3Com Switch 10005622 User Manual

®
SuperStack II Switch 3900  
Getting Started Guide  
®
Part No. 10005622  
Published April 1998  
 
EMC DIRECTIVE COMPLIANCE  
TRADEMARKS  
This equipment was tested and found to conform to the Council Directive  
89/336/EEC for electromagnetic compatibility. Conformity with this  
Directive is based upon compliance with the following harmonized  
standards:  
Unless otherwise indicated, 3Com registered trademarks are registered in  
the United States and may or may not be registered in other countries.  
3Com, the 3Com logo, SuperStack, and Transcend are registered  
trademarks of 3Com Corporation. 3ComFacts is a service mark of 3Com  
Corporation.  
EN 55022 Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio Interference  
EN 50082-1 Electromagnetic Compatibility Generic Immunity Standard:  
Residential, Commercial, and Light Industry  
IBM and NetView AIX are registered trademarks of International Business  
Machines Corporation. Apple, AppleTalk, and Macintosh are trademarks of  
Apple Computer, Inc. Ultrajet is a trademark of Chemtronics. CompuServe  
is a registered trademark of CompuServe, Inc. MS-DOS and Windows are  
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. HP and OpenView are  
registered trademarks of Hewlett-Packard Co. SunNet Manager, SunOS,  
and OpenWindows are trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. Microswabs  
and Texwipe are registered trademarks of Texwipe. Liqui-Tool is a trademark  
of Triangle Tool Group. UNIX is a registered trademark in the United States  
and other countries, licensed exclusively through X/Open Company.  
Warning: This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, this  
product may cause radio interference, in which case you may be required  
to take adequate measures.  
LOW VOLTAGE DIRECTIVE COMPLIANCE  
This equipment was tested and found to conform to the Council Directive  
72/23/EEC for safety of electrical equipment. Conformity with this Directive  
is based upon compliance with the following harmonized standard:  
All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective  
companies with which they are associated.  
EN 60950 Safety of Information Technology Equipment  
UK GENERAL APPROVAL STATEMENT  
This equipment is manufactured to the international Safety Standard  
EN60950 and is approved in the UK under the General Approval Number  
NS/G/12345/J/100003 for indirect connection to the public  
telecommunication network.  
AUSTRALIAN EMC FRAMEWORKS COMPLIANCE  
This product conforms to the EMC Frameworks and meets the Class A  
limits of AS3548.  
 
 
CONTENTS  
2
3
INSTALLING THE SYSTEM  
Before You Begin 2-1  
ABOUT THIS GUIDE  
Introduction  
Finding Specific Information in This Guide  
Conventions  
SuperStack II Switch 3900 Documentation  
Paper Documents  
Documents on CD-ROM  
Related Publications  
Documentation Comments  
Year 2000 Compliance  
1
Installing the System on a Table Top or in a Free-Standing  
Stack 2-2  
1
2
Installing the System in a Distribution Rack 2-3  
Preparing the System and Rack 2-3  
3
3
Mounting the System into a Distribution Rack 2-5  
4
4
CABLING SWITCH 3900 PORTS  
4
5
Fiber Safety Precautions 3-1  
Fast Ethernet Ports 3-2  
1
SWITCH 3900 SYSTEM AND SETUP OVERVIEW  
Switch 3900 Intelligent Switch 1-1  
Cabling 10/100BASE-TX (RJ-45) Ports 3-2  
10/100BASE-TX (RJ-45) Connector Pin Assignments 3-3  
Gigabit Ethernet Ports 3-4  
System Overview — 24-Port Front Panel 1-2  
System Overview — 36-Port Front Panel 1-3  
System Overview — Back Panel of Both Models 1-4  
System Features and Benefits 1-5  
Cabling Gigabit Ethernet Ports 3-4  
Cabling the Console Port 3-5  
Console Port Pin Assignments 3-7  
System Management 1-5  
Optional Gigabit Ethernet Modules 1-6  
Network Configuration Example 1-6  
Providing Dedicated Links for Fast Ethernet 1-6  
Network Configuration Sample 1-7  
4
SYSTEM POWER UP  
Power Options 4-1  
AC Power Cord 4-1  
Optional Advanced Redundant Power System 4-1  
Optional Uninterruptible Power System 4-1  
 
Power Up 4-2  
A
B
SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS  
To Power the Switch 3900 with the RPS 4-2  
To Power the Switch 3900 from the Wall  
Receptacle 4-2  
SITE REQUIREMENTS AND SAFETY CODES  
System Diagnostics 4-3  
General Safety Requirements B-1  
Wiring Closet Recommendations B-1  
Distribution Rack Requirements B-2  
Protective Grounding for the Rack B-2  
Space Requirements for the Rack B-2  
Mechanical Requirements for the Rack B-3  
Building and Electrical Codes B-4  
Building Codes B-4  
Power LED Activity 4-3  
Fault LED Activity 4-3  
Ethernet Port Diagnostics 4-3  
Packet LED Activity 4-3  
Status LED Activity 4-3  
System and Port Status LEDs 4-4  
System Checks 4-5  
Electrical Codes B-5  
Next Step: Software Configuration 4-5  
C
TECHNICAL SUPPORT  
Online Technical Services C-1  
5
QUICK SETUP FOR  
MANAGEMENT ACCESS  
About Switch 3900 System Management 5-1  
How Do You Want to Manage the System? 5-1  
Terminal Connection 5-2  
3Com FTP Site C-1  
3Com Bulletin Board Service C-1  
Access by Analog Modem C-2  
Access by Digital Modem C-2  
3ComFacts Automated Fax Service C-2  
Support from Your Network Supplier C-2  
Support from 3Com C-3  
Modem Connection 5-2  
IP Management Interface 5-2  
Initial Management Access 5-2  
Setting the Console Port Baud 5-3  
Configuring the IP Interface 5-3  
Returning Products for Repair C-4  
6
TROUBLESHOOTING THE SYSTEM  
INDEX  
Getting Additional Help 6-1  
Diagnosing Problems 6-1  
3COM CORPORATION LIMITED WARRANTY  
Power Failures 6-1  
Abnormal LED Activity 6-1  
Cleaning Dirty Fiber Optic Ports and Connectors 6-4  
 
ABOUT THIS GUIDE  
Introduction  
Finding Specific Information in This Guide  
Your SuperStack II Switch 3900 Getting Started Guide  
This table shows where to find specific information.  
provides all the information that you need to set up  
your SuperStack II Switch 3900 system and get it  
®
For information on  
Turn to  
operating in your network. This guide provides an  
overview of your system and step-by-step procedures  
for planning your configuration, installing your  
system, cabling, powering up, configuring, and  
troubleshooting. When you are ready to configure  
your SuperStack II Switch 3900 system, see the  
Administration Guide on the Documentation CD.  
Best ways to use the Switch  
3900 system  
“System Features and Benefits”  
on page 1-5  
The front and back panels  
“System Overview — 24-Port  
Front Panel” starting on page 1-2  
Site requirements and other  
issues to consider before  
installing your Switch 3900  
system  
“General Safety Requirements” on  
page B-1  
If the information in the Software Installation and  
Release Notes that are shipped with your Switch 3900  
system differs from the information in this guide,  
follow the instructions in the Release Notes.  
Installing the system on a table  
or in a distribution rack  
“Installing the System on a Table  
Top or in a Free-Standing Stack”  
starting on page 2-2 and  
“Installing the System in a  
Distribution Rack” on page 2-3  
This guide is intended for the system or network  
administrator who is responsible for installing and  
managing network hardware. It assumes that you  
have a working knowledge of local area network  
(LAN) operations, but it does not assume prior  
knowledge of 3Coms Switch 3900 high-performance  
networking equipment.  
Cabling rules and pin  
assignments:  
Fast Ethernet ports  
“Fast Ethernet Ports” on page 3-2  
Gigabit Ethernet ports  
“Gigabit Ethernet Ports” on  
page 3-4  
Console port  
“Cabling the Console Port” on  
page 3-5 and “Console Port Pin  
Assignments” on page 3-7  
Most user guides and release notes are available in  
Adobe Acrobat Reader Portable Document Format  
(PDF) or HTML on the 3Com World Wide Web site:  
Checking system power-up  
diagnostics and LEDs  
“Power Up” on page 4-2  
(continued)  
 
               
2
ABOUT THIS GUIDE  
Table 2 Text Conventions  
For information on  
Turn to  
Convention  
Description  
Deciding how to manage your  
system  
“How Do You Want to Manage  
the System?” on page 5-1  
Screen  
displays  
This typeface represents information as it  
appears on the screen.  
Setting the Console port baud  
“Setting the Console Port Baud”  
on page 5-3  
Commands  
The word “command” means that you must  
enter the command exactly as shown and then  
press Return or Enter. Commands appear in  
bold. Example:  
Configuring the IP management “Configuring the IP Interface” on  
interface  
page 5-3  
Troubleshooting hardware and  
software problems  
“Diagnosing Problems” on  
page 6-1  
To update the system software, enter the  
following command:  
system softwareUpdate  
Complying with environmental  
and compliance specifications  
Appendix A: System Specifications  
This guide always gives the full form of a  
command in uppercase and lowercase letters.  
However, you can abbreviate commands by  
entering the fewest letters in each command  
that identify a unique command. Commands  
are not case sensitive.  
Checking your site for  
environmental and safety  
considerations  
Appendix B: Site Requirements  
Getting help from your network Appendix C: Technical Support  
supplier or 3Com  
The words  
“enter”  
and “type”  
When you see the word “enter” in this guide,  
you must type something, and then press Return  
or Enter. Do not press Return or Enter when an  
instruction simply says “type.”  
Conventions  
Keyboard key  
names  
If you must press two or more keys  
simultaneously, the key names are linked with a  
plus sign (+). Example:  
Table 1 and Table 2 list conventions that are used  
throughout this guide.  
Press Ctrl+Alt+Del  
Italics are used to:  
Table 1 Notice Icons  
Words in italics  
Icon  
Type  
Description  
Emphasize a point.  
Denote a new term at the place where it is  
defined in the text.  
Information Information that describes important  
Note  
features or instructions  
Identify menu names, menu commands, and  
software button names. Examples:  
Caution  
Information that alerts you to potential loss  
of data or damage to an application,  
system, or device  
From the Help menu, select Contents.  
Click OK.  
Warning  
Information that alerts you to potential  
personal injury  
 
