| General |
| Q1. |
Why is the NC373T called a "multifunction" network adapter? |
| A1. |
The NC373T is more than a standard Gigabit Ethernet NIC; it is a multifunction NIC because it supports TOE (TCP/IP Offload Engine) for Windows as well as Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI) over an Ethernet network. Multifunction NICs offer TCP/IP networking via TOE, and they can function as an HBA for storage networking via Accelerated iSCSI. |
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| Q2. |
Is the NC373T supported on all ProLiant servers? |
| A2. |
The NC373T is supported on most but not all ProLiant servers. The NC373T must be used in a PCI Express slot, and it ships with both standard and low profile brackets. Check the Quickspecs for each server to determine if the NC373T is a supported option on that platform.
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| Q3. |
Is the NC373T compatible with NC series network adapters already shipping? |
| A3. |
Yes, the NC373T has been tested and validated for compatibility with other server adapters on ProLiant servers. This means that you can team the NC373T for Network Fault Tolerance or Load Balancing with other NICs in our product portfolio.
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| Q4. |
Do I need new drivers for the NC373T? |
| A4. |
As with all new products, the latest drivers must be installed in order to use any new networking product. The correct driver is NCDE 8.50 and all subsequent drivers thereafter for the duration of the lifecycle of the NC373T. Drivers are available from the CD in each option kit, from hp.com, and will be in SmartStart 7.70 and succeeding versions of it after that.
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| Q5. |
Does the NC373T require special switches? |
| A5. |
No, the NC373T can be used with any switch that meets IEEE 802 Ethernet standards.
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| TCP/IP Offload (TOE) |
| Q1. |
What is TOE? |
| A1. |
TOE stands for TCP/IP Offload Engine. TOE moves the processing of data in the TCP protocol from the server CPU to the NIC, freeing CPU cycles for other work. TOE is currently supported for Windows.
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| Q2. |
How does TOE differ from other offload technologies? |
| A2. |
Offload technologies such as checksum offload, segmentation offload, and Large Send Offload (LSO) deal with specific elements in the driver suite. TOE offloads the TCP protocol stack in Windows environments.
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| Q3. |
Do I have to do anything special to enable TOE? |
| A3. |
The NC373T ships with support for TOE right out of the box; no special configuration is necessary. TOE support requires that "TOE Chimney" for Windows 2003 be installed.
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| Accelerated iSCSI |
| Q1. |
What is iSCSI? |
| A1. |
iSCSI (Internet Small Computer Serial Interface) is block storage access over TCP/IP. The NC373T supports accelerated iSCSI by combining the iSCSI driver with the adapter's TOE capability.
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| Q2. |
When would I want to use accelerated iSCSI? |
| A2. |
The NC373T supports the iSCSI protocol standard, which was ratified in early 2003. iSCSI enables NC373T to function as both a NIC and as a storage HBA, thereby giving you access to both storage boxes and servers over a single cable. This capability is valuable when you want to consolidate resources and simplify your infrastructure with a single I/O device.
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| Q3. |
Which operating systems support accelerated iSCSI? |
| A3. |
The NC373T supports accelerated iSCSI on Windows 2000, Windows 2003 32-bit and ES, and on Linux 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems.
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| Service and support |
| Q1. |
What is the warranty on the NC373T? |
| A1. |
The NC373T is supported with a Worldwide Limited one year warranty.
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| Q2. |
What Service offerings are recommended? |
| A2. |
A full range of hardware and software support offerings are available ranging from installation services to 7/24 on-site repair coverage. Care Pack offerings for ProLiant servers include coverage for associated NIC options. HP recommends 4 hour same day response and software technical support to maximize uptime, improve system performance, and increase the productivity of system managers/operators.
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