Twisted Pair (TP) Cables
Cables can be shielded (screened) or unshielded. Cables must be Category 5
or above. 3Com recommends Category 5E or 6 cable for Gigabit
connections. The maximum length you can use is 100 m (328 ft).
Twisted Pair (TP) cable is very easy to use. To connect a TP cable, simply
slot the connector into the relevant RJ-45 Port. When a connector is fully
in, its latch locks into place. To disconnect the cable, push the connector’s
latch in and remove it.
When one end of a TP cable is connected to the Switch and the other end
is connected to the network interface card of a workstation or other
device, the Switch will automatically detect whether a straight-through or
crossover cable is being used and will compensate if required. The units
will then autonegotiate to determine the fastest possible link speed
between them. This may take a few seconds and the outcome will be
reflected in the LEDs on the front of the Switch.
If the equipment connected to the Switch does not support autonegotiation
or it has been disabled, it must be configured to operate in half duplex mode.
Expanding Your Network
You can increase the number of workstations and other devices that can
connect to your network by adding OfficeConnect gateways and switches.
You can connect a 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX or 1000BASE-T OfficeConnect
unit to each port of the Switch.
The Switch has automatic MDI/MDIX functionality, and therefore does not
require the Uplink/Normal switch associated with some OfficeConnect
products. Simply plug in the cable, and the Switch will automatically detect
which wiring practice has been followed, and will compensate accordingly.
Checking Unit Connections
When you have connected all your units, power on the units and the
Switch. The Port Status LEDs for the ports you have used should be lit. If
they are not, check your connections.
3
CONNECTING WORKSTATIONS
Switching
When a network of repeater hubs is in operation, any information that is sent
by the workstation is passed around the whole network (regardless of the
destination of the information). This can result in a lot of unnecessary traffic that
can slow the network down. The Switch solves this problem because it "listens"
to the network and automatically learns what workstations can be reached
through its ports. It can then selectively pass on any information by transmitting
the traffic from the relevant port only. This operation is called "switching".
The Switch effectively divides up your network, localizing the network traffic and
passing on traffic as necessary. If you have any high performance workstations
that require a lot of bandwidth, connect them directly to the Switch.
Traffic Prioritization
The Switch has a built in feature to aid network performance at times of
excessive load. It is called Priority Queuing. When a packet is received, the Switch
will examine it to see if it has been priority encoded. If it has, the Switch will then
read the priority level and determine whether it should be directed through the
normal or high priority channel. This feature can be useful during excessive
loads, for example, when one type of traffic may require priority over another.
Connecting 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T Networks
The ports can each be connected to a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T
network. If you have various connection speeds in your network, you can join
them together using the Switch allowing all your workstations to
communicate. For example, by connecting one of the ports to a server, all the
workstations connected to the server can communicate with devices connected
to the Switch, significantly increasing the size of your network.
Alternatively, if for example you use a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX network and
want to improve network performance by introducing 1000BASE-T technology,
the Switch protects the investment in your existing workstations because it
maintains 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX connections to them.
The Switch has been designed to aid you when detecting and solving possible
problems with your network. These problems are rarely serious; the cause is
usually a disconnected or damaged cable, or incorrect configuration. If this
section does not solve your problem, contact your supplier for information on
what to do next.
Perform these actions first:
• Ensure all network equipment is powered on.
• Power each piece of network equipment off, wait about five seconds and
then power each one on.
CAUTION: Do not power the Switch off and then immediately on. Wait
about five seconds between power cycles.
Check the following symptoms and solutions:
Power Status Logo not lit.
This is probably because the switch does not have power. Check the
following:
• Make sure the power lead from the power adapter is properly connected
and the cord is not damaged.
• Ensure the power adapter is correctly fitted into the power outlet socket
and that the socket switch is turned on if applicable.
• Ensure you are using only the 3Com power adapter supplied with the
switch.
