This section discusses the objectives, intended audience, and organization of this Cisco ATM PCI Network Adapter User Guide for Windows NT, and defines the conventions used to convey instructions and noteworthy information.
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This publication, the Cisco ATM PCI Network Adapter User Guide for Windows NT contains the introductory, installation, and configuration information necessary for a Cisco Asynchronous Transfer Mode PCI Adapter running on Windows NT workstations. Use this Guide to learn about the following topics:
- ATM concepts
- Installing the Cisco ATM PCI adapter card and software
- Testing your installation
- Running the Cisco ATM adapter in LAN emulation and IP over ATM modes.
Much of this Guide is intended for network administrators responsible for maintaining the Cisco ATM PCI Adapter. Users installing the adapter on a Windows NT machine and administering the ATM PCI network should read this entire Guide.
This Guide assumes you are familiar with Windows NT and with the network to which your computers are connected. Prior to installing the adapter, you should have basic knowledge of your host and target operating systems, and working knowledge of ATM networking.
This Guide contains the following information:
- Chapter 1, "Introduction to ATM Concepts," provides an overview of ATM networking, lists adapter features, and describes bus, client, server and networking components required by ATM. Software interface requirements are also described.
- Chapter 2, "Installing the Cisco ATM PCI Adapter Card," contains detailed instructions for installing the Cisco ATM PCI Adapter hardware. Included are descriptions of the hardware components, unpacking information, and safety guidelines.
- Chapter 3, "Installing the Adapter Software," contains instructions for installing the Cisco ATM PCI Adapter software. Windows NT software components and memory requirements are included. Step by step instructions for using the setup dialogs, mapping display drivers, initializing and configuring a virtual LAN, and configuring your network for ATM are provided.
- Chapter 4, "Virtual LAN Considerations," provides conceptual information that is useful as you plan your ATM network. Protocols that you can configure and connect to using ATM are described. LAN Emulation and IP over ATM protocols, as well as options and customizations for each are described.
- Chapter 5, "Using Cisco ATM Administrator to Customize Your ATM System," explains how to run the Cisco ATM Administrator GUI diagnostics to verify that the Cisco ATM PCI Adapter and drivers are functioning properly. Configuring virtual LAN parameters using the GUI, displaying basic adapter statistical information, running loopback and packet tests, connecting to an ARP server, and setting physical transmission modes of the adapter are described.
- Chapter 6, "Understanding VLAN Configuration File Syntax," provides syntactical information related to the configuration files needed to initialize the adapter. Configuration file information is provided in text form for debugging purposes. File syntax for both LAN Emulation and IP over ATM protocols is provided, as well as information for ILMI and ATM address configuration.
- Appendix A, "Technical Specifications," describes the physical characteristics of the Cisco ATM PCI Adapter.
- Appendix B, "Troubleshooting," provides helpful hints when isolating problems, verifying signaling, and reading LED status indicators, as well as information on accessing online support and obtaining technical assistance.
This Guide uses the following conventions:
- Publication names and items to be emphasized are shown in italic font.
- Numbered steps denote tasks you perform in the order shown.
- Bullet lists denote features or options you can choose.
Command descriptions use these conventions:
- Examples that contain system prompts denote interactive sessions, indicating the command that you should enter at the prompt. Prompt and command are separated by right angle bracket (>).
- Commands and keywords are in boldface font.
- Arguments for which you supply values are in italic font.
- Elements in square brackets ([ ]) are optional.
- Alternative but required keywords are grouped in braces ({ }) and separated by vertical bars (|).
- Directory and file names are shown in
screen font.
- A backslash (\) before a directory name indicates it is a subdirectory.
Examples use these conventions:
- Terminal sessions and system displays are in
screen font.
- Information you enter is in
boldface screen font.
- Nonprinting characters, such as passwords, are in angle brackets(< >).
- Default responses to system prompts are in square brackets ([ ]).
- Pound sign (#) at the beginning of a line indicates a comment line.
Cautions, notes, timesavers and warnings use these conventions and symbols:
 | Caution Means reader be careful. In this situation, you might do something that could result in equipment damage or loss of data. |
Note Means
reader take note. Notes contain helpful suggestions or references to materials not contained in this manual.
 | Time Saver Means the described action saves time. You can save time by performing the action described in the paragraph. |
 | Warning Means danger. You are in a situation that could cause bodily injury. Before you work on any equipment, be aware of the hazards involved with electrical circuitry and standard practices for preventing accidents. |
