Charleston Southern University Reduces Costs, Extends Connectivity via Innovative 3Com IntelliJack Switch NJ225 FX

[September 17, 2004]

Charleston Southern University Reduces Costs, Extends Connectivity via Innovative 3Com IntelliJack Switch NJ225 FX

MARLBOROUGH, Mass. --(Business Wire)-- Sept. 17, 2004 -- Institution First to Deploy Unique "In the Wall" Switch with Fiber Uplink in the U.S. Market

When Charleston Southern University in Charleston, S.C. needed an economical way to deliver wireless connectivity to its students and faculty, it turned to a cost-effective solution offered only by 3Com Corporation (NASDAQ: COMS). The 3Com(R) IntelliJack(TM) Switch NJ225 FX transforms a single fiber connection into four 10/100 switched ports. The system allows Charleston Southern to distribute its network to wireless access points without buying and installing expensive, higher density fiber switching platforms that exceed the school's present and future needs. Although the device was previously available only in European markets, 3Com is providing the IntelliJack Switch NJ225 FX to U.S. customers on a limited basis.

"We were the first university in South Carolina to provide wireless Internet access to every campus building, but we only need a handful of network ports in each facility to link our access points," said Rusty Bruns, chief information officer for Charleston Southern University. "Before 3Com, we would have paid for stand-alone switches with more ports than we require. The 3Com IntelliJack Switch NJ225 FX is the perfect alternative to this approach. The four-port switch fits simply into a wall or a wiring close and is far more cost-effective."

The university's wireless administrator, Tony Boone, installed and configured the IntelliJack Switch NJ225 FX in much less time than what is normally required for switches in wiring closets. The solution allows the school to use one Fast Ethernet fiber connection in a building to link its wireless 3Com access points. Moreover, administrators can map and centrally manage the device like other switches, ensuring optimum performance and reliability.

Like other systems in the 3Com IntelliJack switch family, the IntelliJack Switch NJ225 FX provides Power over Ethernet to devices plugged into it, eliminating the need to install power outlets for access points or other devices. It also supports Voice over IP (VoIP), allowing customers to offer voice services over wireless links for even greater cost-savings.

The IntelliJack Switch NJ225 FX features a fiber uplink, avoiding the need for a fiber converter. Its faceplate is designed to European specifications, but Charleston Southern deployed the device easily. Because the system is such an ideal solution for wireless networking and other applications, 3Com is extending its availability to U.S. customers on an authorized basis.

"The IntelliJack Switch NJ225 FX complements the 3Com solutions that compose our wireless infrastructure all the way to the core," said Bruns. "The product is a very attractive, trouble-free alternative to large switches, particularly for organizations that need to stretch their IT budgets. Its low cost, performance, and form factor, along with 3Com's willingness to let us use a solution once available only in Europe, underscores 3Com's commitment to meeting its customers needs."

About Charleston Southern University

Founded in 1964, Charleston Southern University is a four-year liberal arts school situated on 300 acres near historic Charleston. One of South Carolina's largest accredited independent universities, it enrolls approximately 3,000 students. The institution is affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention and is dedicated to promoting academic excellence in a Christian environment for all faiths. For more information on Charleston Southern University, visit the school's web site at www.csuniv.edu.

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 is a trademark of 3Com Corporation. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective holders.

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