Frequently Asked Questions

3-19

Table 3-3.Frequently Asked Questions (continued)

Question

Answer

 

 

What is DynamicAccess® software?

DynamicAccess software brings intelligence

 

to the end systems to provide improved

 

network performance and control. You can

 

download the latest DynamicAccess

 

software from the 3Com Web site:

 

www.3com.com.

 

 

What is Fast IP?

Fast IP is software that improves

 

performance on switched networks. Fast IP

 

allows end systems (notebooks and servers)

 

to discover switched communication paths.

 

By creating switched short cuts, Fast IP

 

allows end stations to bypass the router

 

and transfer data across wire-speed

 

switched paths. Fast IP is part of 3Com’s

 

DynamicAccess software.

 

 

What are the notebook and

Client requirements:

network requirements to run

Notebook running Windows 95, Windows

Fast IP?

NT (versions 4 or 3.51), 3Com Megahertz

 

 

10/100 LAN CardBus PC Card, and the

 

TCP/IP stack.

 

Network requirements:

 

Switched path between stations and single

 

broadcast domain.

 

 

What are the network configuration

Fast IP is designed to bypass the router,

requirements for Fast IP?

particularly where the router is a

 

bottleneck, as well as to leverage the

 

switched infrastructure. For Fast IP to

 

create short cuts around routers, there

 

must be a switched path between source

 

and destination.

What is the performance gain when using Fast IP?

Fast IP bypasses the router to provide increased performance in switched networks even if there are just a small number of network nodes using Fast IP. The performance gain obtained when deploying Fast IP is directly related to traffic load on the backbone router. The more traffic is pumped to it, the bigger the latency and response time and the higher the performance gain. Internal tests show performance increases in the order of 600% when routers are loaded at 70

to 75%.

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3Com Series 760 manual To discover switched communication paths

Series 760 specifications

The 3Com Series 760 is a high-performance multilayer switch designed for enterprise networks, providing robust features that cater to the demanding requirements of modern IT infrastructure. With a scalable architecture, the 3Com Series 760 is ideal for medium to large enterprises needing to efficiently manage their network traffic while ensuring high availability and reliability.

One of the standout features of the 3Com Series 760 is its multilayer switching capability. It operates at both Layer 2 and Layer 3, allowing for efficient data forwarding based on MAC addresses and IP addresses. This flexibility enables the switch to accommodate a wide range of applications, including voice, video, and data, ensuring optimal performance across varied workloads.

Another significant characteristic of the Series 760 is its advanced Quality of Service (QoS) support. The switch includes features that prioritize network traffic, which is crucial for applications sensitive to delays, such as Voice over IP (VoIP) and video conferencing. The ability to configure priority rules ensures that critical data is transmitted with minimal latency, enhancing overall user experience.

The Series 760 also supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), which allows it to deliver power to connected devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and surveillance cameras through the Ethernet cable. This eliminates the need for additional power sources, simplifying installation and reducing clutter in network environments.

From a security perspective, the 3Com Series 760 offers features such as IEEE 802.1X port-based network access control, which helps to enforce security policies and protect the network from unauthorized access. Enhanced access controls and security protocols ensure that sensitive data remains secure while maintaining compliance with industry standards.

Furthermore, the switch is designed for simplified management and monitoring. It provides a web-based interface and supports SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), allowing IT administrators to monitor network performance and configure settings remotely. This feature streamlines network management tasks, reducing the operational burden on IT teams.

In summary, the 3Com Series 760 is a versatile and powerful multilayer switch that meets the needs of growing enterprises. With its advanced features, including multilayer switching, QoS support, PoE capability, robust security measures, and simplified management tools, it stands out as a reliable choice for organizations looking to enhance their network performance and security in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.