         
SuperStack II Switch 3900 Documentation  
3
SuperStack II Switch 3900 and 9300 Quick  
SuperStack II Switch 3900 Documentation  
Installation Guide  
The following documents comprise the SuperStack II  
Switch 3900 documentation set. Documents are  
shipped with your system in one of two forms:  
How to perform a quick installation of your  
system. For more details on installation, see the  
SuperStack II Switch 3900 Getting Started Guide.  
Paper documents that are shipped with your  
system or with optional components. They are  
listed in the next section.  
SuperStack II Switch 3900 Getting Started Guide  
All the procedures necessary for getting your  
system up and running, including information on  
installing, cabling, powering up, configuring, and  
troubleshooting the system.  
SuperStack II 3900 and 9300 Documentation CD  
with online versions of the paper documents  
SuperStack II Switch 3900 and 9300 Command  
To order a paper copy of a document that you see on  
the compact disc, or to order additional compact  
discs, contact your sales representative.  
Quick Reference Card  
All of the Administration Console switching  
commands for the Switch 3900. For complete  
descriptions, see the Administration Guide.  
Paper Documents  
These documents are shipped with your SuperStack II  
Switch 3900 system:  
These documents are shipped with optional devices:  
1000BASE-SX/1000BASE-LX Gigabit Ethernet  
SuperStack II Switch 3900 and 9300 Unpacking  
Module Installation Guide  
Instructions  
How to install the optional Gigabit Ethernet  
module.  
How to unpack your Switch 3900 system. Also, an  
inventory list of items that are shipped with your  
system.  
SuperStack II Switch Advanced RPS User Guide  
How to install the Advanced Redundant Power  
Supply (RPS) and how to use it to provide  
redundant and resilient power supplies for the  
Switch 3900.  
SuperStack II Switch 3900 and 9300 Software  
Installation and Release Notes  
All of the new features, system issues, known  
problems, and software corrections for the  
software release. It also describes any changes to  
the Switch 3900 systems documentation.  
SuperStack II Switch Advanced RPS ‘Y’ Cable  
Type 2 User Guide  
How to install the Y cable with the Advanced  
Redundant Power Supply (RPS) to provide fully  
redundant capabilities.  
 
   
4
ABOUT THIS GUIDE  
Marshall T. Rose. The Simple Book: An  
Introduction to Networking Management.  
Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall; 1996.  
Documents on CD-ROM  
The compact disc that comes with your system  
contains these documents:  
“Introduction to SNMP” Self-Study Guide.  
Order from 3Com: Part Number 3CS-350A.  
Online versions of the paper documents that are  
shipped with your system and its components  
Telnet documents  
SuperStack II Switch 3900 and 9300  
Administration Guide  
To manage the Switch 3900 system over a TCP/IP  
network using telnet, see the documentation that  
is supplied with your telnet application.  
How to use the Administration Console and the  
management tasks that you can perform using it.  
Documentation Comments  
Related Publications  
Your suggestions are very important to us. They help  
us make our documentation more useful to you.  
Depending on how you install and manage your  
system, several related documents can provide helpful  
information:  
Please send e-mail comments about this guide to:  
SNMP Network Manager documents  
The Switch 3900 uses SNMP (Simple Network  
Management Protocol), which can be accessed by  
a remote network management application. 3Com  
has network management applications for a  
variety of platforms. Contact your supplier for  
current product information. Each network  
management application includes a guide that  
explains how to manage your system.  
Please include the following information when  
commenting:  
Document title  
Document part number (found on front or back  
page of document)  
Page number (if appropriate)  
If you are using network management software  
from another vendor, refer to the sections of the  
products documentation that describe how to  
manage SNMP devices.  
Example:  
SuperStack II Switch 3900 Getting Started Guide  
Part Number 10005622  
SNMP documents  
Page 2-5 (chapter 2, page 5)  
3Com recommends these books for easy-to-read  
descriptions of SNMP:  
 
         
Year 2000 Compliance  
5
Year 2000 Compliance  
For information on Year 2000 compliance and 3Com  
products, visit the 3Com Year 2000 Web page:  
 
   
 
SWITCH 3900 SYSTEM AND SETUP OVERVIEW  
1
This chapter contains:  
An overview of 3Coms SuperStack® II Switch 3900  
The Switch 3900 family consists of two models:  
3C39024 — The 24-port 10/100BASE-TX switch,  
with up to three Gigabit Ethernet links. See  
Figure 1-1.  
and how it provides solutions for your network  
A description of the major features and  
components of the system  
3C39036 — The 36-port 10/100BASE-TX switch,  
with up to three Gigabit Ethernet links. See  
Figure 1-2.  
A network configuration example  
Both versions of the Switch 3900 provide:  
Switch 3900 Intelligent Switch  
One built-in Gigabit Ethernet multimode fiber  
The Switch 3900 is the ideal product for network  
managers who want to migrate from existing  
switched 10 Mb networks to switched 100 Mb or  
who need to deliver faster access to servers.  
(MMF) link (1000BASE-SX)  
Expansion slots on the back panel (see Figure 1-3)  
that can hold one or two of these optional Gigabit  
Ethernet modules:  
The Switch 3900 provides superior workgroup and  
departmental switching performance with the added  
flexibility of multiple Gigabit Ethernet links and server  
connections.  
Model 3C39001 — 1000BASE-SX for  
multimode fiber (MMF)  
Model 3C39002 — 1000BASE-LX for  
single-mode fiber (SMF)  
The SuperStack II Switch 3900 family delivers full line  
rate, nonblocking switching between 10/100 Mb  
links and 1000 Mb Gigabit Ethernet links.  
The cables for all Gigabit Ethernet ports use laser  
transmission and have SC connectors.  
See “Optional Gigabit Ethernet Modules” on  
page 1-6 for more information.  
 
     
1-2  
CHAPTER 1: SWITCH 3900 SYSTEM AND SETUP OVERVIEW  
System Overview — 24-Port Front Panel  
Ethernet Ports  
Provide 24 10/100BASE-TX  
(RJ-45) Ethernet ports  
System and Port LEDs  
Provide information about  
the system and each port  
Status  
10/100 BASE - TX  
green  
= enabled, link OK  
flashing green = disabled, link OK  
off = link fail  
Power Fault  
1x  
7x  
6x  
13x  
19x  
18x  
24x  
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
8
9
9
10 11 12  
10 11 12  
Pckt  
Stat  
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Pckt  
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Stat  
Super Stack II Switch 3900  
12x  
Figure 1-1 Front Panel of the 24-Port SuperStack II Switch 3900  
 
   
System Overview — 36-Port Front Panel  
1-3  
System Overview — 36-Port Front Panel  
v
Ethernet Ports  
Provide 36 10/100BASE-TX  
(RJ-45) Ethernet ports  
System and Port LEDs  
Provide information about  
the system and each port  
Status  
10/100 BASE - TX  
green  
= enabled, link OK  
flashing green = disabled, link OK  
off = link fail  
Power Fault  
30x  
36x  
1x  
7x  
6x  
13x  
19x  
18x  
24x  
25x  
31x  
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
8
9
9
10 11 12 Pckt  
10 11 12 Stat  
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Pckt  
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Stat  
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Pckt  
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36  
Stat  
12x  
Super Stack II Switch 3900  
Figure 1-2 Front Panel of the 36-Port SuperStack II Switch 3900  
 
   
1-4  
CHAPTER 1: SWITCH 3900 SYSTEM AND SETUP OVERVIEW  
System Overview — Back Panel of Both Models  
Optional Gigabit Ethernet Slots  
Allow you to add additional  
Gigabit Ethernet modules  
Fixed Gigabit Ethernet Port  
Provides a 1000BASE-SX link  
1000 Base SX  
Console  
Pckt  
Stat  
RPS Connector  
Connects to the Optional  
Redundant Power System  
Gigabit Ethernet Port LEDs  
Provide information on the  
port status and activity  
Console Port  
Allows you to connect a workstation or modem to  
the Switch 3900 system for management access  
Power Receptacle  
Figure 1-3 Back Panel of the 24-Port and 36-Port SuperStack II Switch 3900  
 
   
System Features and Benefits  
1-5  
Trunking links, Spanning Tree, and Advanced  
System Features and Benefits  
Redundant Power Supply (RPS) support  
The Switch 3900 is part of 3Coms SuperStack family.  
To combine diverse technologies as your network  
grows, install the Switch 3900 in a SuperStack  
network.  
The Switch 3900 protects against cable and  
equipment failures with Spanning Tree Protocol  
and trunking links. The optional RPS protects  
against power interruptions for fault-tolerant  
networks.  
Some key features of the SuperStack II Switch 3900  
system:  
Manageability  
The Switch 3900 provides full support for VLANs,  
Fast IP, and RMON Version 1, as well as a roving  
analysis port through SNMP management.  
High-density Gigabit Ethernet and Fast Ethernet  
configurations  
The Switch 3900 has 24 or 36 Fast Ethernet ports  
and up to three Gigabit Ethernet links.  
System Management  
Autonegotiation support  
Switch 3900 systems include integrated management  
to provide fault tolerance and maximum network  
availability. This management is accessible in two  
ways:  
The Switch 3900 supports 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX  
and full-duplex and half-duplex autonegotiation  
on all front panel ports.  
Multiple-link trunking for Gigabit Ethernet and  
Switch 3900 Administration Console  
Fast Ethernet links  
Standard network managers based on SNMP, such  
as 3Coms Transcendware, Suns SunNet Manager,  
HP OpenView, and IBMs NetView AIX applications  
You can choose the performance level of links  
between switches, even scaling beyond one  
Gigabit.  
IGMP Snooping  
The Switch 3900 conserves the network  
bandwidth that is consumed by audio and video  
applications by keeping IP multicast traffic isolated  
to specific ports.  
 
         
1-6  
CHAPTER 1: SWITCH 3900 SYSTEM AND SETUP OVERVIEW  
Optional Gigabit Ethernet Modules  
Network Configuration Example  
The Switch 3900 back panel has two expansion slots  
that can hold optional Gigabit Ethernet modules.  
These modules are available in the following  
configurations:  
This section describes one way to place the Switch  
3900 in your network to alleviate traffic congestion.  
Providing Dedicated Links for Fast Ethernet  
1000BASE-SX Module — Multimode fiber with  
paired SC connectors. It supports links of up to  
260 meters (852 feet) over 62.5-micron multimode  
fiber or up to 525 meters (1722 feet) over  
50-micron multimode fiber.  
The rapid deployment of Fast Ethernet has increased  
bandwidth demand many times over, not only by  
supporting 100 Mb connections on the network but  
also by placing demands on the servers to manage  
the traffic coming through those connections.  
1000BASE-LX Module — Single-mode fiber with  
paired SC connectors. It supports links of up to 3.0  
kilometers (1.86 miles) over 8-micron to 10-micron  
single-mode fiber.  
Figure 1-4 shows how the Switch 3900 provides  
direct 100 Mb links to devices on the network  
through its Fast Ethernet ports and up to three  
dedicated Gigabit links to your networks servers.  
The modules have the same physical configuration  
and are installed in the same way.  
In this sample configuration, the Switch 3900 can  
provide up to 36 clients on your network with a  
dedicated 100 Mb link and can multiplex the client  
traffic for Gigabit-speed access to the servers. (You  
can use one port on the Switch 3900 for in-band  
management as well as for network traffic.)  
For more information about installing and using the  
optional Gigabit Ethernet modules, see the  
1000BASE-SX/1000BASE-LX Gigabit Ethernet Module  
Installation Guide that is on the Documentation CD  
and shipped with either module.  
 
