3Com Redefines the Network Edge with Its Unique Line of `In-the-Wall' Ethernet Switches.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

MARLBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 20, 2004

3Com(R) IntelliJack(TM) Switch NJ220 Delivers Added Intelligence at

the Edge for Optimizing Secure, Converged Networks

3Com Corporation (Nasdaq: COMS) today introduced the 3Com(R) IntelliJack(TM) Switch NJ220, the latest in its unique line of "in-the-wall" four-port managed Ethernet switches, formerly marketed under the Network Jack name. 3Com has revolutionized the standard wiring closet switch by bringing its intelligence out to the edge of the network. Building upon 3Com's secure networking initiatives, the unique IntelliJack design has won acclaim for fitting into standard wall cutouts, allowing easy conversion of a single port wall outlet into four switched Ethernet ports without running new cabling.

The new NJ220 model is a managed switch with standards-based security and intelligent management for better network access control, ideal for converged networks running Internet Protocol (IP) telephony. It features port-based network access control based on the IEEE 802.1X network login standard, and IEEE 802.1Q Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) support. A "location mapping" feature helps a central manager pinpoint the physical location of a port for faster network troubleshooting.

"The IntelliJack Switch NJ220 enables organizations to seamlessly extend the 802.1X functionality from the core of their network to additional connections at the edge," said Tom Gerstenberger, 3Com vice president of personal systems business. "3Com's IntelliJack Switch family is the only Ethernet switch with a unique in-the-wall design, which instantly quadruples the number of connections while providing advanced security and management functionalities required for today's converged networks. Users can prepare their infrastructure for new applications like IP telephony and video conferencing at a fraction of the cost of pulling new cables."

Other features common among IntelliJack family models include compatibility with the IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE) standard, power forwarding of PoE to a compatible downstream device such as a phone or video surveillance camera, and traffic prioritization. With the IntelliJack Switch NJ220's centralized management, information technology (IT) managers now have the capability to bring additional connectivity and yet have improved control over the network at the level of each individual connection.

"3Com continues to improve its exclusively designed switch family to satisfy new networking application requirements and deliver on the promise of a true pervasive security network," said Zeus Kerravala, vice president of enterprise infrastructure, The Yankee Group. "With 802.1X security in the IntelliJack line, IT managers have an easier path to secure their network while preparing the network for IP Telephony. Being managed, the Switch NJ220 gives IT managers greater control of the various devices connected to the network."

Key Features and Benefits

The 3Com IntelliJack Switch NJ220 gives IT managers' enhanced ability to control access to the network, including greater access from remote locations and user-configured VLAN IDs for management packets. Its key features include:

-- Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)-compliant management

for centralized port-level control and device monitoring;

-- Advanced security including 802.1X port-based network access,

Mandatory Access Control (MAC) filtering, 802.1Q VLANS, 802.1p

traffic prioritization, and system alerts;

-- Advanced switching features that enhance control to the

individual connection. For example, a port-based rate limiting

which allows control of speed and type of data traffic or an

intuitive calendaring feature that allows prescheduled or

off-hour control and repurposing of individual or groups of

3Com IntelliJacks;

-- Location mapping management application to better locate

devices on the network;

-- Pass-through ports, up to two, can be added to provide

additional non-switched connections for phones or additional

local area networks (LAN) ports;

-- Power over Ethernet, IEEE 802.3af and Cisco compatible, to

help lower deployment costs and the risk of power

interruptions;

-- Power forwarding on Port #1 to forward PoE to another device,

ideal for IP Telephony deployments; and

-- Local power supply supports a local area network (LAN) without

PoE capabilities.

Integrated Security

3Com sets the standard for incorporating security into all of its products by adding 802.1X and MAC address filtering to the IntelliJack Switch NJ220. With 802.1X authentication, only authorized users and information can pass through the network. MAC filtering is a natural complement to 802.1X that gives the IT manager the ability to either allow or disallow traffic based on the MAC address of the packets being sent to a specific port or ports on the NJ220.

Award Winning Unique "In-the-Wall" Switch

The IntelliJack Switch NJ220 is the fourth product of 3Com's unique "in-the-wall" switch family first introduced in 2001. All models are designed to fit in a standard U.S.-style 1.75" x 2.80" wall outlet cutout. The switch is typically installed at the end-users' location, directly attached to the wall in a clean and neat design. Compared with desktop models, IntelliJack switches are more physically secure and less obtrusive than freestanding switches or hubs and cannot be easily disconnected or stolen. In 2003, the NJ90 Network Jack model won "Best of Interop, Enterprise Network Infrastructure" category at NetWorld + Interop.

Pricing and Availability

The 3Com IntelliJack Switch NJ220 is now available in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and has a list price of $219 U.S. It is available in cream or black. 20 packs are also available for larger-scale deployments. Power is ordered separately to more flexibly accommodate PoE or local power connections.

About 3Com

3Com is a leading provider of innovative, practical and high-value voice and data networking products, services and solutions for enterprises of all sizes and public sector organizations. For further information, please visit www.3com.com, or the press site www.3com.com/pressbox.

3Com and the 3Com logo are registered trademarks and IntelliJack a trademark of 3Com Corporation.