ABOUT THIS GUIDE

 

This guide describes the 3Com® Switch 8800 and how to install hardware,

 

configure and boot software, and maintain software and hardware. This guide

 

also provides troubleshooting and support information for your switch.

 

This guide is intended for Qualified Service personnel who are responsible for

 

configuring, using, and managing the switches. It assumes a working knowledge

 

of local area network (LAN) operations and familiarity with communication

 

protocols that are used to interconnect LANs.

n

Always download the Release Notes for your product from the 3Com World Wide

Web site and check for the latest updates to software and product

 

documentation:

 

 

http://www.3com.com

 

 

 

Conventions

Table 1 lists icon conventions that are used throughout this guide.

 

Table 1

Notice Icons

 

 

 

 

 

 

Icon

Notice Type

Description

n

c

Information note

Information that describes important features or

 

instructions.

Caution

Information that alerts you to potential loss of data

 

or potential damage to an application, system, or

 

device.

w

Warning

Information that alerts you to potential personal

 

injury.

Table 2 lists text conventions that are used throughout this guide.

Table 2 Text Conventions

Convention

Description

 

 

Screen displays

This typeface represents information as it appears on the

 

screen.

Keyboard key names

If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key

 

names are linked with a plus sign (+), for example:

Press Ctrl+Alt+Del

The words “enter” and “type” When you see the word “enter” in this guide, you must type something, and then press Return or Enter. Do not press Return or Enter when an instruction simply says “type.”

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3Com 8810, 8807, 8814 manual Protocols that are used to interconnect LANs, Text Conventions

8810, 8814, 8807 specifications

The 3Com 8814, 8810, and 8807 are renowned products from the networking giant 3Com, which played a significant role in the evolution of networking technology in the early 1990s. These devices were instrumental during a time when organizations were transitioning from traditional communication systems to more sophisticated networking solutions.

The 3Com 8814 is a multi-port networking hub designed for small to medium-sized businesses. One of its main features includes a 10Base-T Ethernet capability, allowing for fast and reliable connectivity among various devices within a local area network (LAN). The 8814 supports up to 14 connections, providing scalability for growing businesses. The hub’s ease of use is notable; it features a plug-and-play design, which aids in quick setup without requiring extensive configuration. This plug-and-play functionality, alongside its robust physical and electrical performance, made the 8814 an appealing choice for organizations looking to enhance their networking infrastructure without significant investment.

Moving on to the 3Com 8810, this device is labeled as an intelligent network switch and ushered in advancements in network management and performance. A critical element of the 8810 is its ability to support both 10/100Base-T Ethernet connections, effectively allowing mixed-speed environments. Its built-in management features, enabled by 3Com's networking technologies, offered users the ability to monitor traffic flow, manage bandwidth allocation, and configure network settings through a user-friendly interface. This switch also incorporated advanced features like VLAN support, increasing security and segmentation within networks, which proved invaluable for sophisticated networking environments.

Lastly, the 3Com 8807 represents a more versatile and high-performance switch option suited for larger networks. This model features a stackable design that allows for a broader range of scalability and redundancy. It supports both fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet, ensuring that organizations can expand their network speeds as needed. The 8807 includes features for enhanced fault tolerance and link aggregation, which bolsters reliability and performance under heavy traffic loads. Its integration with 3Com's Network Management Software provided administrators with unprecedented control over their networks, empowering them to optimize performance and troubleshoot issues effectively.

Overall, the 3Com 8814, 8810, and 8807 exemplified the company's commitment to innovation in networking technology, providing businesses with the tools necessary to develop efficient, scalable, and reliable network infrastructures. Each of these devices played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of networking, emphasizing ease of use, management capabilities, and performance.