   
Network Configuration Sample  
1-7  
Network Configuration Sample  
Switched Gigabit  
server farm  
Switched 100 Mb  
desktop systems  
Status  
10/100 BASE - TX  
green  
=
=
=
enabled, link OK  
disabled, link OK  
link fail  
flashing green  
off  
Power Fault  
1x  
6x  
13x  
19x  
18x  
24x  
25x  
31x  
30x  
36x  
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
8
9
9
10 11 12 Pckt  
10 11 12 Stat  
4
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Pckt  
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Stat  
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Pckt  
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Stat  
Super Stack II Switch 3900  
7x  
12x  
36-Port SuperStack® II Switch 3900  
Figure 1-4 SuperStack II Switch 3900 Provides Dedicated Fast Ethernet Links  
 
   
 
INSTALLING THE SYSTEM  
2
This chapter describes how to install your  
SuperStack II Switch 3900 on a table top, in a  
®
Before You Begin  
free-standing stack with other SuperStack II products,  
or in a distribution rack.  
Before you begin this procedure, be sure to:  
Move the Switch 3900 system close to where you  
plan to install it.  
See Appendix B for site requirements.  
Install the system near an easily accessible power  
outlet. You can power down the system only by  
removing the power cord from the power source.  
To install the Switch 3900 system on a table top or  
in a free-standing stack, read these sections:  
“Before You Begin” (the next section)  
Have a No. 1 Phillips screwdriver available.  
“Installing the System on a Table Top or in a  
Free-Standing Stack” on page 2-2  
Have the system mounting kit available. See  
Table 2-1.  
To install the Switch 3900 system in a distribution  
Table 2-1 Switch 3900 System Mounting Kit  
rack, read these sections:  
Qty Item  
To use in  
“Before You Begin” (the next section)  
4
2
6
Rubber feet  
(self-adhesive)  
Stacking the system on a  
table or in a stack  
“Installing the System in a Distribution Rack” on  
page 2-3  
Mounting brackets  
Installing the system in a  
distribution rack  
M4 x 10 pan-head  
screws  
Installing the distribution rack  
brackets  
 
             
2-2  
CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE SYSTEM  
Place the feet of one system into the  
mounting recesses of the system below it.  
Installing the System on a Table Top or in a  
Free-Standing Stack  
To install the Switch 3900 system on a table top or in  
a free-standing stack, follow these instructions:  
1 See Appendix B for site requirements.  
2 Turn the system on its side.  
Status  
10/100 BASE  
-
TX  
green  
=
=
=
enabled, link OK  
disabled, link OK  
link fail  
flashing green  
off  
Power Fault  
1x  
7x  
6x  
13x  
19x  
18x  
24x  
25x  
31x  
30x  
36x  
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
8
9
9
10 11 12 Pckt  
10 11 12 Stat  
4
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Pckt  
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Stat  
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Pckt  
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Stat  
Super Stack II Switch 3900  
12x  
3 Remove the protective covering from the rubber feet.  
4 Place one rubber foot in each marked area at the four  
corners of the unit.  
Status  
10/100 BASE - TX  
green  
=
=
=
enabled, link OK  
disabled, link OK  
link fail  
flashing green  
off  
Power Fault  
1x  
7x  
6x  
13x  
19x  
18x  
24x  
25x  
31x  
30x  
36x  
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
8
9
9
10 11 12 Pckt  
10 11 12 Stat  
4
5 Turn the system onto its feet.  
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Pckt  
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Stat  
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Pckt  
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Stat  
Super Stack II Switch 3900  
12x  
6 Verify that the air intake vents and fan exhaust vents  
Status  
10/100 BASE TX  
-
green  
=
=
=
enabled, link OK  
disabled, link OK  
link fail  
flashing green  
off  
at the sides of the system are not blocked.  
Power Fault  
1x  
7x  
6x  
13x  
19x  
18x  
24x  
25x  
31x  
30x  
36x  
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
8
9
9
10 11 12 Pckt  
10 11 12 Stat  
4
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Pckt  
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Stat  
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Pckt  
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Stat  
Super Stack II Switch 3900  
To install the system into a free-standing stack, place  
the system on top of another. Be sure that the rubber  
feet of the upper unit fit securely in the recesses in  
the top of the lower unit. See Figure 2-1.  
12x  
CAUTION: Stack no more than eight SuperStack II  
systems in a single free-standing stack.  
You are now ready to cable your system. For  
instructions, see Chapter 3.  
 
   
Installing the System in a Distribution Rack  
2-3  
Installing the System in a Distribution Rack  
M4 x 8 mounting  
screws  
You can mount the system into a 19-inch distribution  
rack. This section describes how to prepare the  
system and distribution rack for installation and how  
to mount the system in the rack.  
Install your distribution rack near an easily accessible  
power outlet. You can power down the system only  
by removing the power cord from the power source.  
1x  
7x  
Preparing the System and Rack  
To prepare the system and distribution rack for  
installing the Switch 3900 system:  
Distribution rack  
mounting bracket  
Switch 3900  
Figure 2-2 Installing System Mounting Brackets  
1 See Appendix B for distribution rack requirements.  
2 Attach the mounting brackets to the left and right  
sides of the system using the M4 x 10 mounting  
bracket screws. See Figure 2-2.  
3 Locate the top of a universal mounting hole pattern  
on either mounting rail of the distribution rack.  
1
In this pattern, the spacing between holes is /2 inch,  
5
1
5/8 inch, /8 inch, and /2 inch.  
 
           
2-4  
CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE SYSTEM  
To nd the top of the pattern, locate the midpoint  
between any two holes that are spaced /2 inch apart.  
Figure 2-3 shows the universal mounting hole  
pattern.  
Figure 2-4 illustrates the positions of two Switch  
3900s, one attached to holes 1 and 4 and the other  
attached to holes 6 and 9.  
1
To mount only one Switch 3900, use either position.  
Top of the pattern  
or top of the rack  
1/2"  
Universal  
Hole 1  
Placement of  
5/8"  
mounting  
hole pattern  
= 1U  
1U  
1U  
Switch 3900  
(position 1)  
5/8"  
1/2"  
5/8"  
= 1 3/4 inches  
Hole 3  
3U  
(5.25")  
5/8"  
1/2"  
5/8"  
Hole 6  
Hole 8  
Placement of  
Switch 3900  
(position 2)  
1U  
5/8"  
1/2"  
Bottom of the pattern  
Figure 2-4 Placement of Switch 3900s in a Distribution Rack  
5 Repeat the process on the other rail.  
4 Determine which holes to use to mount your system.  
Two Switch 3900s are designed to mount in any 3U  
space of the rack (that is, the space occupied by three  
instances of the universal mounting hole pattern).  
Be sure to select holes that are parallel to each other  
on the mounting rails.  
 
       
Installing the System in a Distribution Rack  
2-5  
4 Tighten the mounting screws. The system is now  
Mounting the System into a Distribution Rack  
installed in the distribution rack.  
To mount the system into a distribution rack:  
1 Carefully lift the system into place and align the  
appropriate holes in the mounting brackets with the  
designated holes in the distribution rack. See  
Figure 2-5.  
Figure 2-6 shows two Switch 3900 systems installed  
in a distribution rack.  
Switch 3900  
(Position 1)  
Hole  
#1  
1x  
6x  
13x  
Hole  
#3  
7x  
1x  
12x  
6x  
19x  
13x  
3U  
(5.25")  
Hole  
#6  
7x  
12x  
19x  
Hole  
#8  
Switch 3900  
(Position 2)  
Figure 2-5 Aligning Bracket and Distribution Rack Holes  
Figure 2-6 Two Systems Installed in a Rack  
2 Have another person hold the system in place. Insert  
the four suitable mounting screws (not provided) into  
the designated mounting holes on the bracket.  
Repeat for the other side.  
You are now ready to cable the system. For cabling  
instructions, see Chapter 3.  
3 Verify that the system is level.  
 
     
 
CABLING SWITCH 3900 PORTS  
3
This chapter describes how to cable your  
SuperStack II Switch 3900 system for connection to  
®
Fiber Safety Precautions  
the network. It gives an overview of module cabling  
and describes how to cable:  
SuperStack II Switch 3900 modules use lasers in their  
fiber optic ports. To ensure your safety when you  
install or work with these modules, comply with the  
following precautions.  
Fast Ethernet ports  
Gigabit Ethernet ports  
System console port  
WARNING: The fiber optic lasers used in these  
modules meet the regulatory requirements for casual  
exposure to the eye. As with any source of bright  
light, however, 3Com recommends that you do not  
look into the laser light source.  
When all your Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and system  
network connections are complete, see Chapter 4.  
If you are staging the system, you do not need to  
connect it to the network at this point. See Chapter 4  
to start your system before you cable it.  
IEC 825, Class 1 Laser Devices are for connection only  
to Class 1 Laser Devices. MMF and SMF fiber optic  
interfaces use lasers.  
Overview of Cabling  
CLASS 1  
LASER PRODUCT  
The Switch 3900 system is a fixed-configuration LAN  
switch with:  
24 or 36 shielded, 10/100BASE-TX (RJ-45) Ethernet  
ports on the front panel  
One fixed Gigabit Ethernet port on the back panel  
Two Gigabit Ethernet expansion slots for optional  
Gigabit Ethernet modules on the back panel  
 
             
3-2  
CHAPTER 3: CABLING SWITCH 3900 PORTS  
Follow these guidelines when you cable  
10/100BASE-TX connectors:  
Fast Ethernet Ports  
Your Switch 3900 has 24 or 36 10/100BASE-TX ports  
with RJ-45 connectors. This section contains  
information on cabling the 10/100BASE-TX (RJ-45)  
ports and pin assignments for the RJ-45 connectors.  
Use two twisted-pair wires for each link.  
Use twisted-pair wire that is 22-26 AWG (0.5  
millimeter) in diameter.  
Use twisted-pair wire with an impedance of  
between 85 and 115 Ohms.  
Cabling 10/100BASE-TX (RJ-45) Ports  
Verify that the length of the twisted-pair link from  
the system to any potential workstation location is  
100 meters (328 feet) or less.  
The Switch 3900 systems Ethernet ports are shielded  
RJ-45 data sockets. You can connect shielded or  
unshielded data cables with shielded or unshielded  
jacks to these data sockets.  
To cable a 10/100BASE-TX (RJ-45) port:  
The Ethernet ports are numbered from 1X to 24X or  
1X to 36X, depending on your system. They are  
configured as MDI-X for direct connection to a  
workstation or other data terminal equipment (DTE),  
using straight-through twisted-pair wiring.  
1 Remove the dust cover and save it for future use.  
2 Plug the male RJ-45 connector on the  
10/100BASE-TX cable into the selected port until it  
clicks into place.  
3 Attach the other end of the cable to an MDI port on a  
To connect a Switch 3900 system to a  
workstation, repeater, or concentrator.  
10/100BASE-TX repeater or switch, use a crossover  
cable, or set the port on the connected device to MDI  
and use a straight-through cable.  
4 Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the remaining ports.  
 
