This article provides information regarding the Broadcom NetXtreme Ethernet Controller Driver 15.0.0.21 specifically designed for use with Windows Server 2008 64-bit operating systems. It outlines the driver’s purpose, its intended audience, important considerations regarding its use, and alternative resources for obtaining the driver.
Understanding the Role of Ethernet Controller Drivers
An Ethernet controller, also known as a network interface card (NIC), is a crucial hardware component that enables a computer to connect to a network. This connection can be to a local area network (LAN) or, more broadly, to the internet. The Ethernet controller manages the physical layer communication, handling tasks like encoding and decoding data for transmission and reception over the network cable.
The Ethernet controller driver acts as the intermediary between the operating system and the Ethernet controller hardware. It’s a software program that allows the operating system to recognize and utilize the capabilities of the NIC. Without the correct driver, the operating system cannot communicate with the Ethernet controller, resulting in a loss of network connectivity. Therefore, installing the appropriate driver is essential for establishing and maintaining a functional network connection.
Broadcom’s Role and Driver Availability
Broadcom is a prominent supplier of Ethernet controllers to leading PC original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and add-in card manufacturers. These controllers are integrated into a wide range of computer systems and network devices. While Broadcom designs and manufactures these chips, they typically don’t provide direct support to end-users. Instead, they offer reference drivers as a courtesy, allowing users to potentially update or reinstall drivers for their Broadcom-based Ethernet controllers.
It’s important to understand that these reference drivers are provided "as is" and may not perfectly match the functionality of the drivers pre-installed on your system by the PC or board manufacturer. This is because OEMs often customize drivers to optimize performance or integrate them with specific system configurations.
Intended Audience and Important Considerations
This driver, Broadcom NetXtreme Ethernet Controller Driver 15.0.0.21 for Server 2008 64-bit, is specifically intended for users running Windows Server 2008 (64-bit) who have a Broadcom NetXtreme Ethernet controller in their system. This might include system administrators managing servers or IT professionals responsible for maintaining network infrastructure.
Before installing this driver, it’s crucial to consider the following:
- Potential Compatibility Issues: The reference drivers provided by Broadcom may not be fully compatible with all system configurations. It is recommended to back up your existing drivers and create a system restore point before installing this driver. This allows you to revert to the previous driver version if any issues arise.
- OEM Customization: As mentioned earlier, your PC or board manufacturer may have customized the original driver for optimal performance and stability. Using the reference driver might lead to unexpected behavior or performance degradation.
- Limited Support: Broadcom does not offer comprehensive direct support for end-users installing these reference drivers. If you encounter problems, your primary point of contact should be the PC or board manufacturer of your system or Ethernet card.
Supported Chipsets (Information Unavailable in Provided Text)
The provided text lacks a list of specific chipsets supported by the Broadcom NetXtreme Ethernet Controller Driver 15.0.0.21 for Server 2008 64-bit. Identifying the supported chipsets is crucial for ensuring compatibility. Users should consult the documentation provided with their Ethernet card or visit the manufacturer’s website to determine if this driver is appropriate for their specific hardware.
Important Note Regarding Unsupported Chipsets
The provided text specifically states that this driver does not support BCM5700, BCM5701, and BCM5702 devices. Attempting to use this driver with these chipsets will likely result in driver installation failures or malfunctioning network connectivity.
Workarounds for Other Operating Systems
The original document indicates that to use BCM5700, BCM5701, and BCM5702 devices under Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2, or Windows 7, users should utilize XP or Win2K3 drivers. This implies that these newer operating systems may not have native support for these older chipsets, and compatibility can only be achieved through the use of older driver versions. While this workaround might enable basic functionality, it is not guaranteed to provide optimal performance or utilize all available features.
Downloading the Driver
You can download the Broadcom NetXtreme Ethernet Controller Driver 15.0.0.21 for Server 2008 64-bit from the following link:
https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/15992/
Alternative Download Links:
While the TechSpot link provides a readily accessible source, it’s always prudent to have alternative options in case the primary link is unavailable or experiences issues. Here are five alternative download links for the Broadcom NetXtreme Ethernet Controller Driver 15.0.0.21 for Server 2008 64-bit:
- DriverGuide: (Please note that DriverGuide often requires registration or a paid subscription to access downloads.) Search for the driver using the exact name.
- Softpedia: (Check the version and compatibility carefully before downloading.) Search for the driver using the exact name.
- DriversCollection: (Use with caution, verify the file integrity after downloading.) Search for the driver using the exact name.
- DriverPack Solution: (DriverPack Solution is a driver updater tool; use with caution and create a restore point beforehand.) Search for the driver using the exact name.
- Station-Drivers: (A reliable source, but might require navigating a slightly complex website.) Search for the driver using the exact name.
Installation Process
The installation process for the Broadcom NetXtreme Ethernet Controller Driver 15.0.0.21 for Server 2008 64-bit typically involves the following steps:
- Download the Driver: Download the driver package from one of the provided links.
- Extract the Files: The driver package is usually compressed in a ZIP or similar archive format. Extract the contents of the archive to a folder on your hard drive.
- Open Device Manager: Access the Device Manager in Windows Server 2008. This can be done by right-clicking on "Computer" in the Start menu, selecting "Manage," and then choosing "Device Manager" from the Computer Management window.
- Locate the Ethernet Controller: In the Device Manager, find the entry for your Broadcom Ethernet controller. It might be listed under "Network adapters" with a generic name like "Ethernet Controller" or "Unknown device" if the driver is not installed.
- Update the Driver: Right-click on the Ethernet controller entry and select "Update Driver Software…"
- Browse for the Driver: Choose "Browse my computer for driver software."
- Specify the Driver Location: Browse to the folder where you extracted the driver files and select it. Make sure the "Include subfolders" option is checked.
- Install the Driver: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver installation process.
- Restart Your Computer: After the driver installation is complete, restart your computer to ensure that the changes take effect.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues during or after the installation of the Broadcom NetXtreme Ethernet Controller Driver 15.0.0.21 for Server 2008 64-bit, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
- Verify Compatibility: Double-check that the driver is compatible with your specific Broadcom Ethernet controller chipset and your Windows Server 2008 64-bit operating system.
- Check for Driver Conflicts: Ensure that there are no conflicting drivers installed on your system. You can try uninstalling other network drivers before installing the Broadcom driver.
- Roll Back the Driver: If the new driver is causing problems, you can roll back to the previous driver version using the Device Manager. Right-click on the Ethernet controller, select "Properties," go to the "Driver" tab, and click "Roll Back Driver."
- Contact Manufacturer Support: If you are still experiencing issues, contact the PC or board manufacturer of your system or Ethernet card for technical support.
Conclusion
The Broadcom NetXtreme Ethernet Controller Driver 15.0.0.21 for Server 2008 64-bit provides a potential solution for users seeking to update or reinstall drivers for their Broadcom-based Ethernet controllers. However, it’s crucial to understand the limitations of reference drivers and to carefully consider compatibility before proceeding with the installation. By following the guidelines and troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, users can increase their chances of successfully installing and utilizing this driver.