142APPENDIX D: OBTAINING SUPPORT FOR YOUR PRODUCT

Troubleshoot

You will find support tools posted on the 3Com web site at

Online

http://www.3com.com/

 

3Com Knowledgebase helps you troubleshoot 3Com products. This

 

query-based interactive tool is located at

 

http://knowledgebase.3com.com and contains thousands of technical

 

solutions written by 3Com support engineers.

 

 

Access Software

Software Updates are the bug fix / maintenance releases for the version

Downloads

of software initially purchased with the product. In order to access these

 

Software Updates you must first register your product on the 3Com web

 

site at http://eSupport.3com.com/

 

First time users will need to apply for a user name and password. A link to

 

software downloads can be found at http://eSupport.3com.com/, or

 

under the Product Support heading at http://www.3com.com/

 

Software Upgrades are the software releases that follow the software

 

version included with your original product. In order to access upgrades

 

and related documentation you must first purchase a service contract

 

from 3Com or your reseller.

 

 

Telephone Technical

To enable telephone support and other service benefits, you must first

Support and Repair

register your product at http://eSupport.3com.com/

 

Warranty and other service benefits start from the date of purchase, so it

 

is important to register your product quickly to ensure you get full use of

 

the warranty and other service benefits available to you.

 

When you contact 3Com for assistance, please have the following

 

information ready:

 

Product model name, part number, and serial number

 

Proof of purchase, if you have not pre-registered your product

 

A list of system hardware and software, including revision level

 

Diagnostic error messages

 

Details about recent configuration changes, if applicable

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3Com 5500G-EI, 5500-EI manual Troubleshoot, Online, Access Software, Downloads, Telephone Technical, Support and Repair

5500G-EI, 5500-EI specifications

The 3Com 5500-EI and 5500G-EI series are advanced Ethernet switches designed for enterprise networks, catering to the growing demand for high-performance, secure, and scalable networking solutions. These switches are particularly suited for large organizations that require robust management capabilities and high-density connectivity.

One of the key features of the 5500-EI and 5500G-EI models is their modular architecture, which allows businesses to tailor the switch configuration to their specific needs. With options for various interface modules, including Gigabit Ethernet and PoE (Power over Ethernet), these switches can support diverse networking requirements and facilitate the gradual expansion of the network infrastructure.

The Series offers advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching capabilities. Layer 2 features include VLAN tagging, trunking, and Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) to ensure efficient traffic management and network segmentation. On the Layer 3 front, the switches support static routing, RIP, and OSPF, enabling dynamic routing protocols for better traffic flow and load balancing. These features together enhance the performance and reliability of enterprise applications.

Security is another vital aspect of the 3Com 5500-EI and 5500G-EI series. The switches come equipped with robust security features to protect sensitive data and maintain compliance. These include MAC address filtering, access control lists (ACLs), and support for 802.1X authentication. Additionally, the devices support secure management protocols like SNMP v3, which enhances the security of management communications.

The 5500G-EI model stands out with its high-density port offerings, supporting up to 48 ports in a single switch, with an option for stacking to create a unified management platform across multiple switches. This flexibility allows organizations to leverage their existing infrastructure while scaling seamlessly in response to growing demands.

Another notable characteristic is the built-in IPv6 support, which positions the 3Com 5500-EI and 5500G-EI models favorably for future-proofing enterprise networks as the transition to IPv6 continues. This feature ensures that organizations can maintain connectivity as devices increasingly adopt the newer protocol.

In conclusion, the 3Com 5500-EI and 5500G-EI series offer a comprehensive suite of features and technologies designed for high-performance enterprise networking. With modularity, robust Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities, enhanced security measures, and a focus on scalability, these switches provide a solid foundation for modern corporate networks, accommodating future growth and technological advancements.