             
Fast Ethernet Ports  
3-3  
Figure 3-1 shows the cabling of a 10/100BASE-TX  
(RJ-45) port.  
10/100BASE-TX (RJ-45) Connector Pin Assignments  
Table 3-1 provides the pin assignments for the RJ-45  
connectors.  
Table 3-1 10/100 BASE-TX (RJ-45) Pin Assignments  
Pin No.  
Signal  
RX +  
RX –  
Description  
Receive +  
Receive –  
Transmit +  
Not used  
Not used  
Transmit –  
Not used  
Not used  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
TX +  
10/100 BASE - TX  
1x  
7x  
6x  
13x  
19x  
18x  
24x  
25x  
31x  
TX –  
12x  
Port 7  
Male RJ-45 connector  
10/100BASE-TX cable  
Figure 3-1 Cabling a 10/100BASE-TX (RJ-45) Port  
 
         
3-4  
CHAPTER 3: CABLING SWITCH 3900 PORTS  
Follow these guidelines when cabling SC connectors:  
Gigabit Ethernet Ports  
Verify that the length of the fiber cable from the  
system to any location does not exceed these  
recommended distances:  
The back panel of the Switch 3900 has one fixed  
Gigabit Ethernet port and slots for two optional  
Gigabit Ethernet modules.  
Use 1000BASE-LX over 8-micron to 10-micron  
SMF fiber for distances of up to 3 kilometers  
(1.86 miles).  
Cabling Gigabit Ethernet Ports  
Both versions of the Switch 3900 (24 port and 36  
port) have:  
Use 1000BASE-SX over 62.5-micron MMF fiber  
for distances of up to 260 meters (852 feet).  
One fixed port designated for 1000BASE-SX  
multimode fiber (MMF) cable with paired SC  
connectors.  
Use 1000BASE-SX over 50-micron MMF fiber  
for distances of up to 525 meters (1722 feet).  
Each Gigabit Ethernet fiber cable terminates in a  
pair of SC connectors. The 1000BASE-LX cable  
connectors are blue; the 1000BASE-SX cable  
connectors are black. The connectors are made so  
that you can only insert them correctly.  
Two expansion slots on the back panel to hold  
optional Gigabit Ethernet modules. Each slot  
supports either the 1000BASE-LX module (SMF) or  
the 1000BASE-SX module (MMF).  
Keep the ports and connectors free of dust. Keep  
dust covers over each empty port. See also  
“Cleaning Dirty Fiber Optic Ports and Connectors”  
on page 6-4 for details.  
 
               
Cabling the Console Port  
3-5  
To cable a Gigabit Ethernet SC port:  
Cabling the Console Port  
1 Remove the dust covers and save them for future use.  
The Console port on the back panel provides local or  
remote administration:  
2 Attach one male connector of the SC cable connector  
pair to the right side of one of the Gigabit Ethernet  
ports on the back panel.  
For Local Administration — The Console port  
provides a DB-9 connection to a local terminal or  
workstation that runs a terminal emulation  
program and acts as the Console.  
3 Attach the remaining connector of the pair to the left  
side of the same Gigabit Ethernet port.  
4 To cable another Gigabit Ethernet port, repeat steps 1  
For Remote Administration — The Console port  
provides a DB-9 connection for an external  
modem, which you can use to connect your  
current Administration Console session to a  
modem.  
through 3.  
Figure 3-2 shows the Gigabit Ethernet cabling.  
1000 Base SX  
Console  
Pckt  
Stat  
SC connector  
Fiber cables  
Figure 3-2 Cabling the Fixed Gigabit Ethernet Port  
 
             
3-6  
CHAPTER 3: CABLING SWITCH 3900 PORTS  
To cable the Console port:  
1 Attach the female DB-9 cable connector to the  
Console ports male connector and tighten the  
retaining screws.  
2 Attach the other end of the DB-9 cable to your  
terminal.  
Figure 3-3 shows the cabling of the Console port.  
You can also access the system remotely through any  
Ethernet port using telnet. See the SuperStack II  
Switch 3900 and 9300 Administration Guide.  
1000 Base SX  
Console  
Pckt  
Stat  
To use the Administration Console to configure the  
system for management access through the Console  
port, see Chapter 5.  
DB-9 connector  
Serial cable  
Figure 3-3 Cabling the Console Port  
 
 
Cabling the Console Port  
3-7  
Console Port Pin Assignments  
Table 3-2 shows the DB-9 pin assignments for the  
Console port.  
Table 3-2 Console Port DB-9 Pin Assignments  
Pin No.  
Signal Description  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
DCD  
RDA  
TD  
Data Carrier Detect  
Received Data  
Transmitted Data  
Data Terminal Ready  
Signal Ground  
Data Set Ready  
Request To Send  
Clear To Send  
Not used  
DTR  
GND  
DSR  
RTS  
CTS  
 
     
 
SYSTEM POWER UP  
4
This chapter contains:  
Optional Advanced Redundant Power System  
®
To protect against internal power supply failures, you  
can connect a 3Com Advanced Redundant Power  
System Type 2 (RPS) to the Switch 3900 system. The  
RPS connector is located on the rear panel.  
“Power Options” for the SuperStack II Switch  
3900 system  
“Power Up” instructions the Switch 3900 system  
A description of “Power-up Diagnostics”  
A list of “System Checks” after power up  
CAUTION: Connect only a 3Com Advanced  
Redundant Power System Type 2 to this connector,  
using the external Type 2 Y cable that is shipped with  
the RPS.  
power up, see Chapter 6.  
For details, follow the installation instructions and  
safety precautions that are shipped with the  
redundant power system.  
Power Options  
You have three options for how to power up your  
Switch 3900 system.  
Optional Uninterruptible Power System  
power down the system only by removing the power  
cord from the power source.  
To protect against external power interruption from  
brownouts, blackouts, surges, and spikes, connect an  
uninterruptible power system (UPS) to the Switch  
3900 system. Connect only a 3Com Uninterruptible  
Power System. Use the appropriate UPS for your  
region:  
AC Power Cord  
You can connect the system directly to a wall  
receptacle with the AC power cord that is shipped  
with the system. See “Power Up” for details.  
United States  
European/International  
Japan  
To install the UPS, follow the instructions and safety  
precautions that are shipped with the UPS.  
 
                         
4-2  
CHAPTER 4: SYSTEM POWER UP  
Power Up  
Power-up Diagnostics  
This section provides instructions on how to set up  
The Switch 3900 system runs diagnostic software at  
and plug in your system. See Chapter 3 and  
Chapter 5 for information about cabling and  
configuring the Console port.  
power up. This software verifies that the system  
works before you add it to the network.  
If any component fails during power-up diagnostics,  
the system either fails to power up or keeps faulty  
ports off-line. To verify if any ports have failed  
diagnostics, look at the system configuration display  
in the Switch 3900 Administration Console. See  
Chapter 4 of the SuperStack II Switch 3900 and  
9300 Administration Guide.  
To view error messages while the system runs  
power-up diagnostics, connect a terminal, a  
workstation, or a PC with terminal emulation to the  
system’s Console port.  
To Power the Switch 3900 with the RPS  
To install the Advanced Redundant Power Supply  
are shipped with the RPS and its cable.  
During power up, the system status LEDs provide  
information on components in the Switch 3900  
system. The system and port status LEDs and the  
information that they provide are shown in  
Figure 4-1.  
CAUTION: To prevent damage to the 3900 system  
and the power supply, plug the AC power cord into  
the Switch 3900 before you plug it into the  
redundant power system.  
To view messages that are displayed during power-up  
diagnostics, connect a terminal, workstation, or PC  
that has terminal emulation to the system’s Console  
port.  
To Power the Switch 3900 from the Wall Receptacle  
To get your Switch 3900 powered up and ready to  
operate, follow these steps:  
1 Verify that the power outlet is near the system and  
easily accessible. You can turn the system off only by  
removing the power cord from the power source.  
2 Plug the power cord into the system.  
3 Plug the other end of the power cord into the power  
outlet. The LEDs provide information while the system  
runs power-up diagnostics.  
 
         
Power-up Diagnostics  
4-3  
System Diagnostics  
This section describes the LEDs that provide  
Ethernet Port Diagnostics  
This section summarizes the information displayed by  
the port LEDs.  
information about the system as a whole.  
Power LED Activity  
Packet LED Activity  
Green — The system is powered on; the system is  
No Light — Data is not passing through the port.  
running or has run diagnostics.  
Blinking Yellow — Data is passing through the  
No Light — The system has no power; no  
port.  
diagnostics are running.  
Yellow — Data is passing through the port.  
Fault LED Activity  
Status LED Activity  
No Light — System diagnostics have been  
successfully completed and the system is  
operational.  
No Light — The port is off-line.  
Blinking Green — The port is online but disabled.  
Green — The port is online and enabled.  
Solid or Blinking Yellow — The system has failed  
diagnostics, or some other operational error has  
occurred.  
See Chapter 6 for troubleshooting information.  
See Chapter 6 for troubleshooting information.  
 
