D-Link DFE-520TX 32-bit PCI Network Adapter
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the D-Link DFE-520TX, the value leader among Fast Ethernet adapters for PCI Bus personal computers. This introduction gives a general description of the newer networking technologies found on the DFE-520TX. The DFE-520TX provides IEEE 802.3x Flow Control Enhancements, which are needed for a network adapter to function with a switch. In full-duplex mode, the MAC implements the PAUSE control function. This means that when a switch is connected in full-duplex mode, and it senses that its buffer will overflow shortly, the switch will transmit one standard Ethernet packet that causes the DFE-520TX to pause for a period, thus avoiding internal buffer overflow and packet loss.
System Requirements
Before installing the DFE-520TX, check your system for the following minimum configuration
requirements.
- One of the following slot types:
- An open PCI bus master slot, 32-bit, operating at 33MHz.
- 32 MB of System Memory
- 150 MHz processor, or faster
- The latest BIOS for your computer
- One of the following types of twisted-pair network cabling:
- Category 5 or better for 100Mbps
- Category 3, 5, or better for 10Mbps
Features
Designed for versatility and performance, the DFE-520TX Network Adapter provides the following:
- Operability in 32-bit, 33 MHz slot servers and workstations
- Universal Bus supports 3.3V
- Compliance with IEEE 802.3u Fast Ethernet standards and IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standards.
- Plug-and-Play installation
- Supports half and full duplex at 10Mbps, half and full duplex at 100Mbps.
- Supports for full-duplex double network throughput
- Supports 802.3x flow control
- Supports ACPI 2.0
- One built-in RJ-45 connector
- Auto-negotiation to the highest available speed
- One LED indicator Link/Activity
- Driver† support for:
- Microsoft Windows Vista x86
- Red Hat Linux 9.0 (kernel 2.4)
- Microsoft Windows Vista x64
- Fedora Core 5 (kernel 2.6)
- Microsoft Windows XP / XP x64
- Macintosh OSX (10.2.x)
- Microsoft Windows Server 2003
- Netware Server 5.0, 5.1, 6.0 ~ 6.5
- Microsoft Windows 2000
- Netware Client 32 for DOS/Windows 3.1x
- Windows 95/95 OSR2/98/98SE/ME
- ODI Driver for DOS
- Windows NT 3.51/NT 4.0
- NDIS2 Driver for DOS
- Windows for WorkGroup 3.11
- Packet Driver for DOS
Installation
Unpack and Inspect
Open the shipping carton and carefully remove all items. Ensure that the following items are
included:
- One DFE-520TX PCI Fast Ethernet Adapter Card
- DFE-520TX Drivers and Manual on CD-ROM
If any of these items are missing or damaged, please contact your local reseller for replacement.
Software Installation
You must install the driver software for your DFE-520TX before installing the PCI card into your PC. Insert the CD into your PC’s CD-ROM drive. It should begin running the driver installation program if you have auto-execute enabled. When the screen shown below appears, click the Install Driver link.

The CD-ROM included with your DFE-520TX is designed to make the installation of the necessary software a painless and trouble-free process. Simply click on the Install Drivers link, and an Installation Wizard will guide you through the process, no matter which operating system you’re running. The included Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is needed to read or print out your user manual, will also come in handy for many other applications. Simply follow the directions in the Wizard, and your DFE-520TX will be installed successfully in just a few minutes, allowing you to enjoy the many advantages of joining an Ethernet LAN.
Installing the Adapter
- Shut down the computer, unplug its power cord, and remove the chassis cover.
- Insert the contact edge of the DFE-520TX card into the connector of any available PCI Bus Master expansion slot.
- Consult the computer manufacturer before opening the case to ensure that you adhere to warranty guidelines.
- Install the bracket screw that secures the card to the computer chassis.
- Replace the computer’s chassis cover.
- Reconnect the computer’s power cord, and switch the computer power on.
Connecting the Network Cable
Category 5 UTP cable qualifies for both 100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet and 10BASE-T Ethernet cabling rules. The maximum length of any single cable segment is 100 meters. Please keep in mind, however, that the maximum cable run between any two stations in a collision domain is 205m.
Troubleshooting
If you experience any problems with the adapter, check to see:
- that the appropriate driver is loaded;
- that the proper grade of cable is employed for the network connection;
- that the supporting hub is properly qualified for the application.\
The DFE-520TX Adapter features one LED indicator - Link/Activity – Steady green indicates good linkage between the DFE-520TX and its supporting server or switch. Flashing green indicates activity (transmitting or receiving) within the adapter.
Specifications
EMC And Safety Certifications
- FCC Class B
- CE Class B
- C-Tick
- Host interface: 32-bit PCI Bus (Bus Master)
- I/O base address assigned by the Plug and Play system.
- Interrupt Number Assigned by the Plug and Play system.
- Physical Dimensions: 4.73 inches(L) x 1.65 inches (W) [121mm(L) x 42mm(W)
Environment
- Storage: −25° to 55°C (-13° to 131° F)
- Operating: 0° to 40° C (32° to 104° F)
- Humidity: 5% to 90% non-condensing
- Power Consumption: 0.4W
Warranty
Limited Warranty: D-Link warrants that the hardware portion of the D-Link product described below (“Hardware”) will be free from material defects in workmanship and materials under normal use from the date of original retail purchase of the product, for the period set forth below (“Warranty Period”), except as otherwise stated herein.
- Hardware (excluding power supplies and fans): One (1) year
- Power supplies and fans: One (1) year
- Spare parts and spare kits: Ninety (90) days
The replacement hardware need not be new or have an identical make, model, or part. D-Link may, at its option, replace the defective hardware or any part thereof with any reconditioned product that D-Link reasonably determines is substantially equivalent (or superior)in all material respects to the defective Hardware.
FCC Interference Statement
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used according to the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- This device may not cause harmful interference, and
- This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC Caution: Any D-Link battery motion sensor changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
Customer Support
- Website: https://www.dlink.com/
- Ph: UAE: +971-4-8809033, Pakistan: +9221-34548310
FAQs
Q: What is the D-Link DFE-520TX 32-bit PCI Network Adapter used for?
A high-performance PCI Ethernet adapter called the D-Link DFE-520TX is made to link desktop PCs to wired local area networks (LANs). It supports 10/100 Mbps data transfer speeds and is excellent for home, office, and small business networks.
Q: How can I configure network settings for the DFE-520TX?
After installation, visit: Modify the adapter settings by going to Control Panel → Network and Sharing Centre.
To adjust your DNS servers, TCP/IP settings, or other network preferences, right-click on the DFE-520TX adapter, choose Properties, and make the necessary changes.
Q: Where can I download the latest driver for the DFE-520TX adapter?
The D-Link Support website offers the most recent drivers and installation tools for direct download. To ensure compatibility, choose the appropriate operating system version.
Q: How do I uninstall the D-Link DFE-520TX driver?
Locate Device Manager → Network Adapters → D-Link DFE-520TX, then select Uninstall device with a right-click. To finish the process, restart your computer after removing the card from your system.
Q: How can I check the link speed of my DFE-520TX adapter?
By accessing Network Connections, right-clicking on your active DFE-520TX connection, and choosing Status, you can check the link speed. The connection speed will show up as either 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps, based on the capabilities of your switch and network.




Introduction