3Com 3C19501, 3C19500 User Manual

OfficeConnect

®

Network Storage Server 20 (3C19500)
Network Storage Server 40 (3C19501)

User Guide

3Com Corporation ■ 5400 Bayfront Plaza ■ Santa Clara, California ■ 95052-8145

Copyright © 2000, 3Com Technologies. All rights reserved.
No part of this documentation may be reproduced in any form or by any means or used to

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!LICENSE.TXT. If you are unable to locate a copy, please contact 3Com and a copy will be
provided to you.

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If you are a United States government agency, then this documentation and the software
described herein are provided to you subject to the following:

All technical data and computer software are commercial in nature and developed solely at
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uphold our policy, we are committed to:

■

Establishing environmental performance standards that comply with national
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■

Conserving energy, materials and natural resources in all operations.

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■

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3

C

ONTENTS

About this Guide 5

Introducing the OfficeConnect Network Storage Server 7

Positioning the Network Storage Server 12

Choosing a Suitable Site 12
Stacking the Network Storage Server 12

Powering Up and Powering Down 14

Powering Up the Network Storage Server 14
Powering Down the Network Storage Server 14

Using the Network Storage Server 15

Who Can Access the Network Storage Server? 15
Accessing the Network Storage Server 15

Using the Administration System 16

The Administration System 16
Who Can Access the Administration System? 16
Accessing the Administration System 16
Administration System Features 17
Users and Shares 17
Configuration 20
Status 20
Commands 20
Help/Support 20

Failsafe Mode 21

Accessing the Failsafe Mode 21
Failsafe Mode Options 22

Replacing A Faulty Hard Disk 23

Hard Disk Safety Information 23
About the Hard Disk 23
Replacing the Hard Disk 24
Rebooting the Network Storage Server 26

IP Addressing 27

The Internet Protocol Suite 27
Managing the Network Storage Server over the Network 27
How does a Device Obtain an IP Address and Subnet Mask? 29

Troubleshooting 30

Spot Checks 30
Power LED is Off 30
Alert LEDs 30
LAN LEDs are Off 31
Network Appears Slow 31
Cannot Access Files on the Network Storage Server 32
Cannot Access the Administration System 32
Forgotten Administration System Password 32
Installation Problems 32
Cannot Access the Failsafe Mode 33

4

Frequently Asked Questions 34

Safety Information 36

Safety Information 36
Wichtige Sicherheitshinweise 36
Consignes importantes de sécurité 37

Technical Specifications 38

Standards 38
System Requirements 39
Ethernet Performance 39
Cable Specifications 39

Technical Support 40

Online Technical Services 40
World Wide Web Site 40
Support from Your Network Supplier 41
Support from 3Com 41
Returning Products for Repair 43

Glossary 44

3Com Corporation Limited Warranty 48

Regulatory Notices 51

5

A

BOUT THIS

G

UIDE

This guide provides the information you need to use the two
OfficeConnect

®

Network Storage Server models:

■

OfficeConnect Network Storage Server 20 (3C19500)

■

OfficeConnect Network Storage Server 40 (3C19501)

The OfficeConnect Network Storage Server is compatible with
OfficeConnect Hubs and Switches.

The guide is intended for use by those responsible for installing
and setting up network equipment; consequently, it assumes a
basic working knowledge of LANs (Local Area Networks) and
network storage systems.

If a release note is shipped with this OfficeConnect Network
Storage Server and contains information that differs from the
information in this guide, follow the information in the release
note.

Most user guides and release notes are available in Adobe
Acrobat Reader Portable Document Format (PDF) or HTML on the
3Com World Wide Web site:

http://www.3com.com

Naming Convention

Throughout this guide, the OfficeConnect Network Storage
Server 20 and the OfficeConnect Network Storage Server 40 are
referred to as “the Network Storage Server”.

This guide also makes reference to Category 3 and Category 5
Twisted Pair Cable. For convenience, these cables will be referred
to as Twisted Pair Cable throughout this guide.

Icon Conventions

Ta bl e 1 lists the conventions that are used throughout this guide.

Table 1

Notice Icons

.

Icon Notice Type Description

Information note Information that describes important features or

instructions.

