INTRODUCTION
The 82596CA is an intelligent, high-performance 32-bit Local Area Network coprocessor. The 82596CA implements the CSMA/CD access method and can be configured to support all existing IEEE 802.3 standards -TYPEs 10BASE-T, 10BASE5, 10BASE2, 1BASE5, and 10BROAD36. It can also be used to implement the proposed standard TYPE 10BASE-F.

Performs Complete CSMA/CD Medium Access Control (MAC) Functions-Independently of CPU
  IEEE 802.3 (EOC) Frame Delimiting
Supports Industry Standard LANs
  IEEE TYPE 10BASE-T,
    IEEE TYPE 10BASE5 (Ethernet*),
    IEEE TYPE 10BASE2 (Cheapernet),
    IEEE TYPE 1BASE5 (StarLAN),
    and the Proposed Standard
    10BASE-F
 Proprietary CSMA/CD Networks Up to 20 Mb/s
On-Chip Memory Management
  Automatic Buffer Chaining
  Buffer Reclamation after Receipt of Bad Frames; Optional Save Bad Frames
  32-Bit Segmented or Linear (Flat) Memory Addressing Formats
Network Management and Diagnostics
  Monitor Mode
  32-Bit Statistical Counters
82586 Software Compatible
Self-Test Diagnostics
Optimized CPU Interface
  Optimized Bus Interface to Intel's i486TMDX, i486TMSX, i487TMSX and 80960CA Processors
  33 MHz, 25 MHz, 20 MHz and 16 MHz Clock Frequencies
  Supports Big Endian and Little Endian Byte Ordering
32-Bit Bus Master Interface
  106 MB/s Bus Bandwidth
  Burst Bus Transfers
  Bus Throttle Timers
  Transfers Data at 100% of Serial Bandwidth
  128-Byte Receive FIFO, 64-Byte Transmit FIFO
Configurable Initialization Root for Data Structures
High-Speed, 5V, CHMOS**IV Technology
132-Pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) and PGA Package