Overview
The 3Com 3C905B-TXNM (FAB 02-0172-009 Rev A) is a 10/100BASE-TX Fast Etherlink XL PCI network interface card (NIC) engineered for legacy computer systems requiring fast Ethernet connectivity. This 32-bit PCI card delivers dual-speed operation at 10 and 100 Mbps over standard unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cabling via an RJ45 connector.
Key Features
- 10/100 Mbps speed with 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX media type
- PCI 32-bit, 1-port 10/100 Ethernet card with RJ45 connector
- Does not support Remote Wake-Up
- Integrated Cyclone ASIC for cost-effective performance
- Suitable for retrofit or system expansion in vintage and legacy infrastructure
Technical Specifications
- Network Speed: 10/100 Mbps
- Media Type: 10BASE-T / 100BASE-TX
- Connector: RJ45
- Interface: PCI (32-bit)
- Ports: 1
- Part Number: 3C905B-TXNM
- Alternate Part: FAB 02-0172-009 Rev A
- Wake-On-LAN: Not supported
- Board PCB: FR-4, M194V0 material
- Weight: 105 grams
- Manufacturer: 3Com Corporation
Typical Applications
The 3C905B-TXNM is a PCI 32-bit Ethernet card commonly deployed in:
- Legacy desktop and server system upgrades requiring fast Ethernet
- Vintage computer restoration and vintage computing labs
- Industrial retro-fit installations where 100 Mbps Ethernet is sufficient
- Network adapter replacement in original equipment manufacturer (OEM) configurations
- Laboratory or archival systems requiring proven, stable Ethernet connectivity
Compatibility & Replacements
Compatible With
- PCI slot systems (standard 32-bit and 64-bit PCI buses backward compatible)
- DOS, Windows 95/98/ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP operating systems
- 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX Ethernet networks
- Standard Ethernet hubs, switches, and routers (RJ45 connectivity)
- TCP/IP and NetBEUI protocol stacks
Replaces / Drop-In Replacement For
- 3Com 3C905B-TX (generic version)
- FAB 02-0172-002 Rev A and earlier board revisions
- FAB 03-0172-000 / 03-0172-100 variant part numbers
- Other OEM-specific Fast Etherlink models requiring 10/100 Mbps single-port NICs
Works With
- 10BASE-T cabling (Cat3 or better)
- 100BASE-TX cabling (Cat5 or better)
- Standard RJ45 patch cables
- Legacy network device drivers available from 3Com archives and open-source repositories
- Manufacturer drivers support Intel 3Com ASIC platform