             
4-4  
CHAPTER 4: SYSTEM POWER UP  
System and Port Status LEDs  
Fault  
Power  
Solid or Blinking Yellow =  
System failed at power up  
Green = System powered on  
Status  
green  
= enabled, link OK  
flashing green = disabled, link OK  
Power Fault  
off  
= link fail  
30x  
36x  
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
8
9
9
10 11 12  
Pckt  
10 11 12 Stat  
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24  
Pckt  
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Stat  
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Pckt  
Stat  
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36  
Super Stack II Switch 3900  
Ethernet Port Packet LEDs  
Yellow = Port is passing data  
Flashing Yellow = Port is passing data  
OFF = No data  
Ethernet Port Status LEDs  
Green = Associated port is active  
Flashing Green = Port active but disabled  
OFF = Port disabled  
Figure 4-1 System and Port Status LEDs on the SuperStack II Switch 3900  
 
         
System Checks  
4-5  
System Checks  
Next Step: Software Configuration  
After the system has successfully completed the  
Your Switch 3900 system is shipped from the factory  
with the software installed and IEEE 802.1d bridging  
disabled. To configure your system for your particular  
networking environment (including customized  
filtering and setting up SNMP), you must first  
establish management access. See Chapter 5.  
power-up diagnostics, check the items in Table 4-1 to  
verify that the system is operating correctly. If you  
discover abnormal conditions, see Chapter 6.  
Table 4-1 System Power-Up Checklist  
Check  
Description  
Power-up  
error messages  
If there is a problem during power-up, the  
messages are displayed in the Administration  
Console connection through the Console port.  
Normal LED  
activity  
When the power-up diagnostics are running,  
the LEDs light in a certain pattern as described in  
the “Power-up Diagnostics” section. After you  
properly cable the system and the system  
successfully completes the power-up diagnostics,  
look for the following normal LED activity:  
System:  
Power LED = Green  
Fault LED = Not lit  
Each port:  
Pckt status LED = Yellow  
Stat status LED = Green  
If an LED does not light or shows a color different  
from the one indicated here, see Chapter 6 for  
information about the cause of the problem.  
 
         
 
QUICK SETUP FOR  
MANAGEMENT ACCESS  
5
This chapter provides easy instructions for configuring  
the SuperStack II Switch 3900 system for  
®
How Do You Want to Manage the System?  
management access. After you decide how you want  
to manage your system, follow the configuration  
instructions for your preferred type of management  
access.  
You can manage your system locally through a  
terminal connection or through the network with an  
IP connection. Table 5-1 describes the access  
mechanisms.  
Table 5-1 Management Access Mechanisms  
About Switch 3900 System Management  
Access  
Mechanism  
Allows you to  
Using  
To configure and manage your Switch 3900 system,  
you can use one of several applications:  
Terminal  
Connect directly to the  
Administration Console and  
stay attached across system  
reboots  
Console port  
Switch 3900 Administration Console  
Other SNMP-based network management  
Modem  
IP  
Connect remotely to the  
Administration Console  
Console port  
applications  
Access the Administration  
Console with the rlogin or  
telnet commands. Or use an  
external SNMP management  
application to communicate  
with the Switch 3900 SNMP  
agent  
One of the Ethernet  
ports assigned to an  
IP interface  
The Switch 3900 Administration Console is a  
character-oriented, menu-driven user interface for  
administering the system. You can access the  
Administration Console in-band using the network  
ports through the IP network protocol. For more  
detailed information, see the SuperStack II Switch  
3900 and 9300 Administration Guide.  
These mechanisms are described more fully in the  
next sections.  
For more complete network management, access the  
system with an external SNMP-based management  
application such as 3Coms Transcend Enterprise  
Manager for UNIX or Windows or another network  
management application.  
 
                       
5-2  
CHAPTER 5: QUICK SETUP FOR MANAGEMENT ACCESS  
Terminal Connection  
Direct access through the Console port is often  
Initial Management Access  
The first time that you access your system, you  
connect through the Console port using a terminal.  
These are the default settings for this port: 9600  
baud, 8 bits, 1 stop bit, No parity.  
preferred because it allows you to remain on the  
system during system boots. A Macintosh or PC  
attachment can use any terminal emulation program  
for connecting to the Console port. A workstation  
attachment under UNIX can use the emulator TIP. For  
more details, see the documentation that is shipped  
with your terminal emulation program.  
When you first access the Administration Console  
using the Console port, you see this prompt:  
Select access level (read, write, administer):  
1 At the prompt, enter:  
Modem Connection  
administer  
You can manage the Administration Console using a  
modem by establishing a connection between your  
current Console session and the Console port. When  
you configure the external modem from the  
2 At the password prompt, press Return.  
The Administration Console top-level menu appears:  
Administration Console menu system, the Console  
appears to be directly connected to the external  
modem. See the SuperStack II 3900 and 9300  
Administration Guide for more information.  
Menu options:  
-----------------------------------------------------  
system  
ethernet  
bridge  
ip  
snmp  
script  
logout  
- Administer system-level functions  
- Administer Ethernet ports  
- Administer bridging  
- Administer IP  
- Administer SNMP  
- Run a script of console commands  
- Logout of the Administration Console  
Use the Console port for either a terminal connection  
or a modem connection.  
Type ? for help.  
-----------------------------------------------------  
Select a menu option:  
IP Management Interface  
An IP management interface is the connection  
between the Switch 3900 system and a subnetwork.  
It allows you to manage the system through any of  
the Ethernet ports.  
Use this menu to change the Console port baud  
setting for the terminal or to configure your system  
for another management access mechanism.  
With an IP interface, you can use the rlogin or telnet  
commands to access the Administration Console  
using TCP/IP from a host computer. You can also use  
the IP interface to manage the system with an  
external management application.  
 
         
Configuring the IP Interface  
5-3  
Setting the Console Port Baud  
Configuring the IP Interface  
To change the baud setting of the Console port:  
These instructions include information on how to  
define an IP interface through which you can manage  
your Switch 3900 system. An IP interface contains the  
following parameters:  
1 From the top level of the Administration Console, at  
the Select menu optionprompt, enter:  
system  
IP address — This address, which is specific to  
your network, is used to manage the system. The  
IP address defines both the number of the network  
to which the interface is attached and its host  
number on that network.  
2 At the systemmenu, enter:  
consoleSpeed  
3 At the prompt, enter the baud setting for the Console  
port. The system supports these baud settings:  
19200, 9600, 4800, 2400, and 1200.  
Subnet mask — This 32-bit number uses the  
same format and representation as an IP address.  
The subnet mask determines which bits in the IP  
address are interpreted as the network number, as  
the subnet number, and as the host number. Each  
IP address bit that corresponds to a 1 in the subnet  
mask is in the network and subnet part of the  
address. Each IP address bit that corresponds to a 0  
is in the host part of the IP address.  
The system changes the settings and displays this  
message:  
Changing the baud rate may cause a loss of  
communication since you are currently connected  
via the serial port.  
Are you sure you want to change the baud rate?  
(y/n):  
4 Enter y(for yes) or n(for no) at the prompt.  
If you enter y, the baud setting is changed  
To set the IP interface parameters:  
immediately, and you lose the ability to communicate  
on the Console port until you adjust the baud setting  
of your terminal or terminal emulator to match.  
1 From the top level of the Administration Console,  
enter:  
ip interface define  
If you enter n, the baud setting does not change and  
you return to the previous menu.  
2 Enter the IP address of the interface.  
3 Enter the subnetwork mask of the subnet to which  
the interface is to be connected.  
4 Enter the interface type as VLAN.  
For more detailed instructions on assigning interface  
parameters, see the SuperStack II Switch 3900 and  
9300 Administration Guide.  
 
       
 
TROUBLESHOOTING THE SYSTEM  
6
This chapter explains how to troubleshoot certain  
problems with the SuperStack® II Switch 3900 system.  
It covers:  
Diagnosing Problems  
By observing system diagnostics, you can identify and  
correct problems that might occur when the system  
powers up.  
Getting Additional Help  
Diagnosing Problems  
Cleaning Dirty Fiber Optic Ports and Connectors  
Power Failures  
If the system does not respond when you insert the  
power cord, see the troubleshooting suggestions in  
Table 6-1.  
Getting Additional Help  
If you experience system problems that are not  
addressed in this chapter, contact 3Com Technical  
Support or your service representative. Before you  
call, gather the following information and have it  
available:  
Abnormal LED Activity  
The Switch 3900 system contains several status LEDs  
that indicate system or port problems. If you see  
abnormal LED activity, see the troubleshooting  
suggestions in Table 6-2 (for system LEDs) and  
Table 6-3 (for port LEDs).  
System serial number  
Maintenance agreement or warranty information  
and the date of purchase  
Software revision number  
Brief description of the problem  
You can view some of this information in the  
Administration Console. From the top-level menu,  
enter system display.  
For additional information and phone numbers, see  
Appendix C.  
 
           
6-2  
CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING THE SYSTEM  
Table 6-1 Troubleshooting Power Failures  
Symptom  
Possible Sources of the Problem  
Steps to Take  
System does not power up. System is not receiving power.  
Power supply malfunctioned.  
1 Verify that the building’s power outlet has power.  
2 Check that the power cord is firmly plugged into the system and either the  
building’s power outlet, the redundant power system, or the  
uninterruptible power system.  
3 If you are using an RPS or a UPS, check that it is firmly plugged into the  
building’s power outlet.  
4 Try another power cable.  
5 If the system still does not operate, contact 3Com Technical Support or  
your service representative.  
Table 6-2 Troubleshooting Abnormal System LED Activity  
LED Status  
Possible Sources of the Problem  
Steps to Take  
Fault LED blinks yellow.  
Diagnostic software is not running.  
1 Check the Administration Console display.  
2 Call 3Com Technical Support or your service representative.  
Power LED does not light. System has failed.  
1 Shut down the system by disconnecting the power plug.  
2 Call 3Com Technical Support or your service representative.  
 
                   
Diagnosing Problems  
6-3  
Table 6-3 Troubleshooting Abnormal Port LED Activity  
LED Status  
Possible Sources of the Problem  
Steps to Take  
Pckt LED does not light.  
Stat LED does not light.  
Software error  
Check the Administration Console display.  
System does not recognize a  
connection to the port.  
1 Verify that all cables are firmly plugged into both the system’s affected  
port and the attached device.  
Cable is not fully attached to the  
port.  
2 Test for faulty cables.  
3 Clean the fiber optic ports and connectors. See next section.  
When the problem is corrected, the LED lights green.  
Port cable is faulty.  
Fiber optic ports or connectors are  
dirty.  
If the LED still does not light, contact 3Com Technical Support or your service  
representative.  
 
           
6-4  
CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING THE SYSTEM  
To clean a fiber optic lens, take these steps:  
Cleaning Dirty Fiber Optic Ports and  
Connectors  
1 Remove any accumulated dust or debris from the port  
or connector by blowing across all surfaces with a  
canned air duster.  
Fiber optic transceivers are sensitive optical devices.  
Handle them carefully. If dirt collects on a fiber optic  
lens, the associated LED may not light. You may also  
notice degradation in port performance, indicated by  
an increase in the Link Error Rate (LER) count on a  
port.  
Compressed gas is recommended, such as  
Chemtronics’ Ultrajet or the Triangle Tool Groups  
Liqui-Tool Dust-A-Way. Do not use commercial  
compressed air or “house air” because of the risk of  
oil contamination.  
To prevent dust from collecting on the fiber optic lens,  
keep the dust covers on the ports at all times when  
they are not in use.  
2 Reconnect the cable to the port to check whether  
dusting has corrected the problem.  
3 Gently wipe the ports with a lint-free, nonabrasive,  
nonadhesive swab. Microswabs by Texwipe are  
recommended.  
WARNING: Follow all safety precautions in Chapter 3  
when working with fiber optic components.  
4 Gently wipe the connectors with a lint-free,  
nonabrasive wipe or pad. Texwipe pads are  
recommended.  
Avoid touching any surface after you clean the  
connectors.  
 
