146APPENDIX E: 3COM NETWORK MANAGEMENT

3Com Network

3Com Network Director (3ND) is a standalone application that allows you

Director

to carry out key management and administrative tasks on midsized

 

networks. By using 3ND you can discover, map, and monitor all your

 

3Com devices on the network. It simplifies tasks such as backup and

 

restore for 3Com device configurations as well as firmware and agent

 

upgrades. 3ND makes it easy to roll out network-wide configuration

 

changes with its intelligent VLAN configuration tools and the powerful

 

template based configuration tools. Detailed statistical monitoring and

 

historical reporting give you visibility into how your network is

 

performing.

 

To find out more about how 3Com Network Director can help you

 

manage your 3Com network and to download a trial version, go to:

 

www.3com.com/3nd

 

 

3Com Network

3Com Network Access Manager is installed seamlessly into Microsoft

Access Manager

Active Directory and Internet Authentication Service (IAS). It simplifies the

 

task of securing the network perimeter by allowing the administrator to

 

easily control network access directly from the “Users and Computers”

 

console in Microsoft Active Directory. With a single click, a user (or even

 

an entire department) can be moved to a different VLAN, or a computer

 

can be blocked from connecting to the network.

 

3Com Network Access Manager leverages the advanced desktop security

 

capabilities of 3Com switches and wireless access points (using IEEE

 

802.1X or RADA desktop authentication) to control both user and

 

computer access to the network.

 

To find out more about 3Com Network Access Manager, go to:

 

www.3com.com/NAM

Page 146
Image 146
3Com 5500G-EI, 5500-EI manual Director, Access Manager

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.