Caution Information that alerts you to potential loss of

data or potential damage to an application,
system, or device.

Warning Information that alerts you to potential personal

injury.

6

Feedback about this User Guide

Your suggestions are very important to us. They will help make
our documentation more useful to you. Please e-mail comments
about this document to 3Com at:

[e-mail]

Please include the following information when commenting:

■

Document title

■

Document part number (on the title page)

■

Page number (if appropriate)

Example:

■

OfficeConnect Network Storage Server User Guide

■

Part Number DUA1950-0AAA01

■

Page 24

Do not use this e-mail address for technical support questions.
For information about contacting Technical Support, see

“Technical Support” on page 40

.

Related Documentation

In addition to this guide, each OfficeConnect Network Storage
Server document set includes one Quick Installation Guide. This
poster contains the instructions you need to install and configure
your Network Storage Server.

Year 2000 Compliance

For information on Year 2000 compliance and 3Com products,
visit the 3Com Year 2000 Web page:

http://www.3com.com/products/yr2000.html

Product Registration

You can now register your OfficeConnect Network Storage Server
on the 3Com web site and receive up-to-date information on
your product:

http://support.3com.com/warrantyregistration/
register.pl

7

I

NTRODUCING THE

O

FFICECONNECT

N

ETWORK

S

TORAGE

S

ERVER

Welcome to the world of networking with 3Com®. In the
modern business environment, communication and sharing
information is crucial. Computer networks have proved to be one
of the fastest modes of communication but, until recently, only
large businesses could afford the networking advantage. The
OfficeConnect

®

product range from 3Com has changed all this,

bringing networks to the small office.

The Network Storage Server is ideal for adding extra storage
space to your network. It is compact and attractively designed for
desktop use and can be used with other OfficeConnect products.
These products form part of the OfficeConnect range which
neatly stack together with the OfficeConnect stacking clip. The
Network Storage Server provides you with a quick-to-install,
efficient and inexpensive alternative to complex, more-expensive
computer servers.

The Network Storage Server is an ideal solution for users and
groups of people who simply require more storage space for
their data and the ability to share data across the entire network
quickly and easily.

The OfficeConnect Network Storage Server 20 (3C19500) has a
Hard Disk capacity of 20 GB whereas the OfficeConnect Network
Storage Server 40 (3C19501) has a Hard Disk capacity of 40 GB.
This is the only difference between the two models.

Figure 1

The Network Storage Server Operating in a Network

Figure 1 shows how a Network Storage Server adds extra storage

space to your network. The workstations are connected to a Dual
Speed OfficeConnect Hub to form a network. The Network
Storage Server is then connected to the Hub with a Twisted Pair
Cable to give all workstations access to the Network Storage
Server.

Dual Speed

Hub

10 Mbps

100 Mbps

Network

Storage Server

8

Summary of Features

The Network Storage Server has the following features:

■

One auto-negotiating Ethernet or Fast Ethernet port so you
can install the Network Storage Server in an Ethernet
(10 Mbps) network, a Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) network or a
dual-speed (10 or 100 Mbps) network. This port can also
operate in full or half duplex mode.

■

20 GB or 40 GB of storage space.

■

LED status indicators on the front panel.

■

A Web-based Administration System that allows a Network
Administrator to:

■

Configure and manage the Network Storage Server.

■

Create Users, Groups and Shares and impose security
restrictions on the Network Storage Server.

■

A Web-based Failsafe Mode that allows the Network
Administrator to:

■

Upgrade its Operating System.

■

Run Hard Disk checks.

■

Reset the Unit back to its factory defaults.

■

An online help system that gives explanations and instructions
on how to configure the Network Storage Server and use the
Administration System.

■

A replaceable Hard Disk, in the unlikely event the Hard Disk
should fail.

System Requirements

To install your Network Storage Server, refer to the “Quick
Installation Guide” (DIA1950-0AAA0x) that accompanies this
product. In summary, you will need:

■

A functioning Ethernet or Fast Ethernet network.

■

One spare Ethernet or Fast Ethernet port on your Hub or
Switch for each Network Storage Server you wish to install.

■

An Operating System (Windows® 95, Windows 98 or
Windows NT 4.0) with network support configured, running
on your workstations.

