86GLOSSARY

Category 3 Cables

One of five grades of Twisted Pair (TP) cabling defined by the EIA/TIA-568 standard. Category 3 is voice grade cable and can only be used in Ethernet networks (10BASE-T) to transmit data at speeds of up to 10 Mbps.

Category 5 Cables

One of five grades of Twisted Pair (TP) cabling defined by the EIA/TIA-568 standard. Category 5 can be used in Ethernet (10BASE-T) and Fast Ethernet networks (100BASE-TX) and can transmit data at speeds of up to 100 Mbps. Category 5 cabling is better to use for network cabling than Category 3, because it supports both Ethernet (10 Mbps) and Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) speeds.

Category 5e Cables

One of five grades of Twisted Pair (TP) cabling defined by the EIA/TIA-568 standard. Category 5e can be used in Ethernet (10BASE-T), Fast Ethernet (100BASE-TX) and Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T) networks, and can transmit data at speeds of up to 1000 Mbps.

Category 6 Cables

One of five grades of Twisted Pair (TP) cabling defined by the EIA/TIA-568-B standard. Category 6 can be used in Ethernet (10BASE-T), Fast Ethernet (100BASE-TX) and Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T) networks, and can transmit data at speeds of up to 1000 Mbps.

Client

The term used to describe the desktop PC that is connected to your network.

DHCP

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. This protocol automatically assigns an IP address for every computer on your network. Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows NT 4.0 contain software that assigns IP addresses to workstations on a network. These assignments are made by the DHCP server software that runs on Windows NT Server.

Ethernet

A LAN specification developed jointly by Xerox, Intel and Digital Equipment Corporation. Ethernet networks use CSMA/CD to transmit packets at a rate of 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps over a variety of cables.

Ethernet Address

See MAC address.

Fast Ethernet

An Ethernet system that is designed to operate at 100 Mbps.

Gigabit Ethernet

An Ethernet system that is designed to operate at 1000 Mbps.

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3Com 2226 PLUS manual Category 3 Cables, Category 5 Cables, Category 5e Cables, Category 6 Cables, Client, Ethernet

2226 PLUS specifications

The 3Com 2226 PLUS is a robust network switch designed to meet the increasing demands of modern networking environments. Its ability to provide reliable connectivity and support for various technologies makes it an ideal choice for small to medium-sized businesses. This switch features 24 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports, which allow for fast and efficient data transfer, enabling businesses to enhance their network performance significantly.

One of the standout technologies employed in the 3Com 2226 PLUS is its support for auto-negotiation. This feature automatically detects the speed and duplex capabilities of connected devices, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing configuration errors. This capability simplifies network management, allowing IT professionals to focus on other critical tasks rather than troubleshooting connectivity issues.

In addition to its impressive port offerings, the 3Com 2226 PLUS incorporates a range of Layer 2 switching features. These include support for Virtual LANs (VLANs), which enable businesses to segment their networks for improved security and efficiency. By implementing VLANs, organizations can isolate sensitive data traffic from less secure networks, enhancing overall data protection.

The switch also supports Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), which helps prevent loops in network topology. This is crucial in environments with multiple switches, as it maintains a stable network while ensuring redundancy. If a primary link fails, STP allows for a backup path to be automatically activated, ensuring minimal disruption in connectivity.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities are another significant feature of the 3Com 2226 PLUS. This technology allows the switch to deliver power to connected devices, such as IP cameras and VoIP phones, eliminating the need for additional power supplies and reducing cable clutter.

In terms of management, the 3Com 2226 PLUS supports both simple web-based configuration and SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), providing network administrators with flexibility in how they manage their network infrastructure.

Built with reliability in mind, the switch comes equipped with features like store-and-forward switching, error checking, and a sturdy design suitable for deployment in various environments.

Overall, the 3Com 2226 PLUS combines essential features and advanced networking technologies, making it a versatile and dependable solution for businesses looking to upgrade or establish their network infrastructure.