10-Port 100BASE-FX and 20-Port 10/100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet Layer 2 Switching Modules Quick Start Guide 21

Managing the You configure and manage a FEN Switching Module using several Module interfaces. The following sections describe two of the interfaces.

Administration Console

The Administration Console is the embedded menu-driven command line interface that you access from a terminal or through terminal emulation software.

To manage the module from the Administration Console:

1Log in to the EME.

For information about how to log in to the EME, see the CoreBuilder 9000 Enterprise Management Engine User Guide.

2At the EME prompt, enter:

connect <slot>.1

where <slot> is the chassis slot number of the module that you want to manage, and the number after the decimal point is a subslot number, which is always 1.

The top level of the Administration Console menu for the module appears.

3Enter command strings to manage the module. For example, to display a module baseline, enter:

module baseline display

For information about the Administration Console module commands, see the Command Reference Guide.

Web Management

Web Management applications are an embedded part of the system. They include WebConsole, DeviceView, and Performance monitoring tools. Additional installable applications include online Help.

After you have set up the IP address for your system, you can access the Web Management applications directly in your Web browser by entering the IP address.

For information about setting up your IP address, see the Enterprise Management Engine Quick Start Guide for the CoreBuilder 9000 Enterprise Switch. For additional information about Web Management, see the Web Management User Guide for the CoreBuilder 9000 Enterprise Switch.

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3Com 100BASE-FX, 10/100BASE-TX quick start Administration Console, Web Management
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100BASE-FX, 10/100BASE-TX specifications

3Com 10/100BASE-TX and 100BASE-FX are network technologies that played a pivotal role in the evolution of Ethernet networking. As part of the Fast Ethernet standard, these protocols allow for the transfer of data at high speeds, which has benefited various industries and residential environments.

10/100BASE-TX, often referred to simply as Fast Ethernet over twisted pair, can operate at both 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps speeds, providing flexibility for network installations. This dual-speed feature is facilitated through the use of Category 5 or higher twisted pair cabling. With the ability to automatically negotiate the optimal speed, 10/100BASE-TX allows devices to communicate effectively in diverse network environments, minimizing compatibility issues.

One of the standout characteristics of 10/100BASE-TX is its ease of installation. The use of twisted pair wiring—the same type often used for telephone lines—reduces complexity and lowers infrastructure costs. This technology also supports the use of various physical layer standards, making it adaptable for different network architectures. Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities are an added advantage, allowing both data and electrical power to be delivered via the same cabling, simplifying setups for devices like IP cameras and wireless access points.

On the other hand, 100BASE-FX represents Fast Ethernet over fiber optics, providing a different solution for high-speed networking. Operating at 100 Mbps, it is particularly suited for long-distance data transmission, capable of distances up to 2 kilometers using multimode fiber and up to 20 kilometers with single-mode fiber. This makes 100BASE-FX an ideal choice for interconnecting different buildings within a campus or for connecting remote offices.

In terms of technology, 100BASE-FX utilizes light waves to transmit data, resulting in lower attenuation and immunity to electromagnetic interference, a major advantage in environments with substantial electrical noise. This optical technology enhances security as fiber optics are inherently more difficult to tap into without detection.

Overall, both 3Com's 10/100BASE-TX and 100BASE-FX are significant in their contributions to networking technology. They offer unique features that cater to distinct networking needs, whether for short-range, flexible deployments using copper cabling or for long-distance, high-capacity deployments using fiber optics. Their continued relevance speaks to their robust design, versatility, and reliability in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
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