3Com 5232 Installation Guide - Page 7

1 OVERVIEW Introduction 3Com 5000 Routers are intended for use on enterprise-level networks. Depending on the network size, 3Com 5000 Routers can either be core routers on small and medium enterprise networks, or access routers for network branches on some large-sized enterprise networks. Therefore, 3Com 5000 Routers are suitable for the application on the carrier-level networks, such as telecom management networks and billing networks. 3Com 5000 Routers adopt modular design and provide multiple optional MIMs (Multifunctional Interface Modules) and SICs (Smart Interface Cards). In addition they provide two host types: AC-powered and DC-powered. 3Com 5000 Routers adopt high speed PowerPC microprocessor and the network operation system platform developed by 3Com Corporation. Besides the benefit of simple configuration, the router provides rich network security features, and supports dumb terminal access, SNA (Systems Network Architecture)/DLSw (Data-Link Switching), IP multicast, ATM, MPLS and abundant QoS (Quality of Service) features. Thereby, 3Com 5000 Routers can operate together with other 3Com series routers and Ethernet switches to provide overall end-to-end network solutions for clients in industries such as telecommunication, ISP, finance, taxation, public security, and transportation, medium-and-large-sized enterprises. 3Com 5000 Routers provide the following features: High-Performance Processor 3Com 5000 Routers use high-performance processors to process all the integrated interface data. All the performance indices, such as packet processing capacity, maximum traffic on interfaces, delay, frame drop rate, restoration period due to overloading of the system and system reset period, can meet users' requirements. Multiple Interface Card/Interface Module Options 3Com 5000 Routers provide SIC slots and MIM slot, where you can install various types of SICs and MIMs. The available interfaces include synchronous/asynchronous serial interface, asynchronous serial interface, T1/CT1/PRI interface, E1/CE1/PRI interface, BRI S/T and U interfaces, Ethernet interface (including FE/GE, electrical interface and fiber interface), ADSL/G.SHDSL interface, ATM 25M/155M interface, and so on. SICs or MIMs can be changed or extended as needed. Thereby, the investment that has been made can be protected to the maximum degree. Multiple Channels of Asynchronous Serial Interface Access ■ Connected to PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) via the asynchronous serial interface, the router can work as a small Internet access server. ■ With an analog Modem interface card, the router can be directly connected to PSTN to serve as a small access server. Ethernet Access By extending SICs and MIMs, 3Com 5000 Routers can provide multiple forms of Ethernet Solution interfaces, such as optical/electrical interface, 10/100/1000Mbps interface. Thereby, the networking capability of the router can be significantly improved.