32CHAPTER 3: SETTING UP FOR MANAGEMENT

To connect the cable:

aAttach an RJ-45 connector at one end of the Ethernet cable to the Network Interface Card (NIC) in the workstation.

bConnect the RJ-45 connector at the other end of the cable to one of the front panel ports on the Switch.

Configuring the Workstation with IP Information

You need to change the IP address and subnet mask of the workstation that you have connected to the Switch. Make a note of the existing settings so you can return to them later. Change the workstation to the following settings:

IP address — 169.254.100.99

Subnet mask — 255.255.255.0

Setting Up the Switch with IP Information

You are now ready to manually set up the Switch with IP information using the Web interface.

1Power-up the Switch. This takes approximately one minute.

2Open a suitable Web browser and enter 169.254.100.100 in the Location Address field. This is the default IP address that is automatically assigned to an offline unit.

If there is no response, wait for one minute then re-enter the default IP address.

3At the login and password prompts, enter admin as your user name and press Return at the password prompt. If you have logged on correctly, a set of Getting Started pages are displayed.

4The Getting Started pages allow you to enter basic setup information for the Switch. Select Manual and then enter the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway that you want the Switch to use when it is connected to the network. The final page displays a summary of the information entered.

The initial set up of your Switch is now complete and the Switch is ready for you to set up your chosen management method. See “Methods of Managing a Switch” on page 39.

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3Com 3C172203, 3C17204 manual Configuring the Workstation with IP Information, Setting Up the Switch with IP Information

3C17204, 3C172203 specifications

The 3Com 3C172203 and 3C17204 are part of the 3Com series of networking products that have made significant contributions to local area networks (LANs) and enterprise connectivity. While they may not be as widely recognized today as newer technologies, their features, technologies, and characteristics played an essential role in enhancing network performance and reliability during their peak usage.

One of the defining features of the 3Com 3C172203 and 3C17204 is their support for Ethernet networking, which was pivotal in establishing fast and reliable communication between devices on a network. These products typically supported both 10Base-T and 100Base-TX standards, providing a flexible transition from older networks to faster Ethernet speeds. This backward compatibility ensured that organizations could upgrade their networks incrementally without needing a complete overhaul, thereby preserving their existing investments in infrastructure.

Both models also supported features designed to optimize network performance and provide enhanced management capabilities. For instance, built-in diagnostic features enabled network administrators to troubleshoot connection issues more effectively, thereby reducing downtime. Additionally, these devices incorporated intelligent switching capabilities that could manage data flow efficiently, prioritizing traffic and optimizing available bandwidth to ensure a smooth user experience, even under heavy load.

In terms of physical design, the 3C172203 and 3C17204 were built with a focus on durability. These units often featured robust metal enclosures suitable for various environments, from office spaces to more demanding industrial settings. Furthermore, their compact design allowed for easy integration into existing network setups without requiring significant rack space, making them an attractive option for enterprises looking to maximize their networking capabilities.

Security features were also a consideration in the design of these networking devices. They implemented basic security protocols to safeguard the integrity of data transmitted across the network, ensuring that unauthorized access was minimized and overall network security was enhanced.

In conclusion, the 3Com 3C172203 and 3C17204 represent an era of networking technology characterized by their support for Ethernet standards, intelligent switching capabilities, robust design, and essential management features. These products were integral in facilitating the growth of LANs and laid the groundwork for the advanced networking solutions that followed in the years ahead. While newer technologies have emerged since then, the fundamental principles established by devices like the 3C172203 and 3C17204 continue to influence contemporary networking designs.