3com® switch 5500 10/100 and 5500g 10/100/1000 …3com5500)_04.pdfthe new 3com® switch 5500 family...

An integral part of a 3Com Secure Converged Network:

• Advanced stackable switches for the enterprise edge

• Highly resilient 3Com® XRN®

Technology stacking architecture,up to eight units high

• Standard and enhanced modelsfor maximum choices

• Highest level of security andconverged network features

ScalabilityAn enterprise-class, high-end 10/100 Layer2/3/4 switch portfolio that is stackable toup to eight units high and provides 384 Fast Ethernet ports, with additionalGigabit ports for stacking or uplinks.

Performance28– and 52–port models deliver switchingcapacity of up to 12.8 and 17.6 Gbps,respectively, with wirespeed, line-rateperformance delivered on all ports.

FlexibilityStandard image (SI) and enhanced image(EI) software give the widest choice ofenterprise switch features at an optimalprice. EI-models offer Layer 3 Open ShortestPath First (OSPF) routing, patented 3Com®

XRN® technology, and IEEE 802.3af Powerover Ethernet (PoE)—for advanced supportof today’s converged networks.

Network-Level AvailabilityXRN (eXpandable Resilient Networking)technology is a 3Com innovation that enablesmultiple interconnected and stackable Layer 3switches to behave as a single managemententity.

Automated stack and fabric setup delivershigh resiliency and continuous availabilitywithout adding to network complexity.Once configured, all switches actively sharenetwork loads and routing intelligence andsupport ultra-fast failover recovery for lostor disconnected switches.

Multilayered SecurityThese advanced enterprise switches integratedistributed security enforcement andcentralized network management features.Access Control Lists (ACLs) help safeguardaccess to key network resources from unauthorized access and data corruption.User-based authentication and DES 56-bitencryption help secure Layer 3 protocols andmanagement controls, such as SSH and SNMP.IEEE 802.1X RADIUS Network Login andRADIUS Authenticated Device Access (RADA)enforce access control at the network’s edge.

Priority for Converged and Business-Critical TrafficNext-generation features—advanced,policy-based Class of Service/Quality ofService (CoS/QoS), eight priority queues,committed access rates, bandwidth limitingand filtering, and more—identify andprioritize time-sensitive traffic, includingvoice over IP (VoIP). For assured privacy,switches can be configured to isolate 3ComNBX® and other-vendor VoIP traffic througha voice-dedicated virtual LAN (VLAN).

Unique AC-/DC-Powered OperationSupport for AC- and direct DC-poweredoperation leverages your existing powerschemes in data centers and switchinginfrastructures. The state-of-the-artRedundant Power System (RPS) isdesigned to work with the 3Com Switch5500. This RPS can provide supplementalN+1 power across all PoE ports in theswitch, provisioning up to 384 ports witha full 15.4W.

Future-Proof InvestmentStandards-based switching—includingIPv6 traffic filtering and classification—cabling support, and management featuresprovide a networking solution thatmaximizes existing IT investment andsupports emerging standards.

Powerful, Unified ManagementSwitches are powered by the 3Com OperatingSystem, the same proven software sharedacross our premium enterprise productsincluding the 3Com Switch 8800 and 7700modular families. This consolidates administrative control over the entireswitching infrastructure when using 3Commanagement application software such as3Com Enterprise Management Suite and3Com Network Director.

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3Com® Switch 5500 10/100 Family

Key Benefits

DATA SHEET

The new 3Com® Switch 5500 family ofstackable switches offer the ideal network-edge solution for delivering premium levelsof performance, security, and reliability.Their robust features enable the enterprisenetwork to become more future-proof,resilient, standards-based, secure, andconverged than ever before.

These workgroup switches run on the 3ComOperating System, an operating system thatis shared across our premium enterpriseofferings—including the 3Com Switch 8800and 7700, and 3Com enterprise routers. Thisallows the management of an entire distributedswitching and routing infrastructure from asingle CLI or SNMP management platformsuch as 3Com Enterprise Management Suiteor 3Com Network Director. The end result isa more unified network environment andimproved edge-to-core visibility and control.

The 3Com Switch 5500 family includes next-generation Layer 2/3/4, Fast Ethernetswitches that are ideal for the most demandingwiring-closet applications. They offer flexibleand scalable connectivity for a heterogeneousmix of data, voice, video, and other business-critical services and are particularly suitedfor building highly available and resilientarchitectures. These Switch 5500 modelscome with 24 or 48 10/100 ports plus fouractive SFP-based Gigabit ports.

Standard-image (SI) and enhanced-image (EI)software models provide for the best fit forperformance and budget requirements. The3Com Switch 5500-SI supports robust, resilientstacking up to eight units high. The stack isconnected via the built-in SFP-based Gigabitports that provide plug-and-play hardwaredetection and automated configuration.

3Com Switch 5500-EI enhanced modelssupport our innovative 3Com XRN stackingtechnology, which allows the creation of an eight-unit stack that offers even betteravailability and resiliency over traditionalaggregated-trunk configurations. The entirestack can be managed as a single-IP manage-ment entity, even if individual units aregeographically distributed up to 70 km(43.5 mi) apart. All switch units are active,eliminating the wasted bandwidth and costof a passive “standby” unit. There is nomaster/slave relationship among the units.Instead, all switch units share routing tableinformation dynamically. Should a connectionfail or unit become disconnected, withinseconds, traffic loads are automaticallyredistributed among the remaining activesystems.

Also available as an EI model in the Switch5500 family is a 100BASE-FX switch ideallysuited to applications where security is ofparticular concern or where long cable runsare required. Fiber optic cabling is almostimpossible on which to eavesdrop and thusis ideal for high security environments. The Switch 5500-EI FX 28-Port uses100BASE-X SFP pluggable transceivers for its 24 connections at 100Mbps, providingthe flexibility of running any mix of100BASE-FX multimode fiber (up to 2 km or 1.2-mi) or 100BASE-LX10 single-modefiber (up to 10 km or 6.2 mi). The Switch5500 FX supports all the advanced 5500-EIfamily features such as Layer 2/3/4 switchingand XRN stacking.

