3Com

®

Switch 8800 Network Monitoring Module

DATA SHEET

Provides network data export for use with

Netflow management tools.

OVERVIEW

As enterprises deploy secure, converged networks, it is paramount that they also implement detailed network analysis and planning tools. For example, real-time applications such as VoIP demand the highest levels of service and guaranteed QoS. Knowledge of network performance and usage is crucial for the successful delivery and ongoing maintenance of these strategic applications.

The 3Com ® Switch 8800 Network Monitoring Module interoperates with other solutions to enable network managers to analyze network traffic, view network usage and evaluate long-term trends, empowering them to make proactive and strategic networking decisions.

The Network Monitoring Module uses NetFlow, an IP flow-based technology, to monitor traffic. It includes an onboard operating system, allowing the data acquisition process to be separated from the switch processing; and, it is compatible with the 360 Gbps and 720 Gbps switch fabrics. The module also:

›

Occupies any I/O slot in the chassis and is hot swappable;

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Interfaces directly with the Switch 8800 high-capacity backplane;

›

Fully utilizes the internal crossbar switching capabilities of the

Switch 8800;

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Operates as a Network Data Exporter (NDE); and,

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Supports NetFlow versions 5, 8 and 9 compatible data export.

KEY BENEFITS

POWERFUL DATA PROCESSING AND EXPORT

This module provides a crucial element in the overall NetFlow application architecture by operating as a Network Data Exporter (NDE). As an NDE, the Network Monitoring Module processes statistical data, and then exports it across the network to the Network Data Collector

(NDC) and Network Data Analyzer Application (NDA). The NDC and

NDA provide the graphical user interface and reporting tools needed to diagnose performance problems and report on historical trends.

When combined with the other NetFlow system components, the

Network Monitoring Module provides network administrators with broad and comprehensive views of their network, and allows them to obtain detailed information for real-time analysis and long-term planning.

3Com Switch 8800 Network Monitoring Module

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KEY BENEFITS

(CONTINUED)

3COM ® SWITCH 8800 NETWORK MONITORING MODULE

ADVANCED TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Deploying the 3Com Switch 8800 Network Management Module in conjunction with a Network Data Collector and Application (both of which are available from third-party vendors) provides administrators with robust advanced traffic management features. Together, these solutions enhance administrators’ abilities to gain network traffic visibility in realtime, enabling them to analyze who is talking to whom and determine how much traffic is transferred during specific timeframes. Companies can also use these solutions to create data warehouses for later long-term analysis and planning.

A number of important capabilities can be derived from monitoring and analyzing traffic. These include:

Feature

Network monitoring

Application monitoring

User monitoring

Network planning

Accounting and billing

Data mining and warehousing

Benefit

Enables real-time viewing, used for troubleshooting.

Allows administrators to view application usage over time.

Identifies end point utilization of network resources.

Enables trend analysis and network optimization.

Facilitates charge-back and cost allocation.

Helps determine who accessed what information, where and when.

SCALABLE AND FLEXIBLE SYSTEM

With its 1.44 Terabits-per-second switching capacity, the Switch 8800 provides exceptional scalability for core, distribution and edge environments within the enterprise. The flexible design of the Switch 8800 allows for any combination of modules to be used in a single system, allowing for easy expansion of network capacity, and accommodating a highly flexible range of port densities and media types for 10-Gigabit and Gigabit Ethernet.

The Network Management Module, with its onboard operating system and custom hardware, does not degrade the performance of the switch fabric(s) or media I/O modules.

INTEGRATED DESIGN

Integrating the network monitoring capabilities within the chassis decreases the need for additional external appliances in the core. As a result, fewer resources are required to manage, service, and support the multiple network elements that are provided by various suppliers. The integrated design also cuts down on rack space requirements, power provisioning and cable complexity, and reduces total cost of ownership.

CENTRALIZED ACCESS AND MANAGEMENT

A comprehensive set of management features allows the Switch 8800 to provide enterprise-wide visibility and control to IT staff for configuration, network monitoring and advanced troubleshooting capabilities.

Management features are accessible via an intuitive command line interface (CLI) as well as by simple network management protocol

(SNMP), with hierarchical access controls and password protection for secure management access.

Network administrators can use these remote access and management capabilities of the Switch 8800 to access and manage the Network

Management Module. The Switch 8800 provides centralized access and management with strong authentication using Secure Shell version 2

(SSHv2) and TACAS+ to prevent unauthorized access.