■

Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 (or above) or Netscape
Navigator 4.5 (or above) as your Web browser to access the
Administration System.

9

The Network Storage Server — Front View

20% 40% 60% 80% 90%

Alert

Power

Disk

OfficeConnect Network Storage Server 20

Shutdown

95%

Green = ON

Amber = Standby

Disk Space Used

LAN

10

100

Activity

LAN Status LEDs

The Activity LED indicates t

The 10 Mbps and the 100 Mbps LEDs indicates the

type of connection made.

here is an Ethernet or Fast
Ethernet connection and packets are being transmitted or
received.

Power LED

Green

Amber

indicates that the power supply
to the Network Storage Server is
present.

indicates the unit has either

been shut down or is in Failsafe Mode.

Disk LED

Green

Flashes when there is Hard Disk activity.

Disk Space Used LEDs

Green/Yellow/Amber

Indicates the amount of Hard
Disk space used.

Alert LED

Orange

Alerts you when
there is a
potential error.

Shutdown button

Allows the Network Storage Server
to be powered down or restarted in
Failsafe Mode.

10

The Network Storage Server — Rear View

Power Adapter Socket

Only use the 12V power
adapter

that is supplied
with this Network Storage
Server. Do not use any other
adapter.

(part number

3C16749)

Hard Disk Blanking Plate

The Hard Disk is fitted behind this
blanking plate. Refer to the section on
‘Replacing A Faulty Hard Disk’, for more
information.

12V DC
2A MAX

WARNHINWEIS: RJ-45-Port.

Hierbei handelt es sich um eine
abgeschirmte RJ-45 Datenbuchse.
Sie darf nicht als Telefonanschluß
verwendet werden. Stecken Sie
ausschließlich einen Datenstecker
des Typs RJ-45 in diese Buchse.

AVERTISSEMENT: port de données RJ-45.

Il s'agit d'une prise de données RJ-45
blindée, qui ne peut pas être utilisée comme
prise téléphonique. Raccordez uniquement
un connecteur de données RJ-45 à cette
prise.

LOCK

Ethernet/Fast Ethernet LAN Port

Use a Twisted Pair cable with RJ-45
connectors. You can connect the Network
Storage Server to a Hub or a Switch that
has a spare Ethernet or Fast Ethernet port.
This port is capable of auto-negotiating for
10 Mbps or 100 Mbps operation and
operates in full or half duplex mode.

Lock Slot

This slot allows you to fit a
security lock (

ecure your
Network Storage Server to
a desk.

not included)

and physically s

LAN

WARNING: RJ-45 port.

This is a shielded RJ-45 data socket.
It cannot be used as a telephone
socket. Only connect an RJ-45 data
connector to this socket.

Please Handle With Care.

This product is sensitive to

mechanical shock. Do not subject

this product to vibration,

or sudden movement.

unnecessary

transit

!

11

LED Functions

Ta bl e 2 explains how the LEDs on the front of the Network

Storage Server function:

Table 2

The Network Storage Server LED Function Table

Color Appearance Meaning

Alert LED

Orange On or Flashing There is a potential problem.

None Off The unit is working correctly.

Power LED

Green On The unit is either powering-up or is

working correctly.

Amber On The Shutdown button has been pressed

and the unit has either been shut down or
is operating in Failsafe Mode.

None Off The Network Storage Server has been

unplugged or is powered off.

Disk LED

Green Flashing There is Hard Disk activity.

None Off There is no Hard Disk activity.

Color Appearance Meaning

Activity LED

Green Flashing There is an Ethernet or Fast Ethernet

connection and packets are being
transmitted or received.

None Off There are no packets being transmitted or

received.

10 LED

Yellow On There is a 10 Mbps Link enabled.

None Off There is no 10 Mbps Link.

100 LED

Green On There is a 100 Mbps Link enabled.

None Off There is no 100 Mbps Link.

Disk Space Used LEDs

Green/Yellow/Amber Indicates the amount of Hard Disk space

used.

If you suspect there may be a problem with the Network Storage Server,
consult the “Troubleshooting” section on page 30.

12

P

OSITIONING THE

N

ETWORK

S

TORAGE

S

ERVER

Choosing a Suitable Site

When you install your Network Storage Server, ensure:

■

It is out of direct sunlight and away from sources of heat.

