Setting Up Overview 33

IP Configuration You can use one of the following methods to allocate IP information to your Switch (essential if you wish to manage your Switch across the network).

Manual IP Configuration

You can choose to configure the IP information yourself. The Switch remembers the information that you enter until you change it again or set the configuration method to Automatic.

You should use the Manual IP configuration method if:

■you do not have a DHCP or BootP server on your network, or

■you want to remove the risk of the IP address ever changing, or

■your DHCP or BootP server does not allow you to allocate static IP addresses. (Static IP addresses are necessary to ensure that the Switch is always allocated the same IP information.)

For most installations, 3Com recommends that you configure the Switch IP information manually. This makes management simpler and more reliable as it is not dependent on a DHCP or BootP server, and eliminates the risk of the IP address changing.

If you wish to manually enter IP information for your Switch, work through the “Manually Configuring IP Information” section on page 35.

Automatic IP Configuration

By default the Switch tries to configure itself with IP information without requesting user intervention. It tries to obtain an IP address from a DHCP or BootP server on the network.

If neither server is found, the Switch will configure itself with its default IP address 169.254.100.100 if it is operating in a standalone mode, and/or no other Switches on the network have this IP address. If this default IP address is already in use on the network then the Switch detects this and configures itself with an IP address in the range 169.254.1.0 to 169.254.254.255.

This process is known as Auto-IP and is the same mechanism used by Windows 98 and Windows 2000. IP addresses configured by Auto-IP are temporary as they cannot be routed but are useful for small networks which are not connected to other networks, or for initial configuration.

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3Com 4228G, 4250T, 4226T manual Manual IP Configuration, Automatic IP Configuration
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4250T, 4226T, 4228G specifications

The 3Com 4228G, 4226T, and 4250T are professional-grade network switches designed for businesses seeking to enhance their network infrastructure. These models offer robust performance and reliability, catering to various networking needs, from small offices to large enterprise environments.

The 3Com 4228G switch is a 28-port gigabit Ethernet switch designed for high-bandwidth applications. It provides 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports with 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability, allowing devices such as IP phones and wireless access points to be powered directly through the Ethernet cables. This feature simplifies installation and reduces additional cabling costs. The switch also supports VLAN tagging for network segmentation, improving security and performance. Its advanced traffic management lets IT administrators prioritize network traffic effectively, ensuring critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth.

On the other hand, the 3Com 4226T is a 26-port gigabit Ethernet switch, primarily designed for environments requiring a high level of connectivity without PoE. It offers similar features to the 4228G, such as VLAN support and enhanced traffic management capabilities. The 4226T is ideal for businesses that do not require power over Ethernet yet need reliable, high-speed networking capabilities. With 26 ports, this switch is an excellent choice for medium-sized enterprises looking to upgrade their network infrastructure without overwhelming their existing resources.

The 3Com 4250T is a more advanced switch, offering 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports and a robust feature set suitable for more complex networking environments. It includes Layer 2 and Layer 3 functionality, allowing for advanced routing and switching capabilities, making it highly adaptable to various network designs. The 4250T also simplifies network management through its extensive configuration options and support for IPv6. Moreover, it features an efficient cooling system and reduced power consumption, aligning with today’s growing demand for energy-efficient solutions.

All three models utilize advanced technologies such as Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) for loop prevention, QoS mechanisms to prioritize traffic, and comprehensive security features to protect the network from unauthorized access. With their different port configurations and capabilities, the 3Com 4228G, 4226T, and 4250T switches provide exceptional performance and flexibility, making them ideal for businesses aiming to enhance their networking capabilities.
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