   
SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS  
A
Table A-1 System Specifications for the SuperStack II Switch 3900 Stackable Switch  
Specifications  
Physical Dimensions  
6.5 cm (H) x 44 cm (W) x 30.5 cm (D)  
2.59 inches (H) x 17.32 inches (W) x 12.00 inches (D)  
Weight: 4.1 kg (12 lbs)  
Environmental Requirements  
Operating Temperature  
Operating Humidity  
Storage Temperature  
Storage Humidity  
0 to 50 ˚C (32 to 122˚F)  
10 to 90% relative humidity, noncondensing  
–20 to 85 ˚C (– 4 to 185˚ F)  
5% to 95% maximum relative humidity, noncondensing  
Safety  
Agency Certifications  
UL 1950, CSA 22.2 No. 950, TUV EN60950  
UK General Approval Statement  
The SuperStack™ II Switch 3900 is manufactured to the international Safety Standard  
EN60950 and is approved in the UK under the General Approval Number  
NS/G/12345/J/100003 for indirect connection to the public telecommunication network.  
Designed to Comply with  
IEC 950  
Electromagnetic Emissions  
(Agency Certification)  
Meets FCC part 15, Subparagraph J, Class A limits, and CISPR Class A limits  
Complies with EMC Council Directive 89/336/EEC, Class A limits  
Heat Dissipation  
Power Supply  
Receptacles  
175 watts maximum (547 BTU/hour maximum)  
15 ampere service receptacles, type N5/15 or NEMA 5-15R (United States and Canada only)  
AC Line Frequency  
Input Voltage Options  
Current Rating  
47 to 63 Hz  
100 to 240 VAC  
1.3 amperes at 120 volts  
 
           
A-2  
APPENDIX A: SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS  
Table A-2 Standards Supported by the SuperStack II Switch 3900  
Table A-3 LED Indicators on the SuperStack II Switch 3900  
Standard Type  
SNMP  
RFC Supported  
LED  
Type  
Power Green — System is on.  
Off — System is receiving no power.  
Off — System is operational.  
Description  
SNMP protocol (RFC 1157)  
MIB II (RFC 1213)  
System LEDs  
Ethernet MIB (RFC 1284)  
Bridge MIB (RFC 1286)  
Fault  
Solid or Blinking Yellow — System  
failed diagnostics, or some other  
operational failure has occurred.  
Software  
Installation  
tftp (RFC 959)  
Port LEDs  
Stat  
Off — Port is off-line.  
Terminal Emulation telnet (RFC 854)  
rlogin (RFC 1282)  
Blinking Green — Port is online but  
disabled.  
Protocols Used for  
Administration  
UDP (RFC 768)  
IP (RFC 791)  
Green — Port is online and enabled.  
Off — Port is off-line.  
Pckt  
ICMP (RFC 792)  
TCP (RFC 793)  
ARP (RFC 826)  
Blinking Yellow — Port is passing  
data.  
Yellow — Port is passing data.  
 
 
SITE REQUIREMENTS AND SAFETY CODES  
B
You took careful steps to plan and prepare your site  
for new or additional SuperStack II Switch 3900  
®
Wiring Closet Recommendations  
stackable switch systems. For your reference, this  
appendix summarizes the criteria that your site should  
meet for the Switch 3900 to operate safely and  
effectively.  
The cabling system plan at your facility probably  
covers most wiring closet concerns. 3Com also  
requirements in your facility cabling plan.  
The topics covered in this appendix:  
General Safety Requirements  
Wiring Closet Recommendations  
Verify that your wiring closet and your facility meet  
codes.  
Distribution Rack Requirements, if you mount one  
Be sure that your system is easily accessible for  
or more Switch 3900 systems in a distribution rack  
installation and service.  
Building and Electrical Codes  
Provide adequate overhead lighting for easy  
maintenance.  
General Safety Requirements  
prevent unauthorized access.  
For safe operation, your site must meet these general  
safety requirements:  
Assign wiring closet identification numbers using  
floor-grid matrix.  
All environmental requirements listed in Appendix  
A and in “Wiring Closet Recommendations.” Pay  
special attention to temperature and humidity.  
Select a vinyl floor covering for your wiring closet.  
Concrete floors accumulate dust; carpets can  
cause static electricity.  
All building and electrical codes for your city and  
country. See relevant “Building and Electrical  
Codes” for more information.  
Be sure that the wiring closet floor is flat and level.  
If you are using distribution racks and the floor is  
not level, bolt the racks to the floor to prevent  
them from tipping over.  
All grounding requirements listed in “Wiring  
Closet Recommendations” and “Distribution Rack  
Requirements.”  
 
                 
B-2  
APPENDIX B: SITE REQUIREMENTS AND SAFETY CODES  
Be sure that each wiring closet has a suitable  
ground. Ground all metal racks, enclosures, boxes,  
and raceways in the closet.  
Distribution Rack Requirements  
If you plan to mount your SuperStack II Switch 3900  
systems in a distribution rack, verify that your rack  
meets the basic mechanical and space requirements  
described in this section.  
Use AC power, 15-ampere service receptacles, type  
N5/15 or NEMA 5-15R for 120 VAC, and the other  
system specifications shown in Appendix A.  
Be especially sure to meet all system environmental  
requirements in Appendix A, such as ambient  
temperature and humidity.  
Protective Grounding for the Rack  
To ensure that voltages induced into wiring by  
lightning or other disturbances are directed to  
ground, ground your distribution racks properly. Use a  
distribution rack grounding kit and a ground  
conductor that is carried back to earth or to another  
suitable building ground. To order the grounding kit,  
contact your sales representative.  
Be sure that the ventilation in the wiring closet is  
adequate to maintain a temperature below 40 ˚C  
(104 ˚F).  
Install a reliable air conditioning and ventilation  
system if you plan to have two or more Switch  
3900 systems in a single wiring closet.  
Space Requirements for the Rack  
To prevent overheating during nonbusiness hours,  
guard against the ventilation being shut down  
while a Switch 3900 system remains powered up.  
Provide enough space in front of and behind the  
system so that you can service it easily. Allow a  
minimum of 76 cm (30 in.) between the rack and any  
wall behind or in front of it. Extra room on each side  
is optional. See Figure B-1.  
Install your distribution rack near an easily accessible  
power outlet. You can power down the system only  
by removing the power cord from the power source.  
 
                           
Distribution Rack Requirements  
B-3  
In countries other than the United States, comply  
with IEC Standard 297: Dimensions of Panels and  
Racks.  
In addition, 3Com recommends that your distribution  
racks meet these requirements:  
Use an open style, 19-inch rack. The rack styles  
shown in Figure B-2 facilitate easy maintenance  
and provide excellent ventilation.  
Use a rack that has the universal mounting rail  
hole pattern identified in IEC Standard 297. See  
Figure 2-3 for a description of the universal  
mounting hole pattern.  
Use a rack that is made of steel.  
Install equipment in the lower half of the  
distribution rack to avoid making it top heavy.  
76 cm (30 in.)  
Use a rack that supports approximately 272 kg  
(600 lb)  
Use a rack that has adequate electrical grounding,  
76 cm (30 in.)  
for instance, with a distribution rack grounding kit.  
Verify that the floor under the rack is level within  
5 mm (3/ in.). Use a floor-leveling cement  
compound or bolt the racks to the floor.  
16  
Figure B-1 Recommended Service Access  
Attach the rack to the wiring closet floor with  
Mechanical Requirements for the Rack  
9.5 mm (3/ in.) lag screws or equivalent hardware.  
8
Verify that your racks comply with the standards and  
requirements in your cabling system plan and  
conform to these conventional standards:  
Brace open distribution racks if the channel  
1
thickness is less than 6.4 mm ( / in.).  
4
In the United States, comply with EIA Standard  
RS-310C: Racks, Panels, and Associated  
Equipment.  
 
             
B-4  
APPENDIX B: SITE REQUIREMENTS AND SAFETY CODES  
Building and Electrical Codes  
Follow all appropriate building codes and authorities  
on electrical codes when planning your site and  
installing your cable for the Switch 3900 system.  
Specific building and electrical codes vary depending  
on your location. The following lists are provided as  
resources to help you to find additional information.  
Building Codes  
Major building codes:  
Uniform Building Code  
International Conference of Building Officials  
(ICBO)  
5360 South Workman Mill Road  
Whittier CA 90601-2298  
BOCA Basic Building Code  
Building Officials and Code Administrators  
(BOCA) International, Inc.  
4051 West Flossmoor Road  
Country Club Hills IL 60478-5795  
Standard Building Code (SBC)  
Southern Building Code Congress International,  
Inc. (SBCCI)  
900 Montclair Road  
Birmingham AL 35213-1206  
Figure B-2 Recommended Rack Styles  
 
           
Building and Electrical Codes  
B-5  
National Electrical Manufacturers Association  
(NEMA) — An organization of electrical product  
manufacturers. Members develop consensus  
standards for cables, wiring, and electrical  
components.  
Electrical Codes  
Authorities on electrical codes (USA only):  
National Electrical Code (NEC) Classification —  
A recognized authority on safe electrical wiring.  
Federal, state, and local governments use NEC  
standards to establish their own laws, ordinances,  
and codes on wiring specifications. The NEC  
classification is published by:  
NEMA  
1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1847  
Rosslyn VA 22209  
Electronic Industries Association (EIA) —  
A trade association that develops technical  
standards, disseminates marketing data, and  
maintains contact with government agencies in  
matters relating to electronics and related  
industries.  
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)  
1 Batterymarch Park  
Quincy MA 02269-9101  
Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) Listing —  
An independent research and testing laboratory.  
UL evaluates the performance and capability of  
electrical wiring and equipment to determine  
whether they meet certain safety standards when  
properly used. Acceptance is usually indicated by  
the words “UL Approved” or “UL Listed.”  
EIA  
2500 Wilson Boulevard  
Arlington VA 22201  
UL  
333 Pfingsten Road  
Northbrook IL 60062-2096  
 
         
 