Advanced QoS features, including application-aware traffic controls and filtering, optimizenetwork bandwidth for lag-sensitive voiceand video transmissions. Centrally controlledsecurity features enable the enforcement of data security across the network,protecting users and devices from unauthorizedaccess and corruption. Advanced Layer 3routing, such as OSPF, PIM-SM and PIM-DM(EI-models only), and RIP v1/v2, help optimizenetwork performance and system response.

3Com Switch 5500 products are the firststackable workgroup switches to supportmultiple power schemes right out of thebox—AC, AC and DC, or DC operation.Specific EI models also support IEEE 802.3afPower over Ethernet, enabling power to bepushed to the edge of the network withouthaving to install additional electrical wiringor upgrade existing power supplies.

3COM® SWITCH 5500 10/100 FAMILY DATA SHEET

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Service and Support3Com products are backed by 3ComGlobal Services and authorizedpartners with demonstratedexpertise in network assessment,implementation and maintenance.These services fill resource gaps andhelp manage enterprise supportrequirements.

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Sample configuration supported by the Switch 8800 Family

Floor 1234

3Com Switch 7700

Server

farm

SuperStack 3

Switch 4924

XRN Distributed Fabric

3Com1000BASE-T

Server NICs

3Com Switch 8800

10G

10G

10G

10G

10G

10G

432

Floor 1

3Com Switch 7700

Headquarters

Satellite Building B

Satellite Building A

3Com® Switch 5500 stacks

3CR17162-91 SuperStack 4 Switch 5500-EI 52-Port










3Com Switch 5500 stacks











3Com Switch 8800s in the core of an enterprise network,

with 10G Ethernet links to Switch 7700s in the satellite

buildings, where Switch 5500s distribute connectivity to

desktops.


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Features

PERFORMANCE

Switching capacity, maximum 52-port models: 17.6 Gbps; 28-port models: 12.8 Gbps

Forwarding rate, maximum 52-port models, 13.1 Mpps; 28-port models, 9.5 Mpps

Wirespeed performance across all ports within stack or fabric

Store-and-forward switching; latency <10 µs

Stacking bandwidth 2 Gbps full-duplex resilient stacking

LAYER 2 SWITCHING

MAC address 16K MAC addresses

Static MAC addresses: 256 (EI models); 64 (SI models)

Jumbo Frame support (EI models only)

VLAN IEEE 802.1Q VLANs: 4,094 (EI models); 256 (SI models)

IEEE 802.1Q Port-based VLANS

Link aggregation IEEE 802.3ad Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP)

Manual aggregation, aggregation across units

Trunk groups: 26 groups (52-port); 14 groups (28-port)

8 10/100 ports or 4 SFP ports per group

Auto-negotiation Auto-negotiation of port speed and duplex

Traffic control IEEE 802.3x full-duplex flow control

Back pressure flow control for half-duplex

Spanning Tree/Rapid Spanning Tree IEEE 802.1D Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)

IEEE 802.1w Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP)

BPDU (Bridge Protocol Data Unit) protection included in Fast Start

Multicast snooping Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) v1 and v2 snoopingIGMP QuerierFiltering for 256 multicast groups

LAYER 3 SWITCHING

Routes Hardware-based routing

Static routes: 256 (EI models); 64 (SI models)

Dynamic / static ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) entries : 4K / 1K (EI models); 2K / 256 (SI models)

IP routing IP interfaces: 8 (EI models); 4 (SI models)

RIP (Routing Information Protocol), v1 and v2: 2K routes (EI models); 1K routes (SI models)

OSPF (EI models only):

• Two areas with four virtual interfaces per area

• Two neighbors per virtual interface

• Two virtual links

Multicast Routing IGMP v1 and v2 snooping

PIM-DM (Protocol Independent Multicast-Dense Mode) (EI models only)

PIM-SM (Protocol Independent Multicast-Sparse Mode) (EI models only)

Network protocol DHCP Relay (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol Relay): 4 KB max (EI models); 2 KB max (SI models)

Resilience 3Com XRN® Technology (EI models only):

• Resilient stacking and fabric links up to 70 km (43.5 mi)

• Distributed Link Aggregations, hot-swappable switch units, high-speed trunks up to 2 Gbps

• Distributed Resilient Routing, optimized Layer 3 routing, one routing table per switch

STACKING

Stacking Eight units, or 384 Fast Ethernet ports

Single IP address and management interfaces for stack-wide control

Hot-swappable, resilient stacking

Distributed stacking over standard media with links up to 70 km (43.5 mi)

3Com XRN Stacking Technology of up to eight units high (EI models only)

Distributed Resilient Routing (EI models only) with router tables in all units; no master/slave arrangement

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Features, continued

CONVERGENCE

Priority queues Eight hardware queues per port

Traffic prioritization IEEE 802.1p Class of Service/Quality of Service (CoS/QoS) on ingress and egress

Remarking of packets based on priority:

• Type of Service (ToS)

• IEEE 802.1p CoS

• IP precedence

• Local precedence: physical port, source/destination MAC address, VLAN information, Ethertype, source/destination IP address and port, source/destination TCP/UDP port

Bandwidth management Webcache redirection helps eliminate redundant WAN traffic (EI models only)

Time-based Access Control Lists (ACLs) (EI models only)

Queue handling Weighted Round Robin

Weighted Fair Queuing

Strict Priority Queuing

Traffic shaping Egress rate limiting, port-basedApplication and protocol blocking

SECURITY

Network login IEEE 802.1X user authentication:

• RADIUS authentication

• Multiple users per port by locking to the MAC address

• Automatic port assignment of VLANs and QoS profile based on user

• Guest VLAN option

• Multiple RADIUS server realm definitions

RADIUS Authenticated Device Access (RADA) (EI models only):

• Authenticate devices based on MAC address against RADIUS server

• Authenticate multiple devices per port

• Automatic assignment of VLANs and QoS to a port specific to the devices attached

PAP, CHAP, EAPoL (EAP over LAN) authentication, for multiple users per port and 1,024 users per fabric

Disconnect Unknown Device (DUD)

Packet filtering Wirespeed packet filtering in hardware

Layer 2/3/4 ACL filters: source/destination MAC address, source and/or destination MAC address, 16-bit Ethertype, source IP address, destination IP Address, TCP source port, TCP destination port, UDP source port, UDP destination port

