positioning the switch

    when deciding where to position the switch ensure:

    1 it is accessible and cables can be connected easily.

    2 cabling is away from sources of electrical noise. these include lift shafts, microwave ovens, and air conditioning units. electromagnetic fields can interfere with the signals on copper cabling and introduce errors, therefore slowing down your network.

    3 water or moisture cannot enter the case of the unit.

    4 air flow around the unit and through the vents in the side of the case is not restricted (3com recommends that you provide a minimum of 25 mm (1 in.) clearance).

    5 the air is as free from dust as possible.

    6 temperature operating limits are not likely to be exceeded. it is recommended that the unit is installed in a clean, air conditioned environment.

    it is always a good practice to wear an anti-static wrist strap when installing network equipment, connected to a ground point. if one is not available, try to keep in contact with a grounded rack and avoid touching the unit's ports and connectors, if possible. static discharge can cause reliability problems in your equipment.

    rack mounting or free standing

    this unit can be mounted in a 19-inch equipment rack using the mounting kit. refer to “mounting kit instructions” on page 4. it can also be free standing. do not place objects on top of the unit or stack.

    the unit is supplied with four self-adhesive rubber pads. if the unit is to be part of a free standing stack, apply the pads to each marked corner area on the underside of the unit. place the unit on top of the lower unit, ensuring that the pads locate with the recesses of the lower unit.

    do not apply the pads if you intend to rack mount the unit.

    if installing the switch in a free standing stack of different sized units, the smaller units must be installed above the larger ones. do not build a free standing stack of more than six units.

    connecting to a network device

    follow these guidelines to connect a device to the switch:

    1 use category 5 unshielded or shielded (screened) 100 ohm tp cable (or category 3 cable for a 10 mbps connection).

    3com recommends using category 5e cable for 1000base-t operation.

    2 the maximum length of cable for each connection is 100 m (328 ft).

    3 connect one end of the cable to an rj-45 port on the switch, and the other end to the appropriate rj-45 port on the connecting device.

    power supply

    power problems can be the cause of serious failures and downtime in your network. ensure that the power input to your system is clean and free from sags and surges to avoid unforeseen network outages. 3com recommends that you install power conditioning, especially in areas prone to black outs, power dips and electrical storms.

    powering up

    use the following sequence to power up the switch:

    1 check the network connections and cables.

    2 connect the power supply cable to the appropriate power socket located on the rear panel of the unit.

    3 connect the plug to the power supply outlet socket and switch on the power supply at the socket.

    when the switch is powered on, the power led lights green. if it does not, see reference 4 in “features of the switch” on page 3.