PCI Token Ring Card: Software, Configuration & Compatibility

Hardware Compatibility

PCI-Based Power Macintosh Compatibility
The Apple PCI Token Ring Card will work with and is supported by:

Power Macintosh 7200/100 and 7200/120 computers
Power Macintosh 5400 Performa computers
Power Macintosh 7500, 7600, 8500, and 9500 series computers
Workgroup Server 7250
Workgroup Server 8550 series computers

IMPORTANT: Due to a bus timing issue on the logic board itself, neither the Power Macintosh 7200/75 nor the Power Macintosh 7200/90 support the Apple PCI Token Ring Card.


Incompatible With DOS Compatibility Card
At this time, the PCI Token Ring card is not compatible with the PCI DOS Compatibility card.


Software

Installing the Software
This section provides instructions for installing the software in a Macintosh computer. You can also use the Apple PCI Token Ring Card with other network systems, such as Netware and AIX. Be sure to see the documentation that comes with your computer for details about installing and setting up the card's driver software. To use your Apple PCI Token Ring Card with a Macintosh computer, that computer must have system software version 7.5.3 (or a later version) and at least 8 megabytes (MB) of random-access memory (RAM).

System 7.5.3 Installer
If your computer does not already have system software version 7.5.3 (or a later version) installed, you must install this version before using the PCI Token Ring Card. A CD-ROM containing version 7.5.3 is included with the card.

1. Quit any open applications or desk accessories.

2. Insert the CD-ROM disk in your Macintosh and double-click the disk's icon to open it.

3. All system software files are compressed. The Installer program will expand them during installation. Do not drag them to your hard disk.

4. Double-click the Install System Software folder to open it.

5. Double-click the Install System Software icon to open it.

6. When you see the Installer's welcome screen, click Continue.

7. The Easy Install dialog box appears. These instructions cover the Easy Install process, which is suitable for most Macintosh users. If you know exactly which components of system software you want to install, you can use the Custom Install option (by choosing Custom Install from the pop-up menu, then selecting the items you want to install).

8. Make sure the destination disk indicated on the screen is the one on which you want to install system software. If the wrong disk name appears, click the Switch Disk button until the correct disk name appears.

9. Click Install.

10. The Installer updates the software in the System Folder on your hard disk.

11. Follow the instructions on the screen. On-screen messages report the installation status. The installation procedure may take several minutes.

12. When installation is complete, restart your computer.

If for some reason the procedure was not successful, try the procedure again.

Token Ring Driver Installer
To install the card's Token Ring driver software on your Macintosh computer, you need to use the Installer program on the Network Driver Installer disk, included with your card. For safety, make sure the Installer disk is locked before you use it. To lock a disk, slide the tab on the back side so that the square hole is open. Keep the installer disk after installation in case you need to reinstall Token Ring software some time in the future. To install the driver software:

1. Insert the Network Driver Installer disk in your Macintosh and double-click the disk's icon to open it.

2. Open the Installer program, review the welcome screen, and click Continue.

3. The Easy Install dialog box appears.

4. Make sure that the disk indicated on the Installer's dialog box is your current startup disk, and click Install.

5. If you see a message indicating that the software cannot be installed while other programs are running, click Continue.

6. When you see a message reporting that the installation was successful, click Restart.

7. Before you can use services on a Token Ring network, you need to select the Token Ring network connection for your startup disk. Move ahead to the Configuration section of for more information.

Configuration

Configuring the System for Token Ring In this section, we will cover the steps necessary to configure your Macintosh computer's network connections for use with your newly installed PCI Token Ring Card, System 7.5.3, and the Token Ring software.

AppleTalk Setup
A Macintosh computer's network connection is preset for LocalTalk connected to the printer port. To connect to a Token Ring network using AppleTalk, you need to change the settings in the AppleTalk control panel. Follow these steps:

1. Choose Control Panels from the Apple menu.

2. Double-click the AppleTalk control panel to open it.

3. Choose Token Ring from the popup menu.

4. If you have more than one card, choose the one you want to use for an AppleTalk connection. If you see a message that an error occurred, click OK and make sure that your computer is connected to the Token Ring network.

5. Click Save to save the changes you made in the AppleTalk connection.

6. If you see a pop-up menu that lists zones, select the zone you want, then click OK.

7. If your network has been set up to allow you to choose a zone but you have not yet done so, the menu lists choices, with your designated zone selected. The zone you select determines the default location for any network services provided by your computer and listed in the Chooser (such as file sharing). Before you select a zone different from the one already highlighted, consult your network administrator.

8. Close the AppleTalk control panel.

9. Check that the LED light on the card, above the Token Ring port, is working properly.

You are now ready to use AppleTalk services available on your Token Ring network.

TCP/IP Setup
To connect to a Token Ring network using TCP/IP, you need to change the setting in the TCP/IP control panel. Follow these steps:

1. Choose Control Panels from the Apple menu.

2. Double-click the TCP/IP control panel to open it.

3. Choose Token Ring from the popup menu.

4. If you have more than one card, choose the one you want to use with TCP/IP. If you see a message that an error occurred, click OK and make sure that your computer is connected to the Token Ring network.

5. Configure the remaining options in the control panel and check with the network administrator if there are any questions.

6. Click Save to save the changes you made in the TCP/IP connection.

7. Close the TCP/IP control panel.

8. Check that the LED light on the card, above the Token Ring port, is working properly.

You are now ready to use TCP/IP services, such as MacIP, on your Token Ring network.

PCI Token Ring Card Cannot Be The First Station On The Network Ring

The first time you use the Token Ring card it must be connected to a network that is already running. The card won't be able to determine the speed to use if it is the first station on the ring. This potential problem is limited to the card's first use.

Apple recommends that the PCI Token Ring Card not be installed as the first station on the network ring. Instead, Apple recommends that the card first be connected to a network which is already running, so the card can determine which speed to use.


Compatible With Softwindows 2.0
According to Insignia Solutions, makers of Softwindows, the Apple PCI Token Ring card is compatible with Softwindows 2.0.


NOTE: This article provides information about a non-Apple product, Softwindows. Apple Computer, Inc. is not responsible for its content. Please contact the vendor, Insignia Solutions, for additional information.

The Tech Info Library article titled "Locating Vendor Information" can help you search for a particular vendor's address and phone number.