3Com Launches a New Fiber IntelliJack Expanding Its Unique Line of ''

3Com Launches a New Fiber IntelliJack Expanding Its Unique Line of ''in the Wall'' Ethernet Switches

    Business Editors

    MARLBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 26, 2005--

    3Com(R) IntelliJack(TM) Switch NJ240FX Combines the Security of
    Fiber for Converged Connections of Data, Voice, and Video
    Networks

    3Com Corporation (Nasdaq: COMS) today introduced the 3Com(R) IntelliJack(TM) Switch NJ240FX, the latest in its unique line of "in the wall" four port managed Ethernet switches. The new NJ240FX combines the security of fiber with converged networking to bring data, voice and video to the desktop at a fraction of the cost of installing individual fiber connections.
    "I am impressed with the capabilities of this new IntelliJack switch. 3Com has the only product I have seen that offers immediate access to additional connections to the network at a cost savings that allows users to economically bring fiber to the desktop," said Federal Security Consultant Lewis E. Larson. "The NJ240FX also has all the management capabilities and additional security features that Federal, or almost all IT managers, need to seamlessly bring secure connectivity to the edge of the network."
    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 secure networks.
    "The IntelliJack Switch NJ240FX enables government organizations to optimize the security and bandwidth of its fiber networks by easily and cost-effectively increasing the number of ports end-users can access," said Kevin Curran, Director of Federal Sales at 3Com. "An IT manager can now leverage the advantages of a fiber network, and prepare its infrastructure for applications such as IP telephony and video conferencing that are traditionally found in a copper-based environment."
    The new NJ240FX model is a managed four-port switch that accommodates a standard two-strand fiber cable uplink and utilizes switching technology to expand the number of connections to four 10/100 Ethernet copper ports at the end-user's location. It provides IPv6 support, which the Federal government requires for all networking equipment and SNMPv3 for secure management of the device. Additional secure management features include port-based network access control founded 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.

    Key Features and Benefits

    The 3Com IntelliJack Switch NJ240FX gives IT managers the ability to leverage their fiber networks, but still provide additional end-user connections. Enhanced ability to control access to the network, including greater access from remote locations and user-configured VLAN IDs for management packets give them the port level control that they require. Its key features include:

--	Fiber uplink that provides a 100 Mbps connection to the network. The NJ240FX comes in three choices of connection--LC, SC or ST;
--	Simple Network Management Protocol v3 (SNMPv3)-compliant management for centralized port-level control and device monitoring;
--	Advanced security including 802.1X port-based network access, Media Access Control (MAC) filtering, 802.1Q VLANS, 802.1p traffic prioritization, and system alerts;
--	Location mapping management application to better locate devices on the network;
--	An additional pass-through port, which can provide an additional non-switched connection for a phone or LAN connection;
--	Power forwarding on Port #1 to forward PoE to another device, ideal for IP Telephony deployments; and
--	Internalized power supply and unique industrial design that allows the NJ240FX to be powered from within the raceway or a nearby power outlet.

    Pricing and Availability

    The 3Com IntelliJack Switch NJ240FX is expected to be available in the U.S., Canada and Mexico in March and has a list price of $379 U.S.

    About 3Com

    3Com 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. When customers exercise choice, their choice is 3Com. For further information, please visit www.3com.com, or the press site www.3com.com/pressbox.
    Copyright (C) 2005 3Com Corporation. 3Com and the 3Com logo are registered trademarks and IntelliJack and Exercise Choice are trademarks of 3Com Corporation. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective holders.

--30--DC/bo*

CONTACT: 3Com Corporation Kevin Petschow, 847-262-7262 kevin_petschow@3com.com or Coltrin & Associates for 3Com Joelle Kenealey, 650-373-2005 joelle_kenealey@coltrin.com

KEYWORD: MASSACHUSETTS INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TELECOMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE NETWORKING PRODUCT SOURCE: 3Com Corporation

Copyright Business Wire 2005