TOPIC This article describes known iMac, PowerBook G3 Series (Bronze Keyboard), and Power Macintosh G3 (Blue and White) networking issues and provides workarounds to these issues. DISCUSSION Connecting To A 10/100Base-T Network When you connect your computer to an Ethernet network, the computer automatically senses whether it is connected to a 10Base-T network or to a 100Base-T network. Some (possibly all) ports on some network hubs/switches support both speeds. If you are using this type of hub/switch, there may be a delay in establishing a network link. The delay may last for several seconds after you start or restart the computer and a message may appear stating the network is not available or just become available. In order to prevent delays, connect your computer to an Ethernet network port that is not auto-sensing (10 or 100 megabits per second (Mbps) only). For more information, contact the manufacturer of the Ethernet hub/switch or your network administrator. Performance Issues Using Ethernet If your comptuer experiences performance issues on your Ethernet network, check with your network administrator. Your computer performs best when the Ethernet port is set to auto-negotiation. Important: The duplex mode of an Ethernet link to a switch is not detected if the switch's port is not auto-negotiating. If the switch's port is not auto-negotiating, your computer detects the appropriate speed but defaults to half-duplex. If the switch's port at the other end of the link is configured for full-duplex, a large number of late events can occur on the link. Set the switch's port to auto-negotiation where possible. If this is not possible, then set the switch's port to half-duplex. For more information, see the documentation that came with the Ethernet switch. NetBoot Issues If your iMac, PowerBook G3 Series (Bronze keyboard), or Power Macintosh G3 (Blue and White) is having difficulty starting up from a NetBoot server, check that the Ethernet switch port it is connected to is set to auto-negotiation or locked to half-duplex. Because of the way NetBoot works, your computer will not startup from a NetBoot server if the switch's port is locked to full-duplex. If your computer is still having trouble starting up from a NetBoot boot server on a regular basis, try plugging your computer into a Ethernet hub , then plug the hub into the switch. Starting up from a NetBoot server may also fail on some switches due to how NetBoot and Ethernet switches function. Apple is aware of this and is investigating a solution. As a workaround, placing a 10/100 Mbit repeater (hub) between the computer and switch. |
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| Document Information | |
| Product Area: | iMac |
| Category: | iMac Software |
| Sub Category: | Communications; Troubleshooting |
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