3Com NJ90 Network Jack Reduces Network Connection Cost and Hassles for Schools and Hospitals.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 21, 2003

New Product Offers IT Managers and Cabling Professionals a

Reduced-Cost Option for Extending Network Connections

Without Pulling Additional Cable

Schools and hospitals seeking to provide quality education and optimal patient care - but faced with deteriorating funding and budget cuts - now have a cost-effective alternative to expensive network rewiring projects. 3Com Corporation (NASDAQ: COMS) today announced an entry-level addition to its award-winning Network Jack product line - the 3Com(R) NJ90 Network Jack. Compact in size, yet powerful in convenience, the latest in 3Com's family of network jack solutions provides four, 10/100 unmanaged switch ports in a single device that fits into any common wall cut-out or modular furniture opening.

3Com's NJ90 Network Jack is an ideal fit for K-12 schools and university campuses. It offers an affordable way to add multiple connections per desktop in both new and existing construction sites and is firmly screwed into a wall for physical security. In addition, the NJ90 Network Jack integrates seamlessly into a network infrastructure, minimizing installation disruption in round-the-clock operations like healthcare facilities.

"Along with its innovative design, the Network Jack offers businesses, hospitals and schools the ability to affordably add network connections while leveraging existing cabling infrastructure," said Neal Kaufman, Senior Director, Product Management in 3Com's Personal Business Division. "The introduction of the NJ90 Network Jack now gives customers the ability to select the solution that best fits their needs from the range of Network Jack models."

For cost-conscious customers, the NJ90 establishes an entry-level in 3Com's family of Network Jack products. The NJ100 is a mid-range solution for those requiring "power forwarding" using Power over Ethernet for network phones or wireless access points, or needing additional "pass through" ports at the wall. The NJ200 is 3Com's most feature-rich Network Jack, with management, VLANs and traffic prioritization to satisfy the most sophisticated network requirements.

Like the NJ100 and NJ200, the NJ90 Network Jack fits into any standard 1.75" X 2.8125" wall outlet cutout or modular paneling. Four 10/100 Ethernet switch ports (RJ-45) connect local devices or users the LAN. Typical network devices, such as laptop or desktop PCs, printers, or other networked equipment are simply plugged in. The 3Com NJ90 Network Jack can be powered with Power over Ethernet, the IEEE 802.3af draft standard, for a future-proofed source of power and flexible configuration without extra wiring.

Pricing and Availability

The 3Com NJ90 Network Jack is expected to be available in the United States and Canada in May. The product is priced at $99 (U.S. list). The NJ100 is list priced at $140 and the NJ200 at $219.

About 3Com Corporation

3Com is a tier-one provider of innovative, practical and high-value networking products for enterprises of all sizes and public sector organizations. 3Com is also a leader in providing Internet protocol (IP) service platforms and access infrastructure for network service providers. For further information, please visit www.3com.com, or the press site www.3com.com/pressbox.

3Com and the 3Com logo are registered trademarks of 3Com Corporation. All other names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.