TECHNICAL SUPPORT  
C
3Com provides easy access to technical support  
information through a variety of services. This  
appendix describes these services.  
software library, as well as support options ranging  
from technical education to maintenance and  
professional services.  
Information contained in this appendix is correct at  
time of publication. For the very latest, 3Com  
recommends that you access the 3Com Corporation  
World Wide Web site.  
3Com FTP Site  
Download drivers, patches, MIBS, and software across  
the Internet from the 3Com public FTP site. This  
service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  
To connect to the 3Com FTP site, enter the following  
information into your FTP client:  
Online Technical Services  
3Com offers worldwide product support 24 hours  
a day, 7 days a week, through the following online  
systems:  
Hostname: ftp.3com.com (or 192.156.136.12)  
Username: anonymous  
World Wide Web site  
Password: <your Internet e-mail address>  
3Com FTP site  
A user name and password are not needed with Web  
browser software such as Netscape Navigator and  
Internet Explorer.  
3Com Bulletin Board Service (3Com BBS)  
SM  
3ComFacts automated fax service  
3Com Bulletin Board Service  
World Wide Web Site  
The 3Com BBS contains patches, software, and  
drivers for 3Com products. This service is available  
through analog modem or digital modem (ISDN)  
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  
Access the latest networking information on the  
3Com Corporation World Wide Web site by entering  
the URL into your Internet browser:  
This service provides access to online support  
information such as technical documentation and  
 
                   
C-2  
APPENDIX C: TECHNICAL SUPPORT  
Access by Analog Modem  
3ComFacts Automated Fax Service  
The 3ComFacts automated fax service provides  
technical articles, diagrams, and troubleshooting  
instructions on 3Com products 24 hours a day, 7 days  
a week.  
To reach the service by modem, set your modem to  
8 data bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit. Call the  
telephone number nearest you:  
Country  
Australia  
Brazil  
Data Rate  
Telephone Number  
61 2 9955 2073  
55 11 5181 9666  
33 1 6986 6954  
4989 62732 188  
852 2537 5601  
39 2 27300680  
81 3 3345 7266  
52 5 520 7835  
Call 3ComFacts using your Touch-Tone telephone:  
Up to 14,400 bps  
Up to 14,400 bps  
Up to 14,400 bps  
Up to 28,800 bps  
Up to 14,400 bps  
Up to 14,400 bps  
Up to 14,400 bps  
Up to 28,800 bps  
Up to 14,400 bps  
1 408 727 7021  
France  
Support from Your Network Supplier  
Germany  
Hong Kong  
Italy  
If additional assistance is required, contact your  
network supplier. Many suppliers are authorized  
3Com service partners who are qualified to provide a  
variety of services, including network planning,  
installation, hardware maintenance, application  
training, and support services.  
Japan  
Mexico  
P.R. of China  
86 10 684 92351  
886 2 377 5840  
44 1442 438278  
1 408 980 8204  
Taiwan, R.O.C. Up to 14,400 bps  
When you contact your network supplier for  
assistance, have the following information ready:  
U.K.  
Up to 28,800 bps  
Up to 28,800 bps  
U.S.A.  
Product model name, part number, and serial  
number  
Access by Digital Modem  
A list of system hardware and software, including  
revision levels  
ISDN users can dial in to the 3Com BBS using a digital  
modem for fast access up to 56 Kbps. To access the  
3Com BBS using ISDN, use the following number:  
Diagnostic error messages  
Details about recent configuration changes,  
1 408 654 2703  
if applicable  
If you are unable to contact your network supplier,  
see the following section on how to contact 3Com.  
 
       
Support from 3Com  
C-3  
Country  
Telephone Number  
Support from 3Com  
Singapore  
S. Korea  
800 6161 463  
If you are unable to obtain assistance from the 3Com  
online technical resources or from your network  
supplier, 3Com offers technical telephone support  
services. To nd out more about your support  
options, please call the 3Com technical telephone  
support phone number at the location nearest you.  
From anywhere in S. Korea:  
From Seoul:  
Taiwan  
Thailand  
Pakistan  
82 2 3455 6455  
00798 611 2230  
0080 611 261  
001 800 611 2000  
61 2 9937 5085  
1235 61 266 2602  
Philippines  
Europe  
When you contact 3Com for assistance, have the  
following information ready:  
From anywhere in Europe, call: +31 (0)30 6029900 phone  
+31 (0)30 6029999 fax  
From the following European countries, you may use the  
toll-free numbers:  
Product model name, part number, and serial  
number  
Austria  
06 607468  
0800 71429  
800 17309  
A list of system hardware and software, including  
Belgium  
Denmark  
Finland  
France  
Germany  
Hungary  
Ireland  
revision levels  
0800 113153  
0800 917959  
0130 821502  
00800 12813  
1 800 553117  
177 3103794  
1678 79489  
0800 0227788  
800 11376  
0800 3111206  
05 05313416  
0800 995014  
900 983125  
020 795482  
0800 55 3072  
0800 966197  
Diagnostic error messages  
Details about recent configuration changes,  
if applicable  
Israel  
Italy  
Below is a list of worldwide technical telephone  
support numbers:  
Netherlands  
Norway  
Poland  
Portugal  
South Africa  
Spain  
Sweden  
Switzerland  
U.K.  
Country  
Telephone Number  
Asia Pacific Rim  
Australia  
1 800 678 515  
China  
From anywhere in China:  
From Shanghai:  
Hong Kong  
India  
Indonesia  
Japan  
86 21 6350 1590  
10 800 3656  
800 933 486  
61 2 9937 5085  
001 800 61 009  
0031 61 6439  
1800 801 777  
0800 446 398  
Latin America  
Argentina  
Brazil  
Colombia  
Mexico  
541 312 3266  
55 11 523 2725, ext. 422  
571 629 4847  
Malaysia  
New Zealand  
01 800 849 2273  
North America  
1 800 NET 3Com  
(1 800 638 3266)  
(continued)  
 
 
C-4  
APPENDIX C: TECHNICAL SUPPORT  
Returning Products for Repair  
Before you send a product directly to 3Com for repair,  
you must first obtain a Return Materials Authorization  
(RMA) number. Products sent to 3Com without RMA  
numbers will be returned to the sender unopened, at  
the senders expense.  
To obtain an RMA number, call or fax:  
Country  
Telephone Number Fax Number  
65 543 6342 65 543 6348  
Asia, Pacific Rim  
Europe, South Africa, 011 44 1442 435860 011 44 1442 435718  
and Middle East  
From the following European countries, you may call the toll-free  
numbers; select option 2 and then option 2:  
Austria  
06 607468  
0800 71429  
800 17309  
Belgium  
Denmark  
Finland  
France  
Germany  
Hungary  
Ireland  
0800 113153  
0800 917959  
0130 821502  
00800 12813  
1 800 553117  
177 3103794  
1678 79489  
0800 0227788  
800 11376  
0800 3111206  
05 05313416  
0800 995014  
900 983125  
020 795482  
0800 55 3072  
0800 966197  
Israel  
Italy  
Netherlands  
Norway  
Poland  
Portugal  
South Africa  
Spain  
Sweden  
Switzerland  
U.K.  
Latin America  
1 408 326 2927  
1 408 764 6883  
1 408 764 7120  
U.S.A. and Canada  
1 800 876 3266,  
option 2  
 
   
INDEX  
Numbers  
C
E
10/100BASE-TX  
cabling  
EIA (electrical code)  
cabling 3-2  
10/100BASE-TX (RJ-45) ports 3-2  
1000BASE (SC) ports 3-4, 3-5  
Console port 3-5  
Ethernet ports 3-2 to 3-3  
Gigabit Ethernet ports 3-4  
modem 3-5  
standard equipment rack B-3  
standards B-5  
electrical codes  
Electronics Industry Association (EIA) B-5  
National Electrical Code (NEC) B-5  
National Electrical Manufacturers Association  
(NEMA) B-5  
connector pin assignments 3-3  
1000BASE-LX module 3-4  
1000BASE-SX module 3-4  
3Com bulletin board service (3Com BBS) C-1  
3Com FTP site C-1  
3Com URL 1, C-1  
overview 3-1  
3ComFacts fax service C-2  
serial port 3-5  
cabling system plans B-3  
cautions in text  
Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) Listing B-5  
environmental specifications  
and requirements B-2  
requirements A-1  
Ethernet LEDs 4-4, 6-3  
Ethernet Pckt LED  
position 4-4  
troubleshooting 6-3  
Ethernet ports, cabling 3-2 to 3-3  
position 4-4  
defined  
2
A
CD-ROM documentation  
Console port  
cabling 3-5  
default settings 5-2  
terminal 5-1  
4
AC components  
Redundant Power System 4-1  
Uninterruptible Power System 4-1  
Administration Console  
accessing 5-2  
configuring IP addresses 5-3  
Advanced Redundant Power System (RPS) 4-1  
air conditioning  
conventions in text  
troubleshooting 6-3  
defined  
2
requirements for system B-2  
cooling the system B-2  
audience  
1
F
Fault LED 4-3  
D
troubleshooting 6-2  
fault tolerance 1-5  
fax service (3ComFacts) C-2  
feedback on documentation  
fiber  
B
DB-9 connector pin assignments 3-5  
diagnostic signs 6-1 to 6-3  
distribution rack  
preparing for system installation 2-3  
requirements B-2  
universal mounting hole pattern 2-4  
documentation  
baud setting  
changing 5-3  
brackets, mounting 2-3  
building codes  
BOCA Basic Building Code (BOCA) B-4  
Standard Building Code (SBC) B-4  
Uniform Building Code B-4  
bulletin board service C-1  
4
multimode 3-1  
single-mode 3-1  
fiber optic cables  
cleaning 6-4  
floor plan B-1  
FTP site C-1  
comments  
for the Switch 3900 system  
documents on CD-ROM  
4
3
4
 
 
2
INDEX  
power  
cord 4-1  
cord, troubleshooting 6-2  
down B-2  
options 4-1  
up 4-1  
G
M
Gigabit Ethernet  
cabling 3-4  
modules 3-4  
ports 3-4  
management access 1-5, 5-1  
management, Switch 3900  
IP 5-1  
modem 5-1  
terminal 5-1  
wiring B-2  
module  
fiber optic safety 3-1  
modules  
Gigabit Ethernet 3-4  
mounting brackets 2-3  
mounting hole pattern 2-3  
mounting rails B-3  
multimode fiber  
troubleshooting 6-2  
power system  
malfunction 6-2  
redundant 4-1  
specifications A-1  
uninterruptible 4-1  
power up  
and staging the system 4-2  
and system cabling 4-2  
diagnostics 4-2  
LED activity 4-2  
protective grounding  
wiring closet B-2  
protocols supported A-2  
H
hardware mounting kit 2-1  
humidity  
specifications A-1, B-2  
I
ICBO (building code) B-4  
IEC Standard 297 B-3  
impedance  
safety precautions 3-1  
twisted-pair guidelines 3-2  
installation  
N
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) B-5  
NEC (electrical code) B-5  
NEMA (electrical code) B-5  
notes in text  
distribution rack 2-3  
free-standing stack 2-2  
table-top 2-2  
integrated management 1-5  
interface parameters (IP) 5-3  
IP address 5-3  
R
defined  
2
rack  
open-style B-3  
requirements B-2  
universal mounting hole pattern 2-4  
redundant power system  
connecting 4-1  
and Switch 3900 management 5-1  
quick configuration 5-3  
O
online technical services C-1  
L
LEDs  
abnormal activity 6-1  
fiber optic safety precautions 3-1  
port status 4-4, 6-3  
system fault 4-3, 6-2  
system power 4-3, 6-2  
system status 4-3, 6-2  
troubleshooting 6-2  
local management 5-1  
returning products for repair C-4  
RJ-45 ports 3-2  
pin assignments  
10/100BASE-TX (RJ-45) connectors 3-3  
Console port 3-7  
ports  
fiber optic safety 3-1  
 
