Manual Setup 33

Connecting to the To set up your Switch manually you can alternatively make a connection Console Port to the console port (this example describes a local connection to the

console port, rather than a remote one via a modem). You can do this whilst the Switch is offline, that is, before you connect the Switch to a network, or whilst the Switch is online, that is, connected to a network.

Pre-requisites

■A workstation with terminal emulation software installed, such as Microsoft Hyperterminal. This software allows you to communicate with the Switch via the console port directly, or through a modem.

■Documentation supplied with the terminal emulation software.

■A suitable cable:

■A standard null modem cable — if you are connecting directly to the console port, or

■A standard modem cable — if you are connecting to the console port using a modem.

You can find pin-out diagrams for both cables in Appendix B on page 57.

■You need to have the following so that you can manually set up the Switch with IP information:

■IP address

■subnet mask

■default gateway

Connecting the Workstation to the Switch

1Connect the workstation to the console port using a standard null modem cable as shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6 Connecting a workstation to the Switch via the console port

To connect the cable:

aAttach the female connector on the cable to the male connector on the console port of the Switch.

Page 32 Page 34
Page 33
Image 33
3Com 3C17204, 3C172203 manual Connecting a workstation to the Switch via the console port
Page 32 Page 34

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.
Top Page Image Contents