Switch protocol security MD5 cipher-text authentication and clear-text authentication for OSPF v2 and RIP v2 packets and SNMP v3 traffic

Trusted MAC and IP address

Concurrent sessions; four access-privilege levels

Switch management IEEE 802.1X user authentication

Encrypted management traffic, accessible via Secure Shell (SSH v1.5) or SNMP v3 interface

Management activity logs recorded and forwarded to central syslog server for detailed analysis

Administrative password recovery

MANAGEMENT

System configuration and management CLI (Command Line Interface) via the console (control console) port or Telnet

Embedded web management interface

System configuration with SNMP v1, 2, and 3

RMON (Remote Monitoring) groups: statistics, history, alarm, and events

ACL/QoS statistics

Comprehensive IP interface statistics and rates

Syslog

Supports multiple software images and bank swap

Configuration migration tool; aids in migration of configuration data from SuperStack 3 Switch 3300, 4200, and 4400 to Switch 5500

Traffic redirection 1-to-1 port mirroring

Ability to apply QoS profile to mirror port, forwarding only certain traffic types and preventing over-subscription of copy port

Many-to-1 port mirroring (EI models only)

VLAN-to-1 port mirroring (EI models only)


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OPTIONAL SERVICE AND SUPPORT

Network Health Check An activity-auditing service focused on improving network performance and productivity

Includes traffic monitoring, utilization analysis, problem identification, and asset deployment recommendations

Extensive report provides blueprint for action

Network Design Includes review of business plan, extensive inventory of requirements, and complete design document specifying implementation details

Network Installation Experts set up and configure equipment and integrate technologies to maximize functionality and minimize business disruption

Service may include physical site survey, network design, and engineering based on evaluation of business objectives

Project Management Provides extra focus and resources that special projects demand

3Com personnel manage entire process from initial specifications to post-project review

Using structured methodology, requirements are identified, projects planned, and progress of implementation activities tracked

3Com GuardianSM Maintenance Service Provides comprehensive onsite support, including advance hardware replacement, telephone technical support, and software upgrades:

• Telephone support backed by powerful call-tracking database and replication laboratory

• Software upgrades ensure access to pertinent patches

3Com ExpressSM Maintenance Service Benefits customers who prefer to maintain own hardware

Bolsters in-house resources with convenient and speedy access to 3Com hardware replacements, software upgrades, and telephone support

MANAGEMENT, continued

System maintenance Detailed alarm/debug information

Supports ping and traceroute

Backup and restore of software image

Network debugging tools: DHCP tracker, UDP Helper

Multiple configuration file support

System file transfer mechanisms Xmodem

FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol)

Graphical management 3Com management applications:

• 3Com Network Director for comprehensive, turn-key network management for the enterprise.

• 3Com Network Supervisor for basic, turnkey network management for small and medium businesses

• 3Com Enterprise Management Suite for flexible, extensible management in advanced enterprise IT environments

POWER

Mode support AC only, AC and DC, and DC only operation

Built-in DC power stage for direct connection to -48 V supply

Power over Ethernet (PoE) IEEE 802.af PoE pass-through

DC power injection into Category 5 or 5e LAN wiring (EI PWR models only)

Redundant Power System (RPS) Available standards-based DC RPS from leading provider of integrated power systems

Provides supplemental DC power injection for 48-port, PoE-compatible models

Features, continued

All information in this section is relevant to allmembers of the 3Com Switch 5500 10/100 family,unless otherwise stated.

Connectors24 or 48 auto-negotiating 10BASE-T/100BASE-TXports configured as auto MDI/MDIX; 4 Gigabit SFPports

24 or 48 auto-negotiating in-line power 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX ports configured as auto MDI/MDIX; 4 Gigabit SFP ports (PWR models only)

24 SFP ports, to be populated with 100BASE-X SFPtransceivers with multi- or single-mode connectors; 2Gigabit SFP ports; 2 auto-negotiating 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T ports configured as autoMDI/MDIX (28-port FX only)

Redundant power supply (-48 VDC) connector

RJ-45 console port

SecurityRADIUS authentication

RADIUS session accounting

SSH v1.5

IEEE 802.1X network login

Access Control Lists (ACL)

Packet filtering

SNMP v3 encryption

StackingUp to 384 10/100 front panel ports

Stack Switch 5500 EI models only with other like units using XRN Technology via SFP ports.

Stack Switch 5500 SI models only with other like units using ‘master/slave’ via SFP ports.

Performance28-port12.8 Gbps switching capacity, maximum

9.5 Mpps forwarding rate, maximum

16,000 MAC addresses supported

52-port17.6 Gbps switching capacity, maximum

13.1 Mpps forwarding rate, maximum


Reliability(MTBF @ 25˚C)

28-port: 53 years (464,000 hours)

28-port PWR: 30 years (263,000 hours)



28-port FX: 38 years (184,000 hours)

DimensionsHeight: 43.6 mm (1.7 in or 1U)

Width: 440 mm (17.3 in)

Depth: Non-PWR models: 270 mm (10.6 in)PWR models: 427 mm (16.8 in or 1U)

Weight:Non-PWR models: 3.3 kg (7.3 lb)PWR models: 6.3 kg (13.9 lb)

Power SupplyAC Line Frequency 50/60 Hz

Input Voltage 90-240 VAC

Current Rating: 1.0A maximum

Environmental RequirementsOperating temperature: 0° to 40°C (32° to 104°F)

Storage temperature: -10° to 70°C (14° to 158°F)

Humidity (operating and storage): 10% to 95% non-condensing

Standard: EN 60068 (IEC 68)

Industry Standards SupportedIEEE 802.1D (STP)

IEEE 802.1p (CoS)

IEEE 802.1Q (VLANs)

IEEE 802.1w (RSTP)

IEEE 802.1X (Security)

IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet)

IEEE 802.3ad (Link Aggregation)

IEEE 802.3ab (1000BASE-T)

IEEE 802.3af (Power over Ethernet)

IEEE 802.3i (10BASE-T)

IEEE 802.3u (Fast Ethernet)

IEEE 802.3x (Flow Control)

IEEE 802.3z (Gigabit Ethernet)

