Ref: 99980042 Title: Information on the 3Station/2E Date: 1/1/89 Copyright 3Com Corporation, 1991. All rights reserved. The 3Com 3Station/2E is a network workstation that gives users the functionality of an IBM or compatible 286-based computer, while delivering the added advantages of an optimized netstation. The highly integrated circuit board design combines an 80286 processor, VGA graphics, 1 to 5 MB of memory, an Ethernet conection, and a socket for an optional math coprocessor - all on a single board. This compact design eliminates the need for expansion cards, increasing reliability and simplifying installation and hardware administration. Because mass storage is managed by a network server, the 3Station/ 2E does not require disk drives. Moreover, it consumes 90 percent less power than other 286-based microcomputers, so there is no need for a noisy cooling fan. The workstation supports 3Com 3+, 3+Open LAN Manager, and Novell NetWare network operating systems. A SECOND-GENERATION WORKSTATION WITH SUPERIOR NETWORKING FEATURES The 3Station/2E represents the latest generation in 3Com's line of optimized networkstations. This compact unit offers easy installation, a simple user interface, secure and reliable operation, and excellent performance. It also provides full Ethernet connectivity and AT compatbility. SOFTWARE AND DATA SECURITY The 3Station/2E workstation uses the network server to store application programs and data files, protecting these resources from unauthorized alteration or copying. This allows the organization to keep proprietary applications and data secure, and also helps enforce adherence to software license agreements. Overall control of the resources resides with the network administrator instead of the individual users. CONVENIENT INSTALLATION AND USER INTERFACE Since there are no additional cards to insert and no jumpers or switches to set, the 3Station/2E can be installed on the network in just a few minutes. ROM-resident menus are available for setup and diagnostics. Plus, the workstation provides a quiet work environment for users because it has no disk drives or fan. And it takes up minimal space on the destop - 75 percent less space than a typical workstation - making the 3Station/2E a convenient replacement for a cumbersome adapted PC. In addition to performing PC functions, the 3Station/2E can also connect to a host computer using emulation products from 3Com and other vendors. By combining PC and terminal operations, the 3Station/2E eliminates the need for both a workstation and a terminal on the user's desk. ENHANCED RELIABILITY The integrated single-board design requires few components, increasing reliability. The circuit board incorporates four customer application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) that provide all the data, address, peripheral, and network functions. Moreover, elimination of the fan and disk drive assemblies means a decrease in the number of moving parts, which improves the mean time between failure rate. ADVANCED VGA GRAPHICS The 3Station/2E provides a 640x480-pixel, 16-color video graphics array (VGA) capability, supported by a 256-KB video display buffer that yields superior graphics. Furthermore, the 3Station/ 2E supports the higher-resolution VGA (800x600 pixels) used in Microsoft Windows, AutoCAD, Ventura Publisher, and GEM Desktop Publisher environments. The workstation is also compatible with software written for EGA (640x350), CGA (640x200), Hercules (720x348), and MDA monochrome (720x350) graphics standards. Additionally, it comes equipped with special drivers that can accommodate the 132-character columns required for certain spreadsheet and financial application. OPTIMIZED NETWORK PERFORMANCE The 3Station/2E is powered by a 10-MHx 80286 microprocessor. The circuit board includes a socket for an optional math coprocessor, providing additional processing power for highspeed floating point computations. The workstation offers main memory configurations of 1, 3, and 5 MB, with support for RAM disk and expanded memory specification (EMS) under DOS- and OS/2- recommended configurations. The memory architecture provides up to 128 KB of additional RAM for applications running under DOS 3.0 and later releases. The Ethernet connection (10Mbps) is enhanced with multi-packet buffering for high network throughput, as well as an extended network segment range that reduces the number of repeaters needed in a typical network. The extended range is 1,000 feet (305 meters) for thin Ethernet cable and 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) for standard Ethernet cable. FULL CONNECTIVITY The 3Station/2E provides Ethernet connectivity through BNC and DIX connectors. It can also connect to IBM System/370 environments using the Maxess SNA gateway manufactured by CSI, a division of 3Com. In addition, with 3Com PCS/XNS and PCS/TCP communications software, the workstation can be linked to hosts running XNS or TCP/IP protocols, including UNIX systems. Peripherals such as a mouse, printer, or modem may be connected to the 3Station/2E using either of the two RS-232 asynchronous serial ports (9- and 25-pin). A printer can be attached through the Centronics-compatible parallel printer port (25-pin). An AT- compatible keyboard connector provides the keyboard interface, while a 15-pin PS/2-compatible video connector allows connetion of an analog monitor, either VGA color or monochrome. OS/2 SUPPORT The 3Station/2E can function as a DOS workstation running under a 3+Open network server. It can also operate as an OS/2 workstation using a version of Microsoft OS/2 that permits remote initial program load (IPL). This version of OS/2 will be available in the future to support new OS/2 applications. SPECIFICATIONS Physical Dimensions .br;Length: 14 in/36 cm .br;Width: 14 in/36 cm .br;Height: 3 in/7.6 cm .br;Weight: 12.5 lb/5.7 kg Power Requirements Voltage: 110VAC (95-135VAC) or 220VAC (190-270VAC) at 50/60 Hz, external switch-selectable. .br;Rating:25 watts typical. Convenience outlet: 3.5 amps at 110VAC, 1.8 amps at 220VAC; IEC connector. Environmental Ranges Temperature: 5 to 35 degrees C (41 to 95 degrees F) operating. -40 to 65 degrees C (-40 to 149 degrees F) non- operating. Humidity: 10% to 90% non-condensing. Altitude: -1,000 to 10,000 ft/-304 to 3,048 m operating. -1,000 to 40,000 ft/-304 to 12,192 m non-operating. Agency Approvals EMI: Part 15, Subpart J, Class A (Class B pending); VDE 0871, Class B. .br;Safety: UL478 5th Edition, CSA 22.2 220/1986, IEC 950. Installation .br;3Station/2E User Guide included with each system unit. .br;Auto-sensing Ethernet connection. .br;Auto-sensing monitor type. .br;ROM-resident system unit setup and diagnostics. Network Software Compatibiliy .br;3Com 3+ network operating system. .br;3Com 3+Open LAN Manager network operating system. .br;Novell NetWare (Version 2.1) Ordering Information 3Station/2E with 1 MB RAM, 101-key 3C1120* enhanced keyboard, User Guide, BNC "T" connector 3Station/2E Administrator's Guide, 3C1129 including video drivers, diagnostics, and loopback plugs 3Station/2E Technical Reference 3C1128 and Service Manual 2MB Memory Upgrade Package 3C1110 *When ordering products for countries other than Canada, the U.S.A., and Japan, add the appropriate code to the product number; United Kingdom - UK; Australia and most of Asia - AA;Europe outside the U.K. - ME. Appropriate power cable included with 3C1120-UK, 3C1120-AA, and 3C1120-ME. Enchanced keyboard included with 3C1120-AA. French/German/English User Guide included with 3C1120-ME.