3Com Strengthens Enterprise Switching Portfolio to Simplify Network Readiness for Voice over IP.

Fully-Refreshed, End-to-End Enterprise Switching Portfolio Optimized to Maximize VoIP Investment and Benefits

MARLBOROUGH, Mass. -- 3Com Corporation (NASDAQ: COMS) today announced it is further strengthening its enterprise stackable switching portfolio to create a comprehensive end-to-end networking solution that is optimized to support advanced applications such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). 3Com's completely refreshed enterprise switching portfolio, including the new 3Com[R] Switch 4500G, is designed to deliver a cost-effective solution that provides best-in-class security, performance and reliability that maximizes investments in VoIP and delivers long-term customer value.

"A successful VoIP implementation is as much about the network as the application itself," said Brian Allain, vice president and general manager of 3Com's Voice and Data Business Unit. "If the underlying infrastructure can't properly provide quality of service, security and prioritization of VoIP traffic, the application will not meet the user's expectations. 3Com's switching portfolio is optimized for a voice network because it has been designed specifically with the requirements needed to maximize the benefits of VoIP. 3Com has been a VoIP pioneer and a networking pioneer, so we understand the requirements for each and they are reflected in the development of our products and solutions."

As organizations transition to VoIP and adopt advanced applications to grow and manage their business, quality of service and security against new threats become even more important. New applications, such as VoIP, create increased demand for bandwidth and increased risks. In a converged voice and data environment, it is critical that the network possesses the intelligence to prioritize traffic, provide security and ensure quality and reliability. 3Com's end-to-end enterprise stackable switching portfolio is specifically designed to meet the full spectrum of requirements from enterprise to small- and medium-sized organizations that have made the transition to VoIP or are evaluating VoIP.

The newest addition to its portfolio is the 3Com Switch 4500G. Complementing 3Com's other innovative enterprise access solutions, the Switch 4500G delivers Gigabit speed with dynamic Layer 3 routing and extensive Layer 2 switching capabilities as well as support for IPv6. Available in 24 and 48 port models, with or without Power over Ethernet, the Switch 4500G features clustered stacking of up to 32 devices with four fully flexible 10G ports that can be used for stacking, server connections or uplinks. 3Com's new clustered stacking technology enables effective centralized management of not only 4500G switches but clusters that also include switches from the 4200 and 5500 families.

The Switch 4500G is ideal for converged environments. Features include intelligent quality of service (QoS) to automatically prioritize voice traffic; and Power over Ethernet, which can power IP phones, wireless access points or other 802.3af devices. Auto voice VLAN assignment simplifies initial voice system set up and ongoing moves, adds, and changes and further improves voice quality and security by optimizing secure converged IP communications over Ethernet-based networks. Another feature that simplifies implementation and ongoing management is the 4500G's ability to automatically recognize, power and deliver dial tone to 16 different IP phone models from 3Com and other vendors. Because security is of the utmost concern, the 3Com Switch 4500G offers advanced security functionality, including device authentication with support for 802.1X, RADA (RADIUS Authentication of Device Access), virus quarantine functionality and integration with TippingPoint[TM] Intrusion Prevention Systems.

The Switch 4500G is the latest addition to 3Com's switching portfolio that was built by 3Com's Chinese joint venture, H3C. It is a significant milestone, representing the complete refresh of the company's enterprise switching portfolio. Developed using 3Com intellectual property and built to 3Com standards, the 4500G is another proof point for 3Com's strategy to leverage its joint venture to quickly bring quality, cost-effective and innovative products to market. With a common, proven operating system running on 3Com switches and routers, and interoperable features available at different price points, this expansive voice-ready portfolio includes:

* Switch 5500 enterprise-class 10/100 family, introduced in May 2005;

* Switch 5500G enterprise-class Gigabit family, introduced in June 2005;

* Switch 4500 mid-range 10/100 family, introduced in November 2005; and

* Switch 4200G basic series Gigabit family introduced in September 2006

Pricing and Availability

The entire 3Com Switch 4500G family is currently available globally. The 4500G, non-PoE, starts at a list price of $3,295 (USD). The 4500G PWR, with full Power over Ethernet capabilities, starts at $4,495 (USD). The Switch 4500G comes with an enhanced warranty that offers free phone support and free software upgrades as well as provides full coverage for the unit, including fans and power supply unit (PSU).

About 3Com Corporation

3Com Corporation is a leading provider of secure, converged voice and data networking solutions for enterprises of all sizes. 3Com offers a broad line of innovative products backed by world class sales, service and support, which excel at delivering business value for its customers. Through its TippingPoint division, 3Com is the leading provider of network-based intrusion prevention systems that deliver in-depth application protection, infrastructure protection, and performance protection. 3Com also is the majority owner of Huawei-3Com Co., Ltd. (H3C), a China-based joint venture formed by 3Com and Huawei in November 2003. H-3C brings innovative and cost-effective product development and manufacturing and a strong footprint in one of the world's most dynamic markets. For further information, please visit www.3com.com, or the press site www.3com.com/pressbox.

Copyright [c] 2006 3Com Corporation. 3Com and the 3Com logo are registered trademarks and TippingPoint is a trademark of 3Com Corporation. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective holders