3Com To Unveil Low-Cost Gigabit Switches

The networking hardware vendor, based here, is adding both managed and unmanaged Layer 2 Gigabit Ethernet switches at aggressive price levels targeted at small and midsize businesses.

The 3Com OfficeConnect Switch 8 with Gigabit uplink is a compact unmanaged, nine-port switch with eight 10/100 ports and an added 10/100/1000 port for an uplink or server connection. The switch is slated to be available June 19 at a list price of $149.

The 3Com OfficeConnect Gigabit Switch 5-port is 3Com's first small form factor, pure 10/100/1000 switch. Scheduled to be available July 10, the switch lists for $285.

The 3Com Switch 2816 and Switch 2824 are unmanaged, 16-port and 24-port 10/100/1000 fixed-configuration switches for rack-mounted or stand-alone installation. The 2824 is slated for Aug. 7 availability at a list price of $1,995. The 2816 is scheduled to be released Aug. 14 listing for $1,345.

Slated for release in July with a list price of $3,495, the company's 3Com Switch 3824 is a stand-alone managed 10/100/1000 switch with 24 Gigabit ports.