Length = 0. MAC control frames with the pause command and a length equal to 0.
MAC Rx w/ Pause Command and Length greater than 0. MAC control frames with the pause command and a length greater than 0.
MAC Rx w/ no Pause Command. MAC control frames with no pause command.
MAC Sent X-on. MAC Transmit with X-on was on.
MAC Sent X-off. MAC Transmit with X-on was off.
Large Send Offload Transmit Requests. The number of times the adapter was requested to transmit a packet performing TCP segmentation.
BASP Statistics
On the BASP Statistics tab you can view performance information about the network adapters that are on a team. To view this information for any team member adapter, click the name of the device. To view the BASP statistics for the team as a whole, click the name of the team.
Configuration
From the Configuration tab, you can set the available configuration options. The NIC Battery Saving Mode option is designed for mobile computing. When the computer is on battery power, link auto-negotiation is reversed, linking at the lowest speed possible, thereby prolonging the life of the battery.
Note: When the NIC Battery Saving Mode option is enabled, you will not be able to force a speed on the adapter.
Creating a VLAN
The teaming function allows you to create a virtual LAN (a group of adapters that function as a single adapter).
Note: You must have administrator privileges to create a VLAN.
This enables you to add multiple virtual adapters that are on different subnets. The benefit of this is that your system can have one network adapter that can belong to multiple subnets. With a VLAN, you can couple the functionality of load balancing for the load balance members, and you can employ a failover adapter.
You can define up to 64 VLANs per team (63 VLANs that are tagged and 1 VLAN that is not tagged). VLANs can only be created when all teams members are Broadcom adapters. If you try to create a VLAN with a non-Broadcom adapter, an error message is displayed.
Note: Disabled Broadcom adapters are not recognized, and they prevent the creation of a VLAN. If you attempt to create a VLAN with a disabled Broadcom adapter, an error message is displayed.
To create a VLAN
- Right-click the name of the adapter and then click Create a VLAN.
- Type the Team Name, VLAN ID and VLAN name, and then click OK.
Note: The Untagged VLAN check box is exclusively used by the VLAN ID field. To use VLAN ID 0, simply click this check box. If you type a VLAN name or ID and the name already exists, an Input Error message is displayed
- To add another VLAN, right-click the name of the adapter, and then click Configure Team.
- Click Add VLAN, and repeat step 2.
- When you are finished adding VLANs, click OK. A new virtual adapter is created for each VLAN.
- Click Apply.
- Click Yes when the message is displayed indicating that the network connection will be temporarily interrupted.
Note: To maintain optimum adapter performance, your computer should have 64 MB of system memory for each of the 8 VLANs created.
Team Types
Team types are not relevant when creating VLANs. See Creating a VLAN for information on creating VLANs.
Viewing VLAN Properties and Statistics and Running VLAN Tests
Removing a VLAN