3Com manual Introduction, Small Network With OfficeConnect Hub

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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 Dual Speed Hub 8 is ideal for creating small networks. It is compact and attractively designed for desktop use and can be used with other OfficeConnect products. This product forms part of the OfficeConnect range which neatly stack together with the OfficeConnect stacking clip.

The OfficeConnect Dual Speed Hub 8 is an easy-to-use Class II hub (repeater) with eight 10/100BASE-TX ports. It allows you to set up a network with both Ethernet (10Mbps) and Fast Ethernet (100Mbps) workstations and other devices (a Class II hub can be connected to another Fast Ethernet hub, a Class I hub cannot).

When referring to the OfficeConnect Dual Speed Hub 8, this guide uses the term ‘Hub’.

Each port on the Hub can be connected to either a 10BASE-T (Ethernet) or a 100BASE-TX (Fast Ethernet) device.

The port senses the speed of the connected equipment and operates at the appropriate speed. If you wish to extend an existing Ethernet network into Fast Ethernet, adding a Dual Speed Hub 8 can offer a more cost-effective migration path than adding both a 100Mbps hub and a 10/100Mbps switch.

Figure 1 Small Network With OfficeConnect Hub

 

OfficeConnect

 

Dual Speed Hub 8

10Mbps

100Mbps

If you need to connect more workstations, simply use the stacking clip to connect another OfficeConnect hub to form a stack.

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Contents OfficeConnect Dual Speed Hub 3Com Corporation 5400 Bayfront Plaza Santa Clara, California Introduction Creating your Network Page Small Network With OfficeConnect Hub IntroductionDual Speed Hub 8-Front Creating Your NetworkDual Speed Hub 8-Rear Power Adapter socketWorkstation Connections Before You StartTwisted Pair TP Cables Hub ConnectionsStacking Clip Stacking the Units TogetherRubber Feet Securing Your Hub Positioning Your HubFast Ethernet 100Mbps Configuration Rules Connecting Workstations and Other Equipment to Your HubConnecting Another OfficeConnect Hub Example of an Ethernet 10Mbps Network Ethernet 10Mbps Configuration RulesSpot Checks Making the Connection to Another HubChecking Hub Connections Problem Solving Straight-through Cable/Crossover Cable Networking Terminology Standards Dimensions and StandardsDimensions and Operating Conditions End 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 North America Country Telephone Number Fax Number Returning Products for Repair3Com Corporation Limited Warranty Warranties Exclusive Disclaimer Electromagnetic Compatibility Wall mounting screw hole guide 142mm 5.6in Part No. DUA 1675-0AAA03 Published June

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.
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