Troubleshooting Network Adapter Cards

Troubleshooting Network Adapter Cards

Network problems often result from malfunctioning network adapter cards. The process of troubleshooting the network adapter works like any other kind of troubleshooting process: start with the simple. The following list details some aspects you can check if you think your network adapter card might be malfunctioning:

Make sure the cable is properly connected to the card.
Confirm that you have the correct network adapter card driver and that the driver is installed properly (see Chapter 10, “Network Adapter Cards”). Be sure the card is properly bound to the appropriate transport protocol (see Chapter 5, “Transport Protocols”).
Make sure the network adapter card and the network adapter card driver are compatible with your operating system. If you use Windows NT, consult the Windows NT hardware compatibility list. If you use Windows 95 or another operating system, rely on the adapter card vendor specifications.
Test for resource conflicts. Make sure another device isn’t attempting to use the same resources (see Chapter 10). If you think a resource conflict might be the problem, but you can’t pinpoint the conflict using Windows NT Diagnostics, Windows 95’s Device Manager, or some other diagnostic program, try removing all the cards except the network adapter and then replacing the cards one by one. Check the network with each addition to determine which device is causing the conflict.
Run the network adapter card’s diagnostic software.
If necessary, remove the card and clean the connector fingers (don’t use an eraser because it leaves grit on the card).
Examine the jumper and DIP switch settings on the card. Make sure the resource settings are consistent with the settings configured through the operating system.
Make sure the card fits properly in the slot.
Replace the card with one that you know works. If the connection works with a different card, you know the card is the problem.

Token Ring network adapters with failure rates that exceed a preset tolerance level might actually remove themselves from the network. Try replacing the card. Some Token Ring networks also can experience problems if a 16 Mbps card is inserted into a 4 Mbps ring. (Other 16 Mbps cards can adjust to a 4 Mbps network.)

Broadcast storms (discussed later in this chapter) are often caused by faulty network adapters as well.