If there is still no power, contact 3Com Technical Support and ask for
assistance
Only use the power adapter supplied with the Switch or a replacement
OfficeConnect power adapter. Do not use any other power adapter.
For reference, the part number for the power adapter supplied for your region is:
3C number Region
3C16760 US and Canada
3C16761 UK
3C16762 Europe and Middle East
3C16763 Australasia (except Japan and Korea)
3C16764 South Africa
3C16766 Japan
3C16767 Korea
Port Status LED not lit for a port that has a TP cable connected. After
connection, it may take several seconds for the Port Status LEDs to illuminate.
The Port Status LED should turn Blue, for each port that is connected.
If the Port Status LED is not lit after several seconds, ensure that the
connected device is powered on, that the TP cable is not damaged and that it
is correctly inserted at both ends.
You may find that a TP cable works when connected to the Switch, but does
not work if disconnected from the Switch and connected to another device.
This may be because the other device does not have the automatic MDI/MDIX
feature.
The Port Status LED is lit but the network performance of the switch
is poor. The switch supports full-duplex autonegotiation. If the connected
device does not support autonegotiation, ensure it is configured for half
duplex operation only.
5
PROBLEM SOLVING
Unit Connections
To connect OfficeConnect units (such as gateways or other switches) to
your Switch you need:
• One suitable Twisted Pair (TP) cable for each unit
3Com recommends Category 5E or 6 cable for Gigabit connections.
Workstation Connections
To connect workstations or other equipment (such as servers) directly to
your Switch, you need:
1 One adapter card for each workstation to be connected to a port on the
Switch. The adapter card must be capable of communicating at the
required connection speed. For example, if you want to use a Gigabit
connection, you must install a 1000BASE-T adapter card.
2 An operating system (for example Netware or Windows
95/98/Me/2000/XP) with network support configured, running on your
workstations.
3 One suitable Twisted Pair cable for each workstation.
2 BEFORE YOU INSTALL YOUR SWITCH
4
HOW YOUR SWITCH CAN BE USED
3
1
2
Figure 3 Workstation connections
When positioning your Switch, ensure:
• It is out of direct sunlight and away from sources of heat.
• Cabling is away from power lines, fluorescent lighting fixtures, and
sources of electrical noise such as radios, transmitters and broadband
amplifiers.
• Water or moisture cannot enter the case of the unit.
• Air flow around the unit and through the vents in the side of the case is
not restricted. 3Com recommends you provide a minimum of 25 mm
(1 in.) clearance.
Using the Rubber Feet
Use the four self-adhesive rubber feet to prevent your Switch from moving
around on your desk, or when stacking with other units. Only stick the feet
to the marked areas at each corner on the underside of your Switch.
Wall Mounting
There are two slots on the underside of the Switch that can be used for wall
mounting. The Switch must be mounted with the LEDs facing upwards.
When wall mounting the unit, ensure it is within reach of the power
outlet
When wall mounting the unit, ensure that the rubber feet are not fixed
Mounting Instructions for Cement Walls
1 Make two holes 124 mm (4.9 in.) apart and insert two nylon or similar
screw anchors that are suitable for the wall construction.
2 Fix two suitable screws into the anchors, leaving their heads 3 mm
(0.12 in.) clear of the wall surface. The screws should be at least 30 mm
(1.2 in.) long,
3 Remove any connections in the Switch and locate it over the screw heads.
When in line, gently push the Switch on to the wall and move it
downwards to secure.
Mounting Instructions for Wood Walls
1 Make two holes 124 mm (4.9 in.) apart.
2 Fix two suitable screws directly into the wall, leaving their heads 3 mm
(0.12 in.) clear of the wall surface. The screws should be at least 20 mm
(0.75 in.) long.
3 Remove any connections in the Switch and locate it over the screw heads.
When in line, gently push the Switch on to the wall and move it
downwards to secure.
CAUTION: When making connections, be careful not to push the
Switch up and off the wall.
1
POSITIONING YOUR SWITCH