Advantages: Reliable, dual speed compatible, built in management Disadvantages: Connectors have begun to rust - might cause problems in the future
The Superstack II is a 24port Fast Ethernet 10/100 Mbit autosensing hub. By this I mean that the hub with autodetect both 10 Mbit and 100 Mbit devices/users that are connected to it concurrently through any of its ports. The hub incorporates a 2-way switch that enables this to be done seamlessly. The hub can easily be stacked with existing SuperStack II PS Hub 40/50s.
Features
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* Easy migration from existing slower 10 Mbit networks to Fast Ethernet (100 Mbit).
* Autosensing 10/100 Mbit (per port) allows compatibility with 10 and 100 Mbit connections concurrently. Cable quality is also automatically sensed, to enable the best connection.
* Optional SNMP/RMON, web-based management.
* Includes a web-based management module which allows management of a complete stack of connected hubs via a browser over the network.
* Optional backup ...
Advantages: Simple, dual speed, small size Disadvantages: Only 5 ports (?)
Not much to say about this really. I bought this for a pound (!) on Ebay to connect to my router giving me 4 more ethernet ports to connect stuff to my network. That's all it does, gives you more connection; there's no firewall, DCHP, nothing, but then that's all in my router.
Its 5 autosensing ports (Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX - RJ-45)automatically detect the speed of the attached device to maximize network performance - with a data transfer rate of up to 100 Mbps.
It really was a "plug-and-play" installation with no configuration needed, it connected straight into my network - I didn't even ned to read the manual ! The auto-sensing feature means that you can plug the "in" cable into any socket - another 3Comswitch I have has a specific "in" port.
It's nice and small (Weight 0.6 kg, Height 4.2 cm, depth 13.5 cm, Width 22 ...
Advantages: So Easy installation, Simple and effective design Disadvantages: None of which I know
GENERAL OVERVIEW
This 3COM OfficeConnect switch is considered my best. It has simple yet effective design and so easy to use and configure: just plug the cables and it is on. It is very useful for home networks and small business networks, as it can connect up to 5 computers with the 10/100 Mbits per second speed.
FEATURES
Five autosensing ports automatically detect the speed of the attached device to maximize network performance
With plug-and-play installation and no configuration needed, the switch fits easily into your unmanaged network
Full-duplex feature supports two-way data transfer, doubling the effective bandwidth of the network
Compact, fanless design ensures quiet operation in small office spaces
Connectors at rear help reduce cable clutter
FCC Class B switch is approved for use in small office and home office ...
Product Information for "3Com SuperStack 3 Switch 3870 - switch - 24 ports" »
Manufacturer's product description
For Enterprise Ethernet networks needing a scalable, stackable, future-proof Gigabit switching solution, the 3Com SuperStack 3 Switch 3870 is recommended. It is ideal for Gigabit to the desktop applications in high performance workgroups. As the basis for a future-proof Enterprise workgroup environment, with compatibility with slower desktop connections, it can be the platform to support a gradual move to Gigabit speeds. This 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet switch combines wirespeed Layer 2 switching with stackability to up to eight units high via a 40Gbps stacking architecture for impressive scalability - to 384 ports total. The hardware supports a 10-Gigabit expansion slot and is Layer 3-capable for investment protection. The Switch 3870's auto-sensing 10/100/1000 copper ports provide flexible desktop and workgroup attachments, which can ease migration for environments with a mix of 10/100 and Gigabit-enabled desktops and servers. Four dual-purpose slots support SFPs that can connect to fiber cabling for flexible Gigabit Ethernet backbone and server connections. Resiliency features such as IEEE 802.1w Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol and IEEE 802.3ad link aggregation (LACP) across stacked units help ensure uptime and availability. Enterprise-class security features include IEEE 802.1X network login, SSH/SSL encrypted device login, and access control lists.
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