Introduction 1 - 1
1Introduction
This chapter briefly describes the cap abilities and operation of the 3Com
ONline™ System Concentrator. Chapter 2 provides important information
for installing modules a nd verifying their operation.
If you are uncertain about legal netwo rk configurations when using the
ONline System Concentrator, refer to the appropriate ONline media module
manual.
Introducing the ONline System Concentrator
The ONline System Concentrator i s a modular, fault-tolerant platform for
facility networks. The concentra tor has a unique TriChannel® arc hite cture
that allows it to run three network protocols c on currently. It is capable of
running Ethernet, Token Ring, and FDDI networks - all in the same
concentrator.
Ethernet connectivity is available on a vari ety of major cable types including:
❑Fiber optic cable
❑Unshielded and Shielded twisted pair wire
❑Thin and Thick coaxial cable