3COM ® SWITCH 8800 NETWORK MONITORING MODULE

BENEFITS OF NETFLOW

NetFlow provides network administrators with access to IP flow information from their data networks.

Network elements, such as routers and switches, gather flow data and export it to collectors and associated network data application. The collected data provides fine-grained metering for highly flexible and detailed resource usage accounting.

Netflow, when used in conjunction with a Data Network Exporter (like the Switch 8800 Network Monitoring

Module), Network Data Collector and Network Data Monitoring Application, can deliver the following features and benefits:

Feature

Simplified bandwidth monitoring

Benefit

Helps companies avoid complex monitoring and bandwidth management solutions, and makes it easier to understand and handle bandwidth blockages.

In-depth traffic analysis

Accurate capacity planning

Alerting based on threshold violations Allows administrators to manage through exceptions and not manage constantly; supports automatic alerting through email and other vehicles.

Departmental bandwidth usage Identifies accurate bandwidth consumption at the individual department level and allows administrators to set appropriate bandwidth policies for proper utilization.

Custom reports Supports pre-built and custom reporting; enables reports to be emailed at desired schedules.

Reduced operational costs

Identifies the top applications, hosts and conversations using bandwidth, and immediately pinpoints bandwidth wastage.

Identifies peak hour usage and historical trends, saves money through the accurate purchase of bandwidth.

Effective data storage

Effective graphs and charts

Enables faster troubleshooting through the use of raw and aggregate data; enables drill down for a rapid understanding of the network and facilitates appropriate action.

Provides up to one month or more of bandwidth data, depending on the

Network Data Application and its Collector.

Allows easy-to-understand reports and make administrators’ jobs simple; provides reports over various time periods, enabling trend analysis.

SPECIFICATIONS

MODULE CAPABILITIES

Occupies any I/O payload slot in the

3Com Switch 8800 chassis

Onboard operating system allows data acquisition processes to be separated from switch processing

Data export compatible with NetFlow versions 5, 8 and 9

Statistics based on, among others: source and destination IP address,

UDP and TCP port, protocol type,

ICMP type, IP priority, TOS and DSCP

Compatible with 3Com Switch 8800

360 Gbps and 720 Gbps Fabrics

400 network monitoring stream sessions, max.

2 Gbps throughput, max.

DIMENSIONS

Width: 366.7 mm (14.4 in)

Depth: 340.0 mm (13.4 in)

Weight: 3.63 kg (9.68 lb)

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ORDERING

INFORMATION

3COM ® SWITCH 8800 NETWORK MONITORING MODULE

SERVICE AND SUPPORT

3Com Global Services offers the resources and talents of a major corporation plus more than two decades of experience in resolving network challenges and delivering business benefits to enterprises around the world.

Global support with a personalized, local focus in the local language helps drive productivity and minimize expenses. Because 3Com understands both the technology and the business, we’re the partner you need to remain strong and competitive.

Suggested Service, Support and Training Offerings

Network Health Check An activity-auditing service focused on improving network performance and productivity

Network Installation and

Implementation Services

Includes traffic monitoring, utilization analysis, problem identification, and asset deployment recommendations

Extensive report provides blueprint for action

Experts set up and configure equipment and integrate technologies to maximize functionality and minimize business disruption

For large and complex sites, implementation services include personalized configuration, project management, extended testing and coaching on network administration

Project Management Provides extra focus and resources that special projects demand

3Com engineer(s) manage entire process from initial specifications to post-project review

Using structured methodology, requirements are identified, projects planned and progress of implementation activities tracked

3Com Guardian SM Maintenance Service This service provides comprehensive on-site support and includes advance hardware replacement, telephone technical support and software upgrades

3Com Express SM Maintenance Service This service provides speedy access to 3Com shipment of advance hardware replacements, software upgrades and telephone support

3Com University Self-paced and instructor-led technology and product courses, plus certification programs

For additional information, please visit www.3com.com/services

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

3Com Switch 8800 Network Monitoring Module

3COM SKU

3C17542

Visit www.3com.com for more information about 3Com secure converged network solutions.

3Com Corporation, Corporate Headquarters, 350 Campus Drive, Marlborough, MA 01752-3064

3Com is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol COMS.

Copyright © 2007 3Com Corporation. All rights reserved. 3Com and the 3Com logo are registered trademarks, and Guardian and Express are service marks, of 3Com

Corporation. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective companies. While every effort is made to ensure the information given is accurate, 3Com does not accept liability for any errors or mistakes which may arise. All specifications are subject to change without notice.

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