Chapter 1 Overview; Brief Introduction - 3Com 5000 Series Installation Manual

3Com Router 5000 Family
Installation Guide

1.1 Brief Introduction

3Com 5000 Routers are intended for use on enterprise-level networks. Depending on
the network size, 3Com 5000 Routers can either be core routers on small and medium
enterprise networks, or access routers for network branches on some large-sized
enterprise networks. Therefore, 3Com 5000 Routers are suitable for the application on
the carrier-level networks, such as telecom management networks and billing
networks.3Com 5000 Routers adopt modular design and provide multiple optional
MIMs (Multifunctional Interface Modules) and SICs (Smart Interface Cards). In addition,
except for 3Com Router 5009, they provide two host types: AC-powered and
DC-powered.
3Com 5000 Routers adopt high speed PowerPC microprocessor and the network
operation system platform developed by 3Com Corporation. Besides the benefit of
simple configuration, the router provides rich network security features, and supports
dumb terminal access, SNA (Systems Network Architecture)/DLSw (Data-Link
Switching), IP multicast, ATM, MPLS and abundant QoS (Quality of Service) features.
Thereby, 3Com 5000 Routers can operate together with other 3Com series routers and
Ethernet switches to provide overall end-to-end network solutions for clients in
industries such as telecommunication, ISP, finance, taxation, public security, and
transportation, medium-and-large-sized enterprises.
3Com 5000 Routers provide the following features:
I. High-performance processor
3Com 5000 Routers use high-performance processors to process all the integrated
interface data. All the performance indices, such as packet processing capacity,
maximum traffic on interfaces, delay, frame drop rate, restoration period due to
overloading of the system and system reset period, can meet users' requirements.
II. Multiple interface card/interface module options
3Com 5000 Routers provide SIC slots and MIM slot, where you can install various
types of SICs and MIMs. The available interfaces include synchronous/asynchronous
serial interface, asynchronous serial interface, T1/CT1/PRI interface, E1/CE1/PRI
interface, BRI S/T and U interfaces, Ethernet interface (including FE/GE, electrical
interface and fiber interface), ADSL/G.SHDSL interface, ATM 25M/155M interface, and
so on. The user can change or extend SICs or MIMs as needed. Thereby, the
investment that has been made can be protected to the maximum degree.

Chapter 1 Overview

3Com Corporation
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Chapter 1 Overview