36CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE SWITCH

WARNING: When powering any Switch 5500 from an RPS, make sure that the unit is earthed (grounded) by either connecting the power cord to the unit or by connecting the earth terminal on the rear of the unit to a reliable electrical earth (or by connecting both). Ensure that the earth connection is made before connecting the DC supply from the RPS.

3Com switches that support -48V DC RPS inputs, and are PoE enabled, can only be powered by an RPS that complies with the isolation requirements of IEEE-Std 802.3af. Non PoE enabled switches do not have this restriction.

WARNING: Do not use a standard 'positive-earthed' -48V redundant power system suitable for use with telecommunications equipment with the 3Com Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) network switches. In order to meet the IEEE 802.3af (PoE) specification, the -48V output must be isolated from earth (ground) and meet the isolation requirements in that specification.

WARNING: Any RPS must be approved as a SELV output in accordance with IEC 60950-1/UL 60950-1/EN 60950-1.

WARNING: The characteristics of the Switch 5500 DC supply input are provided in Appendix C on page 127.

You can power the Switch 5500 using three methods:

AC Mains only — this does not offer any power redundancy. If the AC mains supply or the AC power supply fails, the switch powers off.

AC Mains and -48V DC (primary supply) — the internal AC supply acts as the backup in the event of a DC power failure.

DC only — the switch does not need an AC supply and the resiliency is provided by the DC supply. This is useful in environments where only DC power is available.

The RPS provides three main benefits:

Power Redundancy — if a switch is powered from the mains supply unit, a failure of the internal power supply causes the switch to fail. You can avoid this by connecting both the AC and DC RPS supplies to the switch. You can also add redundancy to the DC power by using (N+1) DC power supplies to further increase the availability of the system.

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3Com 5500G-EI, 5500-EI manual Installing the Switch

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.