3Com 16 Plus manual Networking Terminology

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NETWORKING TERMINOLOGY

A Network is a collection of workstations (for example, IBM-compatible PCs) and other equipment (for example, printers), connected for the purpose of exchanging information or sharing resources. Networks vary in size, some are within a single room, others span continents.

A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network, usually in an office, that spans no more than a single site.

Ethernet is a type of LAN, referring to the technology used to pass information around the network. It operates at 10Mbps (megabits per second).

Fast Ethernet is a type of LAN that runs up to 10 times faster than standard Ethernet. It operates at 100Mbps.

10BASE-Tand 100BASE-TXare the names given to the Ethernet protocol that runs over Twisted Pair (TP) cable. 10BASE-T runs at 10Mbps whilst 100BASE-TX operates at 100Mbps. The OfficeConnect Hubs and Switches Use RJ-45 type connectors to connect your TP network.

A network loop occurs when two pieces of network equipment are connected to each other by two seperate connections.

A segment is the length of cable connected to a port.

Packets are the units of information your workstations and other equipment send to each other over the network. A frame is the data part of the packet and can be unicast (sent to a single device), multicast (sent to multiple devices), or broadcast (sent to all devices).

Bandwidth refers to the amount of network traffic the network can hold at any one time (information capacity) measured in bits per second (bps). Workstations or applications that use the network heavily are referred to as using high bandwidth. Fast Ethernet has a higher bandwidth than Ethernet, so it can cope with larger amounts of traffic, which results in faster operation.

Full duplex operation allows information to be transmitted and received simultaneously and, in effect, doubles the potential throughput of a link.

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Contents OfficeConnect 3Com Corporation 5400 Bayfront Plaza Santa Clara, California Technical Support Introduction Creating Your Network Dual Speed Switch 5 plus-FrontDual Speed Switch 8 plus-Front Dual Speed Switch 16 plus-Front Power Adapter socket Dual Speed Switch 16 plus-RearSwitching How the Switch Can Be UsedBefore You start Connecting 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX NetworksTwisted Pair TP Cables Unit ConnectionsStacking Clip Stacking the Units TogetherRubber Feet Securing Your Switch Positioning Your SwitchConnecting OfficeConnect Units to Your Switch Connecting Workstations and Other Equipment to Your SwitchSpot Checks Checking Unit ConnectionsProblem Solving Page Networking Terminology Page Dimensions and Operating Conditions Standards Dimensions and StandardsEnd Of Life Statement Environmental StatementsRegulated Materials Statement Environmental Statement about the DocumentationImportant Safety Information Wichtige Sicherheitshinweise Consignes Importantes DE Sécurité 3Com Knowledgebase Web Services Online Technical ServicesTechnical Support World Wide Web SiteSupport from 3Com Support from Your Network SupplierEurope, Middle East Africa Country Telephone Number Fax Number Returning Products for Repair3Com Corporation Limited Warranty Warranties Exclusive Regulatory Notices Page Part No. DUA1679-0AAA03 Published July

16 Plus specifications

The 3Com 16 Plus was a groundbreaking networking device widely recognized for its performance and reliability in the early days of computer networking. Launched in the 1990s, the device played a pivotal role in advancing Ethernet networking technology and facilitating connectivity between multiple devices in local area networks (LANs).

One of the primary features of the 3Com 16 Plus was its ability to support 16 ports, which allowed for a considerable number of devices to connect simultaneously. This scalability made it suitable for small to medium-sized businesses, as well as educational institutions looking to expand their networking capabilities without requiring extensive infrastructure investment. The ports typically supported 10BASE-T (Ethernet) and 100BASE-TX (Fast Ethernet) technologies, enabling a range of data transfer speeds that catered to different networking needs.

The 3Com 16 Plus utilized a non-blocking switching architecture, which ensured that data packets could be transmitted without delay, leading to enhanced overall network performance. This was particularly significant for environments that demanded high bandwidth, as it minimized packet loss and improved the efficiency of data transmission between connected devices.

Another key characteristic of the 3Com 16 Plus was its plug-and-play capability. This feature facilitated easy installation, requiring minimal configuration for users. The device automatically detected connected hardware, allowing businesses to focus on productivity instead of navigating complex setup processes. The inclusion of automatic address learning also streamlined network management, as the switch could learn and remember device addresses without manual input.

In addition to its hardware capabilities, the 3Com 16 Plus was complemented by robust software utilities that provided network monitoring and management features. These tools enabled administrators to monitor device performance, track bandwidth usage, and troubleshoot connectivity issues effectively.

The 3Com 16 Plus also prioritized reliability, with features such as power redundancy and enhanced thermal management, ensuring continuous operation even under demanding conditions. Its durable construction assured clients of longevity, which was essential for those investing in networking solutions at the time.

In conclusion, the 3Com 16 Plus was a vital asset in the evolution of networking technology. Its 16-port design, support for Ethernet and Fast Ethernet, non-blocking architecture, plug-and-play capability, and robust management tools made it a favored choice in its era. Businesses and educational institutions benefited from its ability to create efficient, reliable, and scalable networks, laying the groundwork for the advanced networking standards we see today.
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