Introduction

Welcome to the world of networking with 3Com® . In the 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® product range from 3Com has changed this, bringing networks to the small office.

The OfficeConnect Fast Ethernet Hub 4, Hub 8, and Hub 12 are ideal for creating small, fast (high bandwidth) networks. They are compact and attractively designed for desktop use. These products are part of the OfficeConnect range, which neatly stack together with the OfficeConnect Stacking Clip.

When referring to all three products, this guide uses the term ‘OfficeConnect hub’.

The OfficeConnect hub is a Fast Ethernet (Class II) repeater, allowing the creation of a network that runs 10 times faster than standard Ethernet. You can connect a workstation, server or other piece of equipment to each 100BASE-TX port, as shown in Figure 1. The Hub 4 has four 100BASE-TX ports, the Hub 8 has eight, and the Hub 12 has twelve.

Figure 1 Small Network Featuring OfficeConnect Fast Ethernet Hub 4 and Server

OfficeConnect hub

Network server

If you need to connect more workstations, simply use the stacking clip to connect another OfficeConnect hub to form a stack (each hub is a single Class II repeater).

3C16723A, 3C16721A, 3C16722A specifications

The 3Com 3C16722A, 3C16721A, and 3C16723A are part of a series of networking devices designed to enhance network performance, reliability, and management capabilities in various environments. These devices are primarily used in enterprise networks, catering to different sizes and types of network infrastructures.

The 3C16722A is a high-performance Ethernet switch featuring 24 ports that support 10/100/1000 Mbps speeds. Its main features include auto-MDI/MDI-X capabilities, which automatically detect connections and configure the ports accordingly, facilitating seamless integration. This switch supports VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) functionality, enabling network segmentation and improved security. With robust forwarding capabilities, the 3C16722A ensures efficient data transfer within a network, making it ideal for organizations that require high bandwidth for data-intensive applications.

The 3C16721A, while similar to the 3C16722A, is designed for users who require fewer ports but still demand high-speed connectivity. Offering 16 ports, the 3C16721A also operates at 10/100/1000 Mbps and incorporates advanced features such as Quality of Service (QoS) settings. QoS prioritizes critical network traffic, ensuring that voice and video data are transmitted with minimal latency, which is essential for businesses that depend on real-time communication tools.

Lastly, the 3C16723A combines the functionalities of both its counterparts but extends the port offerings to cater to larger networks. Featuring 48 ports, this switch can support multiple devices simultaneously, providing extensive connectivity options. Additionally, it offers stacking support, allowing multiple switches to operate as a single unit. This capability enables network administrators to manage larger systems more efficiently and simplifies the overall network architecture.

Each of these devices utilizes advanced technologies such as Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) for loop prevention and link aggregation to enhance throughput by combining multiple connections. Security features, including port security and access control lists, are also integrated to protect sensitive data and maintain network integrity. Overall, the 3Com 3C16722A, 3C16721A, and 3C16723A are versatile networking solutions that deliver performance, scalability, and security for modern enterprise networks.