INDEX  
3
S
T
U
safety  
table-top installation 2-2  
technical support  
3Com URL C-1  
fax service C-2  
FTP site C-1  
Uniform Building Code (UBC) B-4  
uninterruptible power system (UPS) 4-1  
URL 1, C-1  
requirements and standards B-1  
working with fiber optic cables and  
LEDs 3-1  
SBC (Standard Building Code) B-4  
SC connectors 3-4  
serial line, and management access 5-1  
serial port  
V
network suppliers C-2  
product repair C-4  
temperature  
specifications A-1  
transceiver  
ventilation  
air conditioning B-2  
wiring closet B-2  
cabling 3-5  
single-mode fiber  
safety 3-1  
site planning  
fiber optic safety precautions 3-1  
troubleshooting  
W
environmental and safety requirements B-1  
rack requirements B-2  
wiring closet considerations B-1  
SNMP  
agent 5-1  
and Switch 3900 management 5-1  
standards supported A-2  
software release notes  
stacking systems 2-1  
subnet mask 5-3  
Switch 3900  
warnings in text  
port LED activity 6-3  
power failures 6-2  
system checks 4-5  
system LED activity 6-2  
turning off the system 4-1, B-2  
turning on the system 4-1  
twisted pair  
AWG 3-2  
impedance 3-2  
maximum length 3-2  
defined  
wiring 3-1  
wiring closet  
recommendations B-1  
World Wide Web (WWW) 1, C-1  
2
1
Y
Year 2000 compliance  
5
cabling 3-1  
cooling B-2  
description 1-1  
installing 2-1  
management 5-1  
power options 4-1  
turning off 4-1  
turning on 4-1, 4-2  
Switch 3900 documentation  
system checks 4-5  
3
system cooling B-2  
 
 
product is considered a “Heritage 3Com product” if it is a member of a product family  
that was manufactured by 3Com prior to its merger with US Robotics Corporation. This  
Year 2000 limited warranty does not apply to Heritage US Robotics Corporation  
products. If it appears that any such product does not perform properly with regard to  
such date data on and after January 1, 2000, and Customer notifies 3Com before the  
later of April 1, 2000, or ninety (90) days after purchase of the product from 3Com or its  
authorized reseller, 3Com shall, at its option and expense, provide a software update  
that would effect the proper performance of such product, repair such product, deliver  
to Customer an equivalent product to replace such product, or if none of the foregoing is  
feasible, refund to Customer the purchase price paid for such product.  
3Com Corporation LIMITED WARRANTY  
HARDWARE  
3Com warrants its hardware products to be free from defects in workmanship and  
materials, under normal use and service, for the following lengths of time from the date  
of purchase from 3Com or its authorized reseller:  
Network Interface Cards  
Lifetime  
1 year*  
Other hardware products  
Any software update or replaced or repaired product will carry a Year 2000 Warranty  
for ninety (90) days or until April 1, 2000, whichever is later.  
*unless otherwise specified above  
Spare parts and spares kits  
90 days  
OBTAINING WARRANTY SERVICE  
If a product does not operate as warranted above during the applicable warranty  
period, 3Com shall, at its option and expense, repair the defective product or part,  
deliver to Customer an equivalent product or part to replace the defective item, or  
refund to Customer the purchase price paid for the defective product. All products that  
are replaced will become the property of 3Com. Replacement products may be new or  
reconditioned. Any replaced or repaired product or part has a ninety (90) day warranty  
or the remainder of the initial warranty period, whichever is longer.  
Customer must contact 3Com’s Corporate Service Center or an Authorized 3Com  
Service Center within the applicable warranty period to obtain warranty service  
authorization. Dated proof of purchase may be required. Products returned to 3Com’s  
Corporate Service Center must be preauthorized by 3Com with a Return Material  
Authorization (RMA) number marked on the outside of the package, and sent prepaid  
and packaged appropriately for safe shipment, and it is recommended that they be  
insured. The repaired or replaced item will be shipped to Customer, at 3Com’s expense,  
not later than thirty (30) days after receipt of the defective product by 3Com.  
SOFTWARE  
Dead- or Defective-on-Arrival. In the event a product completely fails to function or  
exhibits a defect in materials or workmanship within the first forty-eight (48) hours of  
installation but no later than thirty (30) days after the date of purchase, and this is  
verified by 3Com, it will be considered dead- or defective-on-arrival (DOA) and a  
replacement shall be provided by advance replacement. The replacement product will  
normally be shipped not later than three (3) business days after 3Com’s verification of  
the DOA product, but may be delayed due to export or import procedures. When an  
advance replacement is provided and Customer fails to return the defective product to  
3Com within fifteen (15) days after shipment of the replacement, 3Com will charge  
Customer for the replacement product, at list price.  
3Com warrants that the software programs licensed from it will perform in substantial  
conformance to the program specifications therefor for a period of ninety (90) days  
from the date of purchase from 3Com or its authorized reseller. 3Com warrants the  
media containing software against failure during the warranty period. No updates are  
provided. 3Com’s sole obligation with respect to this express warranty shall be (at  
3Com’s discretion) to refund the purchase price paid by Customer for any defective  
software products, or to replace any defective media with software which substantially  
conforms to applicable 3Com published specifications. Customer assumes responsibility  
for the selection of the appropriate applications program and associated reference  
materials. 3Com makes no warranty or representation that its software products will  
meet Customer’s requirements or work in combination with any hardware or  
applications software products provided by third parties, that the operation of the  
software products will be uninterrupted or error free, or that all defects in the software  
products will be corrected. For any third-party products listed in the 3Com software  
product documentation or specifications as being compatible, 3Com will make  
reasonable efforts to provide compatibility, except where the noncompatibility is caused  
by a “bug” or defect in the third party's product.  
3Com shall not be responsible for any software, firmware, information, or memory data  
of Customer contained in, stored on, or integrated with any products returned to 3Com  
for repair, whether under warranty or not.  
WARRANTIES EXCLUSIVE  
IF A 3COM PRODUCT DOES NOT OPERATE AS WARRANTED ABOVE, CUSTOMER’S  
SOLE REMEDY FOR BREACH OF THAT WARRANTY SHALL BE REPAIR, REPLACEMENT,  
OR REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE PAID, AT 3COM’S OPTION. TO THE FULL EXTENT  
ALLOWED BY LAW, THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES ARE EXCLUSIVE  
AND ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, TERMS, OR CONDITIONS, EXPRESS OR  
IMPLIED, EITHER IN FACT OR BY OPERATION OF LAW, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE,  
INCLUDING WARRANTIES, TERMS, OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS  
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND SATISFACTORY QUALITY. 3COM NEITHER  
ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANY OTHER PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT ANY OTHER  
LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE, OR USE OF  
ITS PRODUCTS.  
YEAR 2000 WARRANTY  
In addition to the Hardware Products Warranty and Software Products Warranty  
identified above, 3Com warrants that all Heritage 3Com products sold or licensed to  
Customer on and after January 1, 1998 that are date sensitive will continue performing  
properly with regard to such date data on and after January 1, 2000, provided that all  
other products used by Customer in connection or combination with the 3Com  
products, including hardware, software, and firmware, accurately exchange date data  
with the 3Com products, with the exception of those products identified at 3Com’s Web  
 
 
3COM SHALL NOT BE LIABLE UNDER THIS WARRANTY IF ITS TESTING AND  
EXAMINATION DISCLOSE THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE PRODUCT DOES NOT  
EXIST OR WAS CAUSED BY CUSTOMER’S OR ANY THIRD PERSON'S MISUSE, NEGLECT,  
IMPROPER INSTALLATION OR TESTING, UNAUTHORIZED ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR OR  
MODIFY, OR ANY OTHER CAUSE BEYOND THE RANGE OF THE INTENDED USE, OR BY  
ACCIDENT, FIRE, LIGHTNING, OR OTHER HAZARD.  
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY  
TO THE FULL EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, 3COM ALSO EXCLUDES FOR ITSELF AND ITS  
SUPPLIERS ANY LIABILITY, WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT OR TORT (INCLUDING  
NEGLIGENCE), FOR INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, OR PUNITIVE  
DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR FOR LOSS OF REVENUE OR PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS,  
LOSS OF INFORMATION OR DATA, OR OTHER FINANCIAL LOSS ARISING OUT OF OR IN  
CONNECTION WITH THE SALE, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE, USE, PERFORMANCE,  
FAILURE, OR INTERRUPTION OF ITS PRODUCTS, EVEN IF 3COM OR ITS AUTHORIZED  
RESELLER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, AND LIMITS ITS  
LIABILITY TO REPAIR, REPLACEMENT, OR REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE PAID, AT  
3COM’S OPTION. THIS DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES WILL NOT BE  
AFFECTED IF ANY REMEDY PROVIDED HEREIN SHALL FAIL OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE.  
DISCLAIMER  
Some countries, states, or provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied  
warranties or the limitation of incidental or consequential damages for certain products  
supplied to consumers or the limitation of liability for personal injury, so the above  
limitations and exclusions may be limited in their application to you. When the implied  
warranties are not allowed to be excluded in their entirety, they will be limited to the  
duration of the applicable written warranty. This warranty gives you specific legal rights  
which may vary depending on local law.  
GOVERNING LAW  
This Limited Warranty shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, U.S.A.,  
excluding its conflicts of laws principles and excluding the United Nations Convention  
on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods.  
3Com Corporation, 5400 Bayfront Plaza, Santa Clara, CA 95052-8145  
(408) 764-5000  
 

3Com Network Card 5102M FBP User Manual
Addonics Technologies Computer Drive AEIDDSAU User Manual
Addonics Technologies Computer Hardware AEMK35CB User Manual
AG Neovo Computer Monitor S 15V User Manual
Alpine Universal Remote RUE 4191 User Manual
Aluratek Network Router CDM530AM User Manual
Amana Refrigerator ABD2533DEB User Manual
AMX Network Router nxc User Manual
Atlona Car Amplifier AT SAV14 User Manual
Audiovox Remote Starter CA 6150 User Manual