IETF StandardsManagement, including MIBs SupportedRFC 1213/2233 (MIB II)

RFC 1253 (OSPF Version 2 MIB) (EI models only)

RFC 1724 (RIP Version 2 MIB Extension)

RFC 1907 (SNMP v2c, SMI v2 and Revised MIB-II)

RFC 2021 (RMON II Probe Config MIB)

RFC 2233 (Interfaces MIB)

RFC 2571 (FrameWork)

RFC 2571-2575 (SNMP)

RFC 2613 (Remote Network Monitoring MIB Extensions)

RFC 2665 (Pause control)

RFC 2668 (IEEE 802.3 MAU MIB)

RFC 2674 (VLAN MIB Extension)

RFC 2819 (RMON MIB)

Emissions / Agency ApprovalsCISPR 22 Class A

FCC Part 15 Class A

EN 55022 1998 Class A

ICES-003 Class A

VCCI Class A

EN 61000-3-2 2000, 61000-3-3

ImmunityEN 55024

Safety Agency CertificationsUL 60950

IEC 60950-1

EN 60950-1

CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60950-1-03

ManagementSNMP and Telnet support

Multiple agents with single management entry point

RMON-1, SMON

RMON Groups: Statistics, History, Alarms and Events

Statistics gathering and reporting

Command line interface

Management through 3Com management applications

- 3Com Network Supervisor

- 3Com Network Director

- 3Com Enterprise Management Suite

WarrantyLimited Lifetime Hardware Warranty, except for fansand power supply, which is 5 Year Limited. LimitedSoftware Warranty for ninety (90) days. Seewww.3com.com/warranty for details.

Other Benefits90 days of telephone technical support. Limited soft-ware updates.

See www.3com.com/warranty for more detail.

Register products at http://eSupport.3com.com.

ServiceAmericas: www.3com.com/products/en_US/global_services

International:http://emea.3com.com/globalservices

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Specifications

http://emea.3com.com/globalservices

www.3com.com/products/en_US/global_services

http://eSupport.3com.com

www.3com.com/warranty

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 3COM SKU

3Com Switch 5500-SI 28-Port 3CR17151-9124 10/100 ports, 4 active Gigabit SFP ports

3Com Switch 5500-SI 52-Port 3CR17152-9148 10/100 ports, 4 active Gigabit SFP ports

3Com Switch 5500-EI 28-Port 3CR17161-9124 10/100 ports, 4 active Gigabit SFP ports; 3Com XRN Technology

3Com Switch 5500-EI 52-Port 3CR17162-9148 10/100 ports, 4 active Gigabit SFP ports; 3Com XRN Technology

3Com Switch 5500-EI PWR 28-Port 3CR17171-9124 10/100 ports, 4 active Gigabit SFP ports; 3Com XRN Technology; Power over Ethernet

3Com Switch 5500-EI PWR 52-Port 3CR17172-9148 10/100 ports, 4 active Gigabit SFP ports; 3Com XRN Technology; Power over Ethernet

3Com Switch 5500-EI 28-Port FX 3CR17181-9124 100BASE-X SFP ports, 2 active Gigabit SFP ports, 2 10/100/1000 ports; 3Com XRN Technology

Transceivers

3Com 1000BASE-SX SFP 3CSFP91

3Com 1000BASE-LX SFP 3CSFP92

3Com 1000BASE-T SFP 3CSFP93

3Com 1000BASE-LH SFP 3CSFP97

3Com 100BASE-FX SFP† 3CSFP81

3Com 100BASE-LX SFP† 3CSFP82

Redundant Power System Components‡

Powerware RPS Rackmount 3 Rectifier System with Load Distribution APS3-058

Powerware RPS Rackmount 3 Rectifier System with Load and Battery Distribution APS3-059

Powerware RPS Desktop 3 Rectifier System with Load Distribution APS3-060

Powerware RPS Desktop 3 Rectifier System with Load and Battery Distribution APS3-061



Powerware RPS 1,500W Rectifier APR48

Powerware RPS 720W Rectifier APU48† Only for use with Switch 5500-EI 28-Port FX, 3CR17181-91.‡ Available from authorized Powerware resellers. See www.3com.com/rps for details.

3Com Corporation, Corporate Headquarters, 350 Campus Drive, Marlborough, MA 01752-3064

To learn more about 3Com solutions, visit www.3com.com. 3Com is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol COMS.

Copyright © 2005 3Com Corporation. All rights reserved. 3Com, the 3Com logo, and XRN are registered trademarks, andGuardian and Express are service marks, of 3Com Corporation. All other company and product names may be trademarks oftheir respective companies. While every effort is made to ensure the information given is accurate, 3Com does not accept liabilityfor any errors or mistakes which may arise. All specifications are subject to change without notice. 400907-004 11/05


Ordering Information

Redundant Power System

3Com has tested and qualified a Redundant Power System (RPS) solution designed for the 3Com Switch 5500 by Eaton Powerware Corporation,a leading global provider of power quality and management solutions.

The Powerware DC RPS systems come in either 3RU or 6RU form-factors, delivering up to 9,000W of DC power to a stack of Switch 5500 units.The 3RU unit can house up to three hot-swappable rectifiers supplying up to 4,500W of power, and supports up to eight separately-fused DCoutputs, while the 6RU unit can house up to six hot-swappable rectifiers provisioning a total of 9,000W.

The RPS supports SNMP management, including MIB II, which is easily accessible through the built-in RJ-45 or serial port. It is fully compatiblewith the IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet standard, providing supplemental power for the 3Com Switch 5500-EI PWR. With this RPS, all 38410/100 ports on a stack of eight Switch 5500-EI PWR 52-Port units can receive the industry standard 15.4W of power per port, with N+1 powerredundancy.

The RPS ships with the power input fully configured and can be connected to a UPS with battery backup. For more details, please refer towww.3com.com/rps.

www.3com.com/rps

ScalabilityAn enterprise-class, high-end 10/100/1000Layer 2/3/4 switch portfolio that is stackableto up to eight units high. With an optional8-Port SFP Gigabit module in each unit, totalstack port density possible is 448 Gigabitports, the industry's highest in a comparablespace. Also available are 1- and 2-port10-Gigabit Ethernet (10 Gbps) modulesfor links to the network core.

