Making the Connection to Another Hub

You can connect a 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, or another 10/100BASE-TX OfficeConnect hub to any port on the Dual Speed Hub 8. Use the following method:

1 Using a straight-through cable, connect the

Uplink/Normal port of the Dual Speed Hub 8 to any of

the ports on the other hub (as shown in Figure 5). If

Figure 5 Correct Connections for OfficeConnect Hubs

OfficeConnect

Dual Speed Hub 8

using an Uplink/Normal port on the other hub, set its

Uplink/Normal switch to Normal (out).

2 Set the Uplink/Normal switch for the Uplink/Normal port

on the Dual Speed Hub 8 to Uplink (in).

Checking Hub Connections

When you have connected all the appropriate workstations and other equipment to the Hub, power on the Hub. For each port with a connection, a Port Status LED should be on. If the port is operating at 100Mbps, the corresponding

OfficeConnect

hub

Switch set to

Uplink (in)

Uplink/Normal

Uplink/Normal

LED in the upper row of Port Status LEDs is on. If the port is operating at 10Mpbs, the corresponding LED in the lower row is on. If neither LED is on, check your connections.

Spot Checks

At frequent intervals, visually check that:

The Alert LED is off — this is the best way to find out if there are problems with your network.

Case vents are not obstructed.

Cabling is secure and not pulled taut.

Twisted pair cable

with RJ-45 connectors.

Maximum length is 100m (328ft)

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3Com manual Making the Connection to Another Hub, Checking Hub Connections, Spot Checks

Hub specifications

3Com Hub: A Cornerstone of Early Networking Technology

The 3Com Hub represents one of the pioneering devices in the realm of computer networking. Developed by 3Com Corporation in the late 1980s, it played a significant role in facilitating communication within local area networks (LANs). As an essential component during the rise of networked computing, the 3Com Hub laid the groundwork for the development of more advanced networking technologies that followed.

One of the main features of the 3Com Hub is its ability to connect multiple devices within a network in a straightforward manner. Operating primarily at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model, the hub allows for the interconnection of computers, printers, and other network devices using twisted-pair Ethernet cables. Typically available in 8, 16, or 24 ports, it offered scalability to organizations as they expanded their networks.

The hub operates using Ethernet technology, which was evolving rapidly at the time. It effectively transmitted data packets by broadcasting signals to all connected devices. While this method is simple and efficient for smaller networks, it also means that bandwidth is shared among all devices. This mechanism could lead to collisions when multiple devices attempted to send data simultaneously, a common limitation during the era of hubs.

In terms of characteristics, the 3Com Hub is a plug-and-play device, meaning it requires no complex configuration. This ease of installation was particularly advantageous for organizations that were just beginning to adopt networking technologies. The hub also supported a variety of Ethernet standards, including 10BASE-T and 100BASE-T, allowing for flexible implementation as network requirements evolved.

3Com hubs were designed with durability in mind, with a robust chassis that could withstand the rigors of office environments. They typically featured LED indicators for power and link status, providing users with immediate feedback about the operation of the network. Although modern networking has moved toward switches and routers that provide greater efficiency and intelligence, the 3Com Hub remains an iconic representation of early networking solutions.

In conclusion, the 3Com Hub played a vital role during the formative years of computer networking, providing the foundation for many of the technologies that dominate today’s networks. While it may seem primitive in the context of advanced networking options available today, its influence on the development of LAN technologies is undeniable. As organizations continue to navigate the evolution of networking, the legacy of the 3Com Hub endures.