3Com Unveils New Network Jack 'In-the-Wall' LAN Switch.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 28, 2002

NJ200 Network Jack Innovation Gives Enterprise Network Managers

Sophisticated Networking Management and Connectivity Capabilities

3Com Corporation (Nasdaq: COMS) today announced the newest product in the Network Jack platform, the 3Com(R) NJ200 Network Jack, a unique "in-the-wall," four-port managed Ethernet switch that quadruples LAN infrastructure port connections to quickly and easily add new users, devices and intelligence to the edge of the corporate network.

"With the NJ200 Network Jack, 3Com gives IT managers a way to quickly and easily expand end user connectivity while increasing control of the network at the same time," said Trey Wafer, product manager, 3Com Corporation. "This is the only networking solution on the market today with location mapping capabilities that enables IT managers to physically pinpoint locations of networking devices on the LAN from the edge of the network."

The unique 3Com network jack quickly converts a single port LAN connection into four switched ports without installing additional cabling. More secure than a freestanding hub or switch, it mounts unobtrusively inside a standard wall cutout. The switch case and downlink port are secured inside the wall and behind the faceplate, lessening their exposure to damage, disconnection, or theft. This network jack is compatible with drafted 802.3af Power over Ethernet standard--as well as with proprietary Power over Ethernet as implemented in some Cisco devices--using Category 5 or 5e cabling. For LANs without Power over Ethernet, it can use a local AC power adapter. In addition, up to two optional pass-through ports provide additional telephony or LAN connections.

"The NJ200 Network Jack gives IT managers big cost and time savings by eliminating the need to pull additional cabling for increased connectivity, while at the same time providing an added level of control with support for SNMP management capabilities," said Nick Lippis, president, Lippis Consulting.

"The 3Com NJ200 Network Jack solution lets us expand our network in-wall wiring the easy way, saving us money and time," Charles Armour, chief information officer, PensaWorks, Inc., Milton, Fla. "Working with the 3Com NJ200 Network Jack is a breeze. Configuration is quick and painless, management is fast and effective, and installation couldn't be easier. I particularly like the location mapping feature that allows me to pinpoint where any networked device is plugged into the network."

3Com NJ200 Network Jack Key Features and Benefits

The second generation of the network jack family, the 3Com NJ200 Network Jack gives enterprise IT managers key management, VLAN and flexible connectivity support. Following is a summary of the solution's key features:

-- SNMP-compliant management provides port-level control and device monitoring;

-- Advanced switching features include port-based VLANs, 802.1p traffic prioritization, and system alerts;

-- Location mapping feature physically locates any device on the network;

-- "In-the-wall" design is more secure and reliable than a freestanding switch or hub; network jack can't be easily disconnected or stolen;

-- Unique form factor enables one LAN drop to support four 10/100 Mbps switched ports and up to two pass-through ports;

-- Inline Power over Ethernet lowers the risk of power interruptions; Port #1 can forward Power over Ethernet to another device

-- NEMA-WD6 and ANSI-compliant building standards for easy installation in wall cutouts;

-- AC power supply supports the network jack in a LAN without inline power capabilities; portable and convenient for installation, and;

-- Choice in adapter plates for both Panduit and Avaya connectors.

Pricing and Availability

The 3Com NJ200 Network Jack solution comes in creme or black in either single or 20 packs and is now available in the U.S., Canada and Mexico for $219 U.S. list price for single unit and $4,075 U.S. list price for a 20 pack. The adapter plates for the NJ200 Network Jack currently support many Panduit or Avaya connectors. They are included with the single packs or sold separately for the 20 packs. Connectors can be purchased directly from the manufacturer. 3Com NJ200 Network Jack has additional product options including power supplies, 20-packs of adapter plates, based on the user configuration.

Interested customers and resellers can obtain additional information on the new solutions by calling 1-800-NET-3COM or at www.3com.com/networkjack.

3Com's Network Jack Family

3Com(R) NJ100 and NJ200 Network Jacks are unique "in-the-wall" Ethernet switches that quadruple LAN infrastructure connectivity more cost-effectively than rewiring. They mount inside standard wall cutouts, making them more secure than freestanding switches or hubs. The NJ200 model is fully managed, supporting SNMP and port-based VLAN set-up, and includes utilities for location mapping and centralized control.

About 3Com Corporation

3Com is a tier-one provider of innovative, practical and high-value networking products for enterprise customers. 3Com is also a leader in Internet protocol (IP) service platforms and access infrastructure for the network service provider market. 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 company and product names may be trademarks of their respective holders.