Performance24– and 48–port models deliver switchingcapacity of up to 184 and 232 Gbps,respectively, with wirespeed, line-rateperformance delivered on all ports.

FlexibilityApplication module slot designed to enableswitch capabilities to grow with the needs ofthe network environment. Layer 3 OpenShortest Path First (OSPF) routing, patented3Com® XRN® (eXpandable ResilientNetworking) technology, and Power overEthernet (PoE) provide advanced supportof today’s converged networks. Customer-swappable and upgradeable power supplyunit (PSU) enables non-PoE switches tosupply IEEE 802.3af-compliant power.

Network-Level AvailabilityXRN technology, a 3Com innovation, enablesmultiple interconnected and stackable Layer 3switches to behave as a single logical entity fordistributed switching and management.

Automated stack and fabric setup delivershigh resiliency and continuous availabilitywithout adding to network complexity.Once configured, all switches actively sharenetwork loads and routing intelligence andsupport ultra-fast failover recovery for lostor disconnected switches and links.

Multilayered SecurityThese advanced enterprise switches integratedistributed security enforcement andcentralized network management features.Access Control Lists (ACLs) help safeguardaccess to key network resources from unauthorized access and data corruption.User-based authentication and DES / 3DES

encryption help secure Layer 3 protocolsand management controls, such as SSH andSNMP. IEEE 802.1X RADIUS NetworkLogin and RADIUS Authenticated DeviceAccess (RADA) enforce access control atthe network’s edge.

Priority for Converged and Business-Critical TrafficNext-generation features—advanced,policy-based Class of Service/Quality ofService (CoS/QoS), eight priority queues,committed access rates, bandwidth limitingand filtering, and more—identify andprioritize time-sensitive traffic, includingvoice over IP (VoIP). For assured privacy,switches can be configured to automaticallyisolate 3Com VCX™ IP Telephony and other-vendor VoIP traffic through a voice-dedicatedvirtual LAN (VLAN).

Unique AC-/DC-Powered OperationSupport for AC- and direct DC-powered operation leverages existing power schemesin data centers and switching infrastructures.

The state-of-the-art Redundant PowerSystem (RPS) is designed to work with the3Com Switch 5500. This RPS solution willalso provide supplemental N+1 power acrossall PoE ports in the switch, provisioningup to 384 ports with a full 15.4 W.

Future-Proof InvestmentStandards-based switching (including IPv6traffic filtering and classification), a flexibleuplink / module slot, and advancedmanagement features provide a networkingsolution that maximizes existing investmentand supports emerging standards.

Powerful, Unified ManagementSwitches are powered by the 3Com OperatingSystem, the same proven software sharedacross our premium enterprise productsincluding the 3Com Switch 8800 and 7700modular families. This consolidates administrative control over the entireswitching infrastructure when using 3Commanagement application software such as3Com Enterprise Management Suite and3Com Network Director.

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An integral part of a 3Com Secure Converged Network:

• Advanced stackable 10/100/1000switches for the enterprise edge

• Highly resilient 3Com® XRN®

Technology stacking architecture,up to eight units high

• Module slot for 10-Gigabit andGigabit connectivity

• Highest level of security andconverged network features

3Com® Switch 5500G 10/100/1000 Family

Key Benefits

DATA SHEET

The new 3Com Switch 5500 family ofstackable switches offer the ideal network-edge solution for delivering premium levelsof performance, security, and reliability.Their comprehensive standards-basedfeatures help create a future-proofEnterprise network that provides moreresiliency, security, and convergence.

These workgroup switches run on the 3ComOperating System, an operating system thatis shared across our premium enterpriseofferings—including the 3Com Switch 8800and 7700, and 3Com enterprise routers. Thisallows the management of an entire distributedswitching and routing infrastructure from asingle CLI or SNMP management platformsuch as 3Com Enterprise Management Suiteor 3Com Network Director. The end result isa more unified network environment andimproved edge-to-core visibility and control.

The 3Com Switch 5500 family includes next-generation Layer 2/3/4, Gigabit Ethernetswitches that are ideal for the most demandingwiring-closet applications. They offer flexibleand scalable connectivity for a heterogeneousmix of data, voice, video, and other business-critical services and are particularly suitedfor building highly available and resilientarchitectures. Four different Switch 5500Gmodels come with 24 or 48 10/100/1000ports, four ports of which are dual-purposedwith four SFP-based Gigabit ports. A fifth,SFP-based, model offers 24 SFP-based Gigabitports, four of which are dual-purposed withfour 10/100/1000 ports.

3Com Switch 5500G-EI models support ourinnovative 3Com XRN stacking technology,which allows the creation of an eight-unitstack that offers even better availability andresiliency over traditional aggregated-trunkconfigurations. The entire stack can bemanaged as a single-IP management entity,with 96 Gbps of full-duplex stacking stackingbandwidth. All switch units are active,eliminating the wasted bandwidth and costof a passive “standby” unit. There is nomaster/slave relationship among the units.Instead, all switch units share routing tableinformation dynamically. Should a connectionfail or unit become disconnected, withinseconds, traffic loads are automaticallyredistributed among the remaining activesystems.

Advanced QoS features, including application-aware traffic controls and filtering, optimizenetwork bandwidth for latency-sensitive voiceand video transmissions. Centrally controlledsecurity features enable the enforcement ofdata security across the network, protectingusers and devices from unauthorized accessand corruption. Advanced Layer 3 routing,such as OSPF, PIM-SM and PIM-DM, and RIPv1/v2, help optimize network performanceand system response.

3Com Switch 5500 products are the firststackable workgroup switches to supportmultiple power schemes right out of thebox—AC, AC and DC, or DC operation.Specific EI models also support IEEE 802.3afPower over Ethernet, enabling power to bepushed to the edge of the network for supportof IP telephones, wireless access points, andother PoE devices.

Field-replaceable power supplies in Switch5500G models allow for easy upgrade of non-PoE models to power provisioning capabilitiesof PoE models.

3COM® SWITCH 5500G 10/100/1000 FAMILY DATA SHEET

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Service and Support3Com products are backed by 3ComGlobal Services and authorizedpartners with demonstratedexpertise in network assessment,implementation and maintenance.These services fill resource gaps andhelp manage enterprise supportrequirements.

