1

INTRODUCING THE BASELINE SWITCH

This chapter provides an overview of the features and capabilities of the 3Com Baseline Switch 2226 Plus. It also identifies the contents of the Switch package and helps you get to know the physical features of the device.

Overview of the Baseline Switch

The 3Com® Baseline Switch 2226 Plus is a versatile, easy-to-use unmanaged switch. It is ideal for users who want the high-speed performance of 10/100 switching with the added functionality of Gigabit fiber links, but do not need sophisticated management capabilities. The Switch is shipped ready for use. No configuration is necessary.

Features and Capabilities

The Switch has 24 shielded RJ-45, 10/100 Mbps auto-negotiating ports and 2 Gigabit combo ports (which comprised of a RJ-45 port and a Small Form Factor Pluggable (SFP) transceiver slot) on the front panel for easy, flexible connection to fiber-based Gigabit media.

Autosensing of MDI/MDIX Connections

All ports on the Switch can autosense both medium dependent interface (MDI) and medium dependent interface crossover (MDIX) connections. This allows you to connect network devices to each port using either a normal straight-through TP (twisted pair) cable or a ‘crossover’ TP cable.

Any port can therefore be used to connect to another switch port, server, or workstation without additional configuration.

Autonegotiating 10/100 Mbps Ports

Each 10/100 Mbps port automatically determines the speed and duplex mode of the connected equipment and provides a suitable switched connection. The 10/100 Mbps ports can operate in either half-duplex or full-duplex mode.

Gigabit Combo Ports (RJ-45/SFP)

The 2 Gigabit combo ports support fiber Gigabit Ethernet short-wave (SX) and long-wave (LX) SFP transceivers in any combination. This offers you the flexibility of using SFP transceivers to provide connectivity between the Switch and a 1000 Mbps core network.

Page 9
Image 9
3Com 2226 PLUS manual Overview of the Baseline Switch, Features and Capabilities, Autosensing of MDI/MDIX Connections

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.