3Com 5017C-LS, 5017C with load sharing Introduction, Introducing the ONline System Concentrator

1 Introduction

This chapter briefly describes the capabilities and operation of the 3Com ONline™ System Concentrator. Chapter 2 provides important information for installing modules and verifying their operation.

If you are uncertain about legal network configurations when using the ONline System Concentrator, refer to the appropriate ONline media module manual.

Introducing the ONline System Concentrator

The ONline System Concentrator is a modular, fault-tolerant platform for facility networks. The concentrator has a unique TriChannel® architecture that allows it to run three network protocols concurrently. It is capable of running Ethernet, Token Ring, and FDDI networks - all in the same concentrator.

Ethernet connectivity is available on a variety of major cable types including:

❑Fiber optic cable

❑Unshielded and Shielded twisted pair wire

❑Thin and Thick coaxial cable

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