Redundant Power System

3Com has tested and qualified a Redundant Power System (RPS) solution designed for the 3Com Switch 5500 by Eaton Powerware Corporation,a leading global provider of power quality and management solutions.

The Powerware DC RPS systems come in either 3RU or 6RU form-factors, delivering up to 9,000 W of DC power to a stack of Switch 5500 units.The 3RU unit can house up to three hot-swappable rectifiers supplying up to 4,500 W of power, and supports up to eight separately-fused DCoutputs, while the 6RU unit can house up to six hot-swappable rectifiers provisioning a total of 9,000 W.

The RPS supports SNMP management, including MIB II, which is easily accessible through the built-in RJ-45 or serial port. It is fully compatiblewith the IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet standard, providing supplemental power for the 3Com Switch 5500G-EI PWR. With this RPS, all 38410/100/1000 ports on a stack of eight Switch 5500G-EI PWR 48-Port units can receive the industry standard 15.4 W of power per port, with N+1power redundancy.

The RPS ships with the power input fully configured and can be connected to a UPS with battery backup. For more details, please refer towww.3com.com/rps.

www.3com.com/rps

Floor 1234

3Com Switch 7700

Server

farm



XRN® Distributed Fabric

3Com1000BASE-T

Server NICs

3Com Switch 8800

10G

10G

10G

10G

10G

10G

3Com Switch 5500G

Floor 1

32

4

3Com Switch 7700

Headquarters

Satellite Building B

Satellite Building A

3Com® Switch 5500 stacks











3Com Switch 5500G stacks











3Com Switch 5500s provide secure, resilient 10/100 and

Gigabit desktop access to converged network services,

connecting with 3Com Switch 7700 distribution switches

and Switch 8800s in the Enterprise core.

XRN Technology offers additional

environmental resilience by allowing

Switch 5500Gs in the Distributed

Fabric to be separated in totally

different racks up to 5m (16.4 ft) apart.

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4

Features

PERFORMANCE

Switching capacity, maximum 48-port models: 232.0 Gbps; 24-port models: 184.0 Gbps

Forwarding rate, maximum 48-port models, 172.6 Mpps; 24-port models, 136.9 Mpps

Wirespeed performance across all ports within stack or fabric

Store-and-forward switching; latency <10 µs

Stacking bandwidth 96 Gbps full-duplex resilient stacking

LAYER 2 SWITCHING

MAC address 16K MAC addresses

1K static MAC addresses

9K jumbo frame support

VLAN IEEE 802.1Q VLANs: 4,094

IEEE 802.1Q Port-based VLANS

Automatic voice VLAN for VoIP traffic

Distributed Link aggregation IEEE 802.3ad Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP)

Manual aggregation, aggregation across units

32 trunk groups

8 10/100/1000 or 4 10-Gigabit ports per group

Auto-negotiation Auto-negotiation of port speed and duplex

Traffic control IEEE 802.3x full-duplex flow control

Back pressure flow control for half-duplex

Spanning Tree/Rapid Spanning Tree IEEE 802.1D Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)

IEEE 802.1w Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP)

Spanning Tree Root Guard

Bridge Protocol Data Unit (BPDU) protection included in Fast Start

Multicast snooping Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) v1 and v2 snoopingIGMP QuerierFiltering for 256 multicast groups

LAYER 3 SWITCHING

Routes Hardware-based routing

100 static routes

8K / 1K dynamic / static Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) entries

IP routing 64 IP interfaces

Routing Information Protocol (RIP), v1 and v2: 2K routes

Open Shortest Path First (OSPF):

• Eight areas with eight virtual interfaces per area

• 40 neighbors per virtual interface

• Eight virtual links

Multicast Routing Equal Cost Multipath Protocol (ECMP); up to three ECMP instances

IGMP v1 and v2 snooping

Protocol Independent Multicast-Dense Mode (PIM-DM)

Protocol Independent Multicast-Sparse Mode (PIM-SM)

Network protocol Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Relay: 8 KB max

Resilience 3Com XRN® Technology:

• Resilient stacking and fabric links

• Distributed Link Aggregations, hot-swappable switch units, high-speed trunks up to 40 Gbps

• Distributed Resilient Routing, optimized Layer 3 routing, one routing table per switch

STACKING

Stacking Eight units, or up to 448 10/100/1000 ports

Single IP address and management interfaces for stack-wide control

Hot-swappable, resilient stacking with 96 Gbps of stacking bandwidth

3Com XRN Stacking Technology of up to eight units high

Distributed Resilient Routing with router tables in all units; no master/slave arrangement

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Features, continued

CONVERGENCE

Priority queues Eight hardware queues per port

Traffic prioritization IEEE 802.1p Class of Service/Quality of Service (CoS/QoS) on ingress and egress

Remarking of packets based on priority:

• Type of Service (ToS)

• IEEE 802.1p CoS

• IP precedence

• DiffServ Code Point (DSCP)

• Local precedence: physical port, source/destination MAC address, VLAN information, Ethertype, source/destination IP address and port, source/destination TCP/UDP port

Bandwidth management Webcache redirection helps eliminate redundant WAN traffic

Time-based Access Control Lists (ACLs)

Queue handling Weighted Round Robin

Strict Priority Queuing

Traffic shaping Egress and ingress rate limiting, port-basedApplication and protocol blocking

SECURITY

Network login IEEE 802.1X user authentication:

• RADIUS authentication

• Multiple users per port by locking to the MAC address

• Automatic port assignment of VLANs and QoS profile based on user

• Multiple RADIUS server realm definitions

RADIUS Authenticated Device Access (RADA):

• Authenticate devices based on MAC address against RADIUS server

• Authenticate multiple devices per port

• Automatic assignment of VLANs and QoS to a port specific to the devices attached

PAP, CHAP, EAPoL (EAP over LAN) authentication, for multiple users per port and 1,024 users per fabric

Disconnect Unknown Device (DUD)

Packet filtering Wirespeed packet filtering in hardware

Layer 2/3/4 ACL filters: source/destination MAC address, source and/or destination MAC address, 16-bit Ethertype, source IP address, destination IP Address, TCP source port, TCP destination port, UDP source port, UDP destination port

