Connecting Workstations - 3Com OfficeConnect 3CDSG8 Installation Manual

Using the 3Com Switch Detect Application
1. On the computer that is connected to your Switch (either directly or on a network
that is on the same subnet), insert the CD-ROM into its CD drive. If you have
autorun enabled, you will be presented with a menu showing the contents of the
CD-ROM.
2. Select the 3Com Detect Application link to install the utility. Follow the onscreen
instructions.
3. If the auto-run program does not start, you should browse to your CD-ROM drive,
go to the /switch detect directory and double click on setup.exe. Follow the
prompts that will take you through the installation process.
4. Once installed, the 3Com Switch Detect Application can be accessed from the
Windows Start/Programs list.
5. When the 3Com Detect application starts, you will be see the Welcome Screen (see
below).
6. If the computer has multiple network adapters, select the adapter that connects the
computer to the network or Switch, click "Next."
7. You will then be offered the choice of searching the same subnet that your PC is on
for a connected switch (default), or specifying an IP range. Note that specifying a
large range may take some time for the search to complete.
8. Once your Switch or Switches have been located, you will be presented with a list.
Select the switch to which you want to connect and click on "Open." Your default
Web browser will open and connect to the home page of the Switch.
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3 CONNECTING WORKSTATIONS

Twisted Pair (TP) Cables
Cables can be shielded (screened) or unshielded. Cables must be Category 5 or above.
3Com recommends Category 5E or 6 cable for Gigabit connections. The maximum
length you can use is 100 m (328 ft).
Twisted Pair (TP) cable is very easy to use. To connect a TP cable, simply slot the con-
nector into the relevant RJ-45 Port. When a connector is fully in, its latch locks into
place. To disconnect the cable, push the connector's latch in and remove it.
When one end of a TP cable is connected to the Switch and the other end is connect-
ed to the network interface card of a workstation or other device, the Switch will
automatically detect whether a straight-through or crossover cable is being used and
will compensate if required. The units will then autonegotiate to determine the fastest
possible link speed between them. This may take a few seconds and the outcome will
be reflected in the LEDs on the front of the Switch.
If the equipment connected to the Switch does not support autonegotiation or it
has been disabled, it must be configured to operate in half duplex mode.
Expanding Your Network
You can increase the number of workstations and other devices that can connect to
your network by adding OfficeConnect gateways and switches. The Switch has auto-
matic MDI/MDIX functionality. Simply plug in the cable and the Switch will automati-
cally detect which wiring practice has been followed and will compensate accordingly.