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Cloud Monk is an MCSE, MCT, and Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) and a 3Com 3Wizard. He was hired by 3Com France in 1990 to teach 3Com 3+ Open (based on Microsoft OS/2 LAN Manager).

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* https://bitsavers.org/bits/3Com
* https://bitsavers.org/bits/3Com/3Com_EtherSeries_PC_2.4.zip
* https://bitsavers.org/communications/3Com/EtherSeries/Etherseries_Users_Guide_Jan85.pdf
* https://bitsavers.org/communications/3Com


3Com was a pioneering company in the computer networking industry, founded in 1979 by Bob Metcalfe, one of the co-inventors of Ethernet. The name 3Com stands for "Computer, Communication, and Compatibility," reflecting the company's mission to create network products that could seamlessly integrate and connect different computer systems. 3Com played a significant role in the development and commercialization of Ethernet technology, which became a standard in local area networks (LAN). Over the decades, 3Com developed a range of networking products, including network interface cards (NICs), switches, routers, and wireless equipment, and was influential in setting standards and driving innovation in the networking space.

One of the key contributions of 3Com was its role in the mass adoption of Ethernet as the dominant networking technology for LANs. Initially, Ethernet was a relatively niche technology, but 3Com's early development of affordable Ethernet cards and networking devices made it accessible to a wider range of businesses. Ethernet, as standardized in IEEE 802.3, allowed for high-speed, reliable, and scalable networking, which became the foundation for modern wired networks. This early leadership in Ethernet positioned 3Com as one of the leading networking companies during the 1980s and 1990s.

3Com was also notable for its contribution to networking standards, including its involvement in the development of RFC 826, which defines the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP). ARP is a critical protocol used to map IP addresses to MAC addresses within a network, allowing devices to communicate over Ethernet networks. By participating in the standardization process and ensuring that its products adhered to these emerging standards, 3Com helped create interoperable and efficient network solutions that could be adopted on a global scale.

As the networking industry evolved in the 1990s, 3Com expanded its product line to include enterprise networking solutions, such as switches and routers. The company's acquisition of U.S. Robotics in 1997 allowed it to enter the rapidly growing market for modems and remote access technology, which became increasingly important with the rise of the internet. This expansion into the consumer and enterprise markets helped 3Com maintain its position as a leading networking vendor, providing both hardware and software solutions for businesses of all sizes.

One of 3Com's most significant innovations was its development of Ethernet hubs and switches, which played a critical role in the growth of wired networking during the 1990s and early 2000s. These devices allowed multiple devices to be connected in a LAN, facilitating high-speed communication between computers, servers, and other networked devices. By focusing on developing reliable and scalable networking solutions, 3Com helped businesses build robust network infrastructures that could support the increasing demands of internet usage, file sharing, and other networked applications.

In the wireless networking space, 3Com was one of the early adopters and promoters of the IEEE 802.11 standards for wireless LANs (Wi-Fi). The company's wireless networking products were among the first to offer businesses the ability to create wireless networks that could complement their existing wired infrastructure. This early push into wireless networking helped position 3Com as a key player in the transition to wireless internet access, which became essential for mobile computing and the rise of laptops and mobile devices.

While 3Com remained a key player in networking for several decades, the company faced increasing competition from other networking giants, such as Cisco and Juniper Networks, especially in the enterprise networking market. Cisco, in particular, dominated the networking equipment industry during the late 1990s and early 2000s, pushing 3Com to focus on niche markets and smaller-scale solutions. Despite these challenges, 3Com continued to innovate and develop products, especially in the realm of affordable networking for small and medium-sized businesses.

In 2009, 3Com was acquired by Hewlett-Packard (HP) for approximately $2.7 billion. The acquisition allowed HP to strengthen its position in the networking market by integrating 3Com's networking products into its own portfolio. HP incorporated many of 3Com's technologies into its HP ProCurve line of networking equipment, which became a key competitor to Cisco in the enterprise networking space. The acquisition marked the end of 3Com as an independent company, but its legacy in networking technology and innovation continues through its contributions to the industry.

Despite its eventual acquisition, 3Com's influence on the networking industry remains significant. The company played a central role in popularizing Ethernet, contributed to the standardization of key networking protocols like ARP, and helped pave the way for the widespread adoption of wireless networking. 3Com's emphasis on affordability and compatibility made networking accessible to a wider range of users, from small businesses to large enterprises, and helped establish the modern internet as we know it today.

Conclusion



3Com was a pioneering force in the development of networking technology, particularly in its contributions to the commercialization of Ethernet, the standardization of key protocols, and the creation of accessible networking products. Through its innovations in both wired and wireless networking, 3Com helped shape the landscape of modern networking, making it possible for businesses and individuals to build and maintain efficient, scalable networks. Although the company was eventually acquired by HP, its legacy continues through its contributions to networking standards and technologies, which remain foundational to today's networks.

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