Switch protocol security MD5 cipher-text authentication and clear-text authentication for OSPF v2 and RIP v2 packets and SNMP v3 traffic

Trusted MAC and IP address

Concurrent sessions; four access-privilege levels

Switch management IEEE 802.1X user authentication

Encrypted management traffic, accessible via Secure Shell (SSH v1.5) or SNMP v3 interface

Management activity logs recorded and forwarded to central Syslog collectors for detailed analysis

Administrative password recovery

MANAGEMENT

System configuration and management Command Line Interface (CLI) via the console (control console) port or Telnet

Embedded web management interface

System configuration with SNMP v1, 2, and 3

Remote Monitoring (RMON) groups: statistics, history, alarm, and events

ACL/QoS statistics

Comprehensive IP interface statistics and rates

Syslog

Supports multiple software images and bank swap

Traffic redirection 1-to-1 port mirroring

Ability to apply QoS profile to mirror port, forwarding only certain traffic types and preventing over-subscription of copy port

Many-to-1 port mirroring

VLAN-to-1 port mirroring


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OPTIONAL SERVICE AND SUPPORT

Network Health Check An activity-auditing service focused on improving network performance and productivity

Includes traffic monitoring, utilization analysis, problem identification, and asset deployment recommendations

Extensive report provides blueprint for action

Network Design Includes review of business plan, extensive inventory of requirements, and complete design document specifying implementation details

Network Installation Experts set up and configure equipment and integrate technologies to maximize functionality and minimize business disruption

Service may include physical site survey, network design, and engineering based on evaluation of business objectives

Project Management Provides extra focus and resources that special projects demand

3Com personnel manage entire process from initial specifications to post-project review

Using structured methodology, requirements are identified, projects planned, and progress of implementation activities tracked

3Com GuardianSM Maintenance Service Provides comprehensive onsite support, including advance hardware replacement, telephone technical support, and software upgrades:

• Telephone support backed by powerful call-tracking database and replication laboratory

• Software upgrades ensure access to pertinent patches

3Com ExpressSM Maintenance Service Benefits customers who prefer to maintain own hardware

Bolsters in-house resources with convenient and speedy access to 3Com hardware replacements, software upgrades, and telephone support

MANAGEMENT, continued

System maintenance Detailed alarm/debug information

Supports ping and traceroute

Backup and restore of software image

Network debugging tools: DHCP tracker, UDP Helper

Multiple configuration file support

System file transfer mechanisms Xmodem

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP)

Graphical management 3Com management applications:

• 3Com Network Director for comprehensive, turn-key network management for the enterprise

• 3Com Network Supervisor for basic, turnkey network management for small and medium businesses

• 3Com Enterprise Management Suite for flexible, extensible management in advanced enterprise IT environments

• 3Com Switch Manager provides graphical virtual stacking control of Switch 5500 and 5500G as well as legacy 3Com SuperStack 3 Switch 4400 devices.Quickly monitor and configure units and stacks from a single management interface, no matter where they are in the network.

POWER

Mode support AC-only, AC and DC, and DC-only operation

Built-in DC power stage for direct connection to -48 V supply

Field-replaceable power supply

Power over Ethernet (PoE) IEEE 802.af PoE pass-through

DC power injection into Category 5 or 5e LAN wiring (PWR models only)

Switch 5500G non-PoE models easily upgradeable to provision PoE

Redundant Power System (RPS) Available standards-based DC RPS from leading provider of integrated power systems

Provides supplemental DC power injection for 48-port, PoE-compatible models

Features, continued

All information in this section is relevant to allmembers of the 3Com Switch 5500G 10/100/1000family, unless otherwise stated.

Connectors3Com Switch 5500G-EI 24- and 48-Port models:20 or 44 auto-negotiating 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T ports configured as auto MDI/MDIX; 4 dual-personality 10/100/1000 or SFP Gigabit ports

3Com Switch 5500G-EI 24- and 48-Port PoE models:20 or 44 auto-negotiating in-line power 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T ports configured as autoMDI/MDIX; 4 dual-personality 10/100/1000 or SFPGigabit ports

3Com Switch 5500G-EI 24-Port SFP model:20 SFP Gigabit ports; 4 dual-personality 10/100/1000or SFP Gigabit ports

All 3Com Switch 5500G-EI models:Application module slot

2 XRN® Stacking ports

Redundant power supply (-48 VDC) connector

RJ-45 console port

SecurityRADIUS authentication

RADIUS session accounting

SSH v1.5

IEEE 802.1X network login

Access Control Lists

Packet filtering

SNMP v3 encryption

StackingUp to 384 10/100/1000 front panel ports

Stack Switch 5500G-EI models only with other5500G-EI units using XRN Stacking ports

Performance24-port:184.0 Gbps switching capacity, maximum(with 2-port 10-Gigabit module)

136.9 Mpps forwarding rate, maximum(with 2-port 10-Gigabit module)

107.1 Mpps forwarding rate, maximum(with no optional modules)


48-port:232.0 Gbps switching capacity, maximum(with 2-port 10-Gigabit module)

172.6 Mpps forwarding rate, maximum(with 2-port 10-Gigabit module)

142.3 Mpps forwarding rate, maximum(with no optional modules)


Reliability(MTBF @ 25˚C)



24-port SFP: 29 years (256,000 hours)



DimensionsHeight: 43.6 mm (1.7 in or 1U)

Width: 440 mm (17.3 in)

Depth: 450 mm (17.7 in)

Weight: varies depending on PSU installed

Power SupplyAC Line Frequency 50/60 Hz

Input Voltage 90-240 VAC

Environmental RequirementsOperating temperature: 0° to 40°C (32° to 104°F)

Storage temperature: -10° to 70°C (14° to 158°F)

Humidity (operating and storage): 10% to 95% non-condensing

Standard: EN 60068 (IEC 68)

Industry Standards SupportedIEEE 802.1D (STP)

IEEE 802.1p (CoS)

IEEE 802.1Q (VLANs)

IEEE 802.1w (RSTP)

IEEE 802.1X (Security)

IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet)

IEEE 802.3ad (Link Aggregation)

