Solving Hardware Problems

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Auto-negotiation problems will occur with 10BASE-T or 100BASE-T where auto-negotiation is disabled and incorrect cables are being used (cross-over or straight)

Auto-negotiation problems will occur with fiber if:

The Receiver (RX) and Transceiver (TX) cable connectors are swapped

Fibers are broken

Auto-negotiation differs at either end (a link appears at the ‘fixed’ end and not at the auto-negotiation end)

Solving Hardware

In the rare event of your switch unit experiencing a hardware failure, refer

Problems

to the list of suggested solutions below.

A fan failure warning message is received

Your switch has a fan monitoring system that will generate fan failure warning messages. Fan failure could potentially reduce the lifetime of the switch. The monitoring system polls the fan status at periodic intervals while the unit is powered up.

If one fan has failed in the switch, a warning message will be generated in the following ways:

Unit LED — the seven segment display will show a green flashing ‘f’.

RMON Trap — if configured, an RMON trap is generated and sent to the management workstation.

Command Line Interface — an indication of a general hardware failure is provided through the Top level menu displayed when logging on to the CLI. For more detailed information about the failure select the display logbuffer command.

Web interface — an indication of fan failure is provided through the Device Summary table for the specific unit. In addition all Summary tables turn red to indicate the fan failure.

If a fan failure warning message is generated:

1Power off the unit.

2Check that the air vents are not obstructed.

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3Com 5500-EI Solving Hardware, Problems, To the list of suggested solutions below, Fan failure warning message is received

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.