ABOUT THIS GUIDE

This guide describes how to upgrade your NETBuilder® bridge/router to Enterprise OS software version 11.3. This guide also describes how to upgrade your PathBuilder™ S5xx series switch to Enterprise OS software version 11.3.

You can also use this guide to upgrade your NETBuilder bridge/router to previous software versions (8.0 through 11.2) by specifying the correct options.

You can upgrade your bridge/router from software version 8.0 through 11.2 to any software version after 8.0 through 11.3 on the following platforms:

NETBuilder II® bridge/router with DPE

NETBuilder II bridge/router with CEC — The CEC module is not supported after software version 10.1, but you can use the 11.2 utilities to upgrade a CEC module to a DPE module, or to upgrade the CEC module to software version 10.1 or earlier.

SuperStack® II NETBuilder SI bridge/router

SuperStack II NETBuilder Token Ring bridge/router

OfficeConnect® NETBuilder bridge/router

You can upgrade your PathBuilder S5xx series switch to Enterprise OS software version 11.3 from version 11.1.1 and version 11.2.

This guide also describes how to complete an image-only upgrade for patches, new packages, or software recovery. It also describes how to backup and restore software on a network management station.

See the Enterprise OS Software Version 11.3 Release Notes for any changes or additions to the information in this guide.

Conventions

Table 1 and Table 2 list conventions that are used throughout this guide.

 

Table 1

Notice Icons

 

 

 

 

 

 

Icon

Notice Type

Description

 

 

 

 

 

 

Information note

Important features or instructions

 

 

Caution

Information to alert you to potential damage to a

 

 

 

program, system, or device

 

 

Warning

Information to alert you to potential personal injury

 

 

 

 

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3Com ENTERPRISE OS 11.3 manual About this Guide, Conventions, List conventions that are used throughout this guide

ENTERPRISE OS 11.3 specifications

3Com Enterprise OS 11.3 is a robust network operating system designed specifically for enterprise-level applications, offering a comprehensive suite of features and technologies that enhance network performance, reliability, and security. Engineered for the needs of large organizations, this operating system integrates advanced functionalities that ensure efficient management of network resources.

One of the key features of 3Com Enterprise OS 11.3 is its enhanced routing capabilities. It supports dynamic routing protocols like OSPF and RIP, ensuring optimal path selection and efficient use of network bandwidth. This enables seamless communication across multiple network segments, reducing latency and improving overall system responsiveness.

Another significant characteristic of this OS is its powerful network management tools. The built-in management functionalities provide administrators with an intuitive interface to monitor, configure, and troubleshoot network devices in real time. With features like SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) support, network visibility is improved, allowing for efficient performance monitoring and rapid response to potential issues.

Security is a critical focus for 3Com Enterprise OS 11.3, which includes comprehensive measures such as access control lists (ACLs), robust authentication methods, and support for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). These security features safeguard sensitive data and ensure that only authorized users can access network resources, mitigating the risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches.

The operating system is also designed for scalability, accommodating the growing needs of enterprise environments. Its modular architecture allows for the integration of additional features and services without sacrificing performance. This flexibility makes it suitable for both small businesses and large enterprises, adapting to various networking requirements as they evolve.

Furthermore, 3Com Enterprise OS 11.3 facilitates quality of service (QoS) management, which prioritizes critical network traffic. By ensuring that time-sensitive applications receive the bandwidth they need, the OS enhances the performance of voice, video, and data services, which is crucial for maintaining high productivity levels.

In summary, 3Com Enterprise OS 11.3 stands out with its advanced routing capabilities, robust network management tools, enhanced security features, scalability, and QoS management. These characteristics make it an ideal solution for enterprises seeking a reliable and efficient network operating system to support their complex networking needs.