IEEE 802.3ab (1000BASE-T)

IEEE 802.3ae (10G Ethernet)

IEEE 802.3af (Power over Ethernet)

IEEE 802.3i (10BASE-T)

IEEE 802.3u (Fast Ethernet)

IEEE 802.3x (Flow Control)

IEEE 802.3z (Gigabit Ethernet)

IETF StandardsManagement, including MIBs SupportedRFC 1213/2233 (MIB II)

RFC 1253 (OSPF Version 2 MIB)

RFC 1724 (RIP Version 2 MIB Extension)

RFC 1907 (SNMP v2c, SMI v2 and Revised MIB-II)

RFC 2021 (RMON II Probe Config MIB)

RFC 2233 (Interfaces MIB)

RFC 2571 (FrameWork)

RFC 2571-2575 (SNMP)

RFC 2613 (Remote Network Monitoring MIB Extensions)

RFC 2665 (Pause control)

RFC 2668 (IEEE 802.3 MAU MIB)

RFC 2674 (VLAN MIB Extension)

RFC 2819 (RMON MIB)

Emissions / Agency ApprovalsCISPR 22 Class A

FCC Part 15 Class A

EN 55022 1998 Class A

ICES-003 Class A

VCCI Class A

EN 61000-3-2 2000, 61000-3-3

ImmunityEN 55024

Safety Agency CertificationsUL 60950

IEC 60950-1

EN 60950-1

CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60950-1-03

ManagementSNMP and Telnet support

Multiple agents with single management entry point

RMON-1, SMON

RMON Groups: Statistics, History, Alarms and Events

Statistics gathering and reporting

Command line interface

Management through 3Com management applications

- 3Com Network Supervisor

- 3Com Network Director

- 3Com Enterprise Management Suite

WarrantyLimited Lifetime Hardware Warranty, except for fansand power supply, which is 5 Year Limited. LimitedSoftware Warranty for ninety (90) days. Seewww.3com.com/warranty for details.

Other Benefits90 days of telephone technical support. Limited soft-ware updates.

See www.3com.com/warranty for more detail.

Register products at http://eSupport.3com.com.

ServiceAmericas: www.3com.com/products/en_US/global_services

International:http://emea.3com.com/globalservices

7


Specifications

http://emea.3com.com/globalservices

www.3com.com/products/en_US/global_services

http://eSupport.3com.com

www.3com.com/warranty

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 3COM SKU

3Com Switch 5500G-EI 24-Port 3CR17250-9120 10/100/1000 ports, 4 dual-personality 10/100/1000 or Gigabit SFP ports

3Com Switch 5500G-EI 48-Port 3CR17251-9144 10/100/1000 ports, 4 dual-personality 10/100/1000 or Gigabit SFP ports

3Com Switch 5500G-EI PWR 24-Port 3CR17252-9120 10/100/1000 ports, 4 dual-personality 10/100/1000 or Gigabit SFP ports; Power over Ethernet

3Com Switch 5500G-EI PWR 48-Port 3CR17253-9144 10/100/1000 ports, 4 dual-personality 10/100/1000 or Gigabit SFP ports; Power over Ethernet

3Com Switch 5500G-EI 24-Port SFP 3CR17258-9120 Gigabit SFP ports, 4 dual-personality 10/100/1000 or Gigabit SFP ports

Modules

3Com Switch 5500G-EI 8-Port 1000BASE-X (SFP) 3C17260

3Com Switch 5500G-EI 1-Port 10G (XENPAK) 3C17261

3Com Switch 5500G-EI 2-Port 10G (XFP) 3C17268

Transceivers

3Com 1000BASE-SX SFP 3CSFP91

3Com 1000BASE-LX SFP 3CSFP92

3Com 1000BASE-T SFP 3CSFP93

3Com 1000BASE-LH70 (70 km) SFP 3CSFP97

3Com 10GBASE-LR XENPAK 3CXENPAK92

3Com 10GBASE-ER XENPAK 3CXENPAK96

3Com 10GBASE-LR XFP 3CXFP92

3Com 10GBASE-ER XFP 3CXFP96

Spare Components

3Com Switch 5500G-EI PoE PSU 24 3C17264Upgrade / Spare PoE PSU for 5500G-EI 24-Port

3Com Switch 5500G-EI PoE PSU 48 3C17265Upgrade / Spare PoE PSU for 5500G-EI 48-Port

3Com Switch 5500G-EI PSU 24 3C17266Spare PSU for 5500G-EI 24-Port

3Com Switch 5500G-EI PSU 48 3C17267Spare PSU for 5500G-EI 48-Port

Cables

3Com Switch 5500G-EI Stacking Cable 3C172623Com XRN® Stacking cable, 0.5 m (1.6 ft)

3Com Switch 5500G-EI Resilient Stacking Cable 3C17263XRN Stacking cable for resilient loop, 1.5 m (4.9 ft)

3Com Switch 5500G-EI Resilient Stacking Cable 3C17269XRN Stacking cable for resilient loop, 5 m (16.4 ft)

Redundant Power System Components†



Powerware RPS Desktop 3 Rectifier System with Load Distribution APS3-060

Powerware RPS Desktop 3 Rectifier System with Load and Battery Distribution APS3-061



Powerware RPS 1,500 W Rectifier APR48

Powerware RPS 720 W Rectifier APU48† Available from authorized Powerware resellers. See www.3com.com/rps for details.

3Com Corporation, Corporate Headquarters, 350 Campus Drive, Marlborough, MA 01752-3064

To learn more about 3Com solutions, visit www.3com.com. 3Com is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol COMS.

Copyright © 2005 3Com Corporation. All rights reserved. 3Com, the 3Com logo, and XRN are registered trademarks, VCXis a trademark, and Guardian and Express are service marks, of 3Com Corporation. All other company and product namesmay be trademarks of their respective companies. While every effort is made to ensure the information given is accurate, 3Comdoes not accept liability for any errors or mistakes which may arise. All specifications are subject to change without notice.

400908-005 10/05


Ordering Information

www.3com.com/rps

3com® switch 5500 10/100 and 5500g 10/100/1000 …3com5500)_04.pdfthe new 3com® switch 5500 family...

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