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 hub uses RJ-45 type connectors for connecting your TP network.

A Network Loop occurs when two pieces of network equipment are connected by more than one path. Your hub detects this and partitions (isolates) one of its ports to break the loop.

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.

A half duplex link allows information to flow in either direction, but not in either direction simultaneously.

Collisions are part of normal ethernet operation and occur if other network equipment attempts to transmit at the same time. A sudden sustained increase in the number of collisions may indicate a problem with the device.

Hub specifications

3Com Hub: A Cornerstone of Early Networking Technology

The 3Com Hub represents one of the pioneering devices in the realm of computer networking. Developed by 3Com Corporation in the late 1980s, it played a significant role in facilitating communication within local area networks (LANs). As an essential component during the rise of networked computing, the 3Com Hub laid the groundwork for the development of more advanced networking technologies that followed.

One of the main features of the 3Com Hub is its ability to connect multiple devices within a network in a straightforward manner. Operating primarily at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model, the hub allows for the interconnection of computers, printers, and other network devices using twisted-pair Ethernet cables. Typically available in 8, 16, or 24 ports, it offered scalability to organizations as they expanded their networks.

The hub operates using Ethernet technology, which was evolving rapidly at the time. It effectively transmitted data packets by broadcasting signals to all connected devices. While this method is simple and efficient for smaller networks, it also means that bandwidth is shared among all devices. This mechanism could lead to collisions when multiple devices attempted to send data simultaneously, a common limitation during the era of hubs.

In terms of characteristics, the 3Com Hub is a plug-and-play device, meaning it requires no complex configuration. This ease of installation was particularly advantageous for organizations that were just beginning to adopt networking technologies. The hub also supported a variety of Ethernet standards, including 10BASE-T and 100BASE-T, allowing for flexible implementation as network requirements evolved.

3Com hubs were designed with durability in mind, with a robust chassis that could withstand the rigors of office environments. They typically featured LED indicators for power and link status, providing users with immediate feedback about the operation of the network. Although modern networking has moved toward switches and routers that provide greater efficiency and intelligence, the 3Com Hub remains an iconic representation of early networking solutions.

In conclusion, the 3Com Hub played a vital role during the formative years of computer networking, providing the foundation for many of the technologies that dominate today’s networks. While it may seem primitive in the context of advanced networking options available today, its influence on the development of LAN technologies is undeniable. As organizations continue to navigate the evolution of networking, the legacy of the 3Com Hub endures.