Introduction - 3Com OfficeConnect 3C16733A User Manual

I
NTRODUCTION
Welcome to the world of networking with 3Com
modern business environment, communication and sharing
information is crucial. Computer networks have proved to
be one of the fastest modes of communication but until
recently, only large businesses could afford the networking
advantage. The OfficeConnect
has changed this, bringing networks to the small office.
As the power of workstations and business applications
increases, heavier demands are made on the available
network bandwidth that if unchecked, can lead to
performance problems in a hub-based setup. Installing the
OfficeConnect Dual Speed Switch 4 (3C16733A), Switch 8
(3C16734B) or Switch 16 (3C16735B) allows your network
to be segmented so that traffic can be contained effectively,
reducing the overall load without affecting access to critical
resources.
When referring to the Switch 4, Switch 8 and Switch 16,
this guide uses the term 'Switch'.
The Switch is ideal for use with other OfficeConnect
products, as shown in Figure 1. It is compact and
attractively designed for desktop use. The Switch is part of
the OfficeConnect range which neatly stack together with
the OfficeConnect Stacking Clip.
®
. In the
®
product range from 3Com
Figure 1 Small Network with OfficeConnect Dual Speed Switch
(Circle Shows Units Clipped Together)
The Switch has four, eight or sixteen 10/100BASE-TX ports.
This allows you to set up a network with both 10BASE-T
and 100BASE-TX hubs and workstations.
5
10BASE-T
OfficeConnect hub
OfficeConnect Switch
100BASE-TX
OfficeConnect hub