Attach the Network Cable

Network Adapter with RJ-45 Copper Connections

Insert the twisted pair, RJ-45 network cable as shown.


Single-port models


Dual-port models

Type of cabling to use:
  • For 1000BaseT (gigabit over copper), use Category 5 or better (must be 4-pair wiring). Make sure you use Category 5 cable that complies with the TIA-568 wiring specification. For more information on this specification, see the Telecommunications Industry Association's web site: www.tiaonline.org.

  • For 100BaseTX, use Category 5 wiring or better. 

  • For 10BaseT, use Category 3 wiring or better. 

Caution: If using less than 4-pair cabling, you must manually configure the speed and duplex setting of the adapter  and the link partner. In addition, with 2- and 3-pair cabling the adapter can only achieve speeds of up to 100Mbps.
  • If you want to use this adapter in a residential environment (at any speed), use Category 5 or better wiring. If the cable runs between rooms or through walls and/or ceilings, it should be plenum-rated for fire safety.

In all cases:

  • Length is limited to 100 meters. 

  • The adapter must be connected to a compatible link partner, preferably set to auto-negotiate speed and duplex.

  • Intel PRO/1000 Adapters using copper connections automatically accommodate either MDI or MDI-X connections. The auto-MDI-X feature of Intel PRO/1000 copper adapters allows you to directly connect two adapters without using a cross-over cable. 

Proceed to driver installation.

Network Adapter with Fiber SC Connections

Remove and save the fiber optic connector cover. Insert a fiber optic cable into the ports on the network adapter bracket as shown. 


Single-port models

All Intel fiber-based adapters with SC connectors utilize an 850 nanometer laser wavelength (1000Base-SX).

Cable type to use:

  • Multi-mode fiber with 50 micron core diameter; maximum length is 550 meters.

  • Multi-mode fiber with 62.5 micron core diameter; maximum length is 275 meters.

  • SC fiber optic connector.

Most connectors and ports are keyed for proper orientation. If the cable you are using is not keyed, check to be sure the connector is oriented properly (transmit port connected to receive port on the link partner, and vice versa).

The adapter must be connected to a compatible link partner, such as an IEEE 802.3z-compliant gigabit switch, which is operating at the same laser wavelength as the adapter.

CAUTION: The fiber optic ports contain a Class 1 laser device. When the ports are disconnected, always cover them with the provided plug. If an abnormal fault occurs, skin or eye damage may result if in close proximity to the exposed ports.

Network Adapter with Fiber LC Connections

Remove and save the fiber optic connector cover. Insert a fiber optic cable into the ports on the network adapter bracket as shown. 


Single-port models


Dual-port models

Most Intel fiber-based adapters with LC connectors utilize an 850 nanometer laser wavelength (1000Base-SX). Adapters with an "LX" marking on the bracket utilize a 1310 nanometer laser wavelength (1000Base-LX). 

Cable type to use:

  • Multi-mode fiber with 62.5 micron core diameter. 
    Using SX adapters, the maximum length is 275 meters; 
    Using LX adapters, the maximum length is 550 meters.

  • Multi-mode fiber with 50 micron core diameter. Maximum length is 550 meters.

  • For LX adapters, use single-mode fiber with 9.0 micron core diameter. Maximum length is 10 kilometers. 
    (NOTE: Although LX adapters are designed for use with long-haul single-mode fiber, they can also be used with short-haul multi-mode fiber, as long as they are connected to compatible LX ports.)

  • LC fiber optic connector(s).

Most connectors and ports are keyed for proper orientation. If the cable you are using is not keyed, check to be sure the connector is oriented properly (transmit port connected to receive port on the link partner, and vice versa).

The adapter must be connected to a compatible link partner, such as an IEEE 802.3z-compliant gigabit switch, which is operating at the same laser wavelength as the adapter. 

CAUTION: The fiber optic ports contain a Class 1 laser device. When the ports are disconnected, always cover them with the provided plug. If an abnormal fault occurs, skin or eye damage may result if in close proximity to the exposed ports.

Proceed to driver installation.

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