32CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE SWITCH

Air flow is not restricted around the switch or through the vents in the side of the switch. 3Com recommends that you provide a minimum of 25 mm (1 in.) clearance.

The air temperature around the switch does not exceed 40 °C (104 °F).

If the switch is installed in a 19-inch rack or closed assembly, its local air temperature may be greater than room ambient temperature.

The air is as free from dust as possible.

The switch is situated away from conductive (electrical) dust sources; laser printers, for example.

 

The unit is installed in a clean, air conditioned environment.

 

The AC supply used by the switch is separate from the AC supply used

 

by units that generate high levels of AC noise; air conditioning units,

 

for example.

 

No more than four switch units are placed on top of one another if

 

the units are free-standing.

 

 

Rack-mounting

The Switch 5500 is 1U high and will fit in most standard 19-inch racks.

 

CAUTION: Disconnect all cables from the switch before continuing.

 

Remove all self adhesive pads from the underside of the switch if they

 

have been fitted.

 

CAUTION: If you use a shelf or support, ensure that it will not obstruct

 

the air flow through the switch’s side panels.

Switch 5500 (non To rack-mount your Switch 5500 (non PoE):

PoE)

1Place the switch the right way up on a hard flat surface with the front facing towards you.

2Place a securing bracket over the mounting holes on one side of the front of the switch, as shown in Figure 15.

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3Com 5500G-EI Rack-mounting, For example, Units are free-standing, Switch 5500 non To rack-mount your Switch 5500 non PoE

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.