Gigabit Ethernet: A Command Performance for Network Desktops, Laptops and Servers

Gigabit Ethernet to desktops and servers “future proofs” the network, ensuring that an edge switch can provide the bandwidth that will be required during its lifespan. 1,000 million bits per second (1 Gbps) Ethernet, ten times faster than Fast Ethernet, increases throughput and transmits over copper or fiber links.

In many business networks, Gigabit switching has already been deployed to support SANS and VoIP, streaming video, CAD, and desktop publishing applications, as well as reduce processing latency.

Demand for Gigabit Ethernet is rising:

• Organizations are requiring new IP applications—conferencing, distance learning, remote training—for added productivity
• Network users need faster downloading of large files
• IT staff want faster data backup and reduced traffic congestion
• User laptops and PCs now equipped with Gigabit Ethernet ports increase expectations and feasibility of rapid communication exchanges
• Since the 1998 approval of the Gigabit Ethernet standard (IEEE 802.3z), the average price/port has dropped more than 80 percent
• 3Com now offers Gigabit switch pricing equal to or less than some 10/100 Ethernet switches

There is no “one size fits all” Gigabit solution. 3Com provides powerful Gigabit Ethernet performance in a range of products for different business network needs, including:

Gigabit Ethernet switching for desktops and server links (managed): The 3Com® Switch 4200 family combines wirespeed Layer 2 switching with easy installation, time-saving management, and exceptional ROI. The highly scalable Switch 4200G models offer up to 136 Gbps switching capacity, advanced network security and resiliency, real-time packet prioritization and one or two 10 Gbps slots that enable link aggregation.

Gigabit Ethernet switching for desktops and server links (unmanaged): For small-to-medium businesses, the 3Com OfficeConnect® Unmanaged Switch family, 3Com Baseline Switch family and 3Com Baseline Plus Switch family provide plug-and-play Gigabit Ethernet switches that offer IEEE 802 .1p traffic prioritization and the ultimate ease of use.

Gigabit Ethernet switching for the LAN core or for distribution or server farms: The high-density modular 3Com Switch 8800 and 3Com Switch 7700 families, and the stackable 3Com Switch 5500G family feature advanced Layer 2/3/4 switching, network security, Quality of Service, and port-level traffic management capabilities as well as high resiliency. They can support copper and fiber links and the Switch 8814 offers up to 288 Gigabit Ethernet and 24 10 Gigabit ports.

The impressive manageability of 3Com Gigabit solutions and their support for VLANs, RADIUS authentication, 802.1X access control and PoE are generating rave reviews.

Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS): TippingPoint, a division of 3Com, offers several IPS models that deliver multi-gigabit-per-second throughput. The fastest has a maximum rated throughput of five Gbps, more than double any other IPS.

Wireless Gigabit networking: The 3Com Wireless LAN Controller WX4400 with its four Gigabit uplink ports provides connectivity to as many as 120 Managed Access Points and thousands of wireless users.

Find out more about 3Com Gigabit Ethernet network solutions or call us at 1-800-638-3266.