■

Cabling is away from power lines, fluorescent lighting fixtures,
and sources of electrical noise such as radios, transmitters and
broadband amplifiers.

■

Water or moisture cannot enter the case of the unit.

■

Air flow around the unit and through the vents on the side of
the case is not restricted. 3Com recommend you provide a
minimum of 25 mm (1 in.) clearance.

■

Cabling is secure and not pulled taut.

CAUTION:

Do not wall-mount the Network Storage Server and

do not wall-mount stacked units.

CAUTION:

The Network Storage Server is not a portable device
and is sensitive to mechanical shock. Do not subject it to
vibration, unnecessary transit or movement.

Stacking the Network Storage Server

Fitting the Rubber Feet

The four self-adhesive rubber feet prevent your Network Storage
Server from moving around on your desk. Only stick the feet to
the marked areas at each corner of the underside of your
Network Storage Server if you intend to place the unit directly on
top of the desk.

Fitting the Stacking Clip

The blue stacking clip allows you to stack your Network Storage
Server with other OfficeConnect Units neatly and securely.

CAUTION:

You can stack up to a maximum of four
OfficeConnect units. Smaller units must be stacked above larger
units.

You must place the Network Storage Server at the bottom of the
stack.

To fit the Stacking Clip:

1

Place your unit on a flat surface.

2

Position the clip across the top of the unit, as shown in Figure 2
(picture 1), ensuring that the longer sections of the fastening
pieces are pointing downwards.

3

Align the fastening pieces over the slots found on each side of
the unit.

4

Push the clip down gently to secure it, ensuring the fastening
pieces snap into the slots on the unit.

13

Fitting Another Unit

To fit another unit:

1

Rest the second unit on top of the clip and align it with the front
of the unit below.

2

Press down gently on the unit to secure it onto the clip, ensuring
the fastening pieces fit into the slots on the unit below, as
shown in Figure 2

(picture 2).

Figure 2

Stacking Units Together

Removing The Stacking Clip

To remove the Stacking Clip:

1

Remove the top unit together with the clip. If you hook a finger
around one of the fastening pieces and then pull it gently out of
the slot, the clip should come away with the upper unit attached
to it.

2

Push the clip in the center, so it bends towards the base of the
unit, and then separate once the clip is loose.

1

Fastening
Piece

2

Fastening

Piece

14

P

OWERING

UP

AND

P

OWERING

D

OWN

Powering Up the Network Storage Server

To power up the Network Storage Server:

1

Attach the power adapter to the power adapter socket located in
the back of the Network Storage Server.

2

Plug the other end into a power outlet.
When power is supplied, the LEDs on the front of the Network

Storage Server will flicker for approximately two minutes while it
performs a Power On Self Test (POST). The Network Storage
Server will be ready to use when the Power LED is Green; the
Disk LED has finished flickering and the Disk Space Used LEDs
have stopped moving up the LED scale.

See the Network Storage Server LED Function table on page 11
for further LED information.

To power up the Network Storage Server into its Failsafe Mode,
see the section about the “Failsafe Mode” on page 21

.

Powering Down the Network Storage Server

To power down the Network Storage Server, press the Shutdown
button on the front of the unit for between two and four
seconds.

The Network Storage Server will take approximately one minute
to shut down. As the Network Storage Server powers down, the
Disk Space Used LEDs will go to the maximum point on its scale
and then gradually move down the scale until full shut down.
When the Power LED appears Amber and there are no
Disk Space Used LEDs lit, the Network Storage Server has shut
down.

15

U

SING THE

N

ETWORK

S

TORAGE

S

ERVER

Who Can Access the Network Storage Server?

The Network Storage Server operates like a typical server as you
can create directories and save, delete, move and copy data
across the network with ease.

Anyone can access the Network Storage Server provided they are
connected to the network. You can connect the Network Storage
Server to your network and allow every User unrestricted access
to the Public Share (or public directory) and the data stored in it.
Network users can also create their own Shares (or directories)
for their personal use.

Although anyone can access the Network Storage Server, you can
restrict a User from accessing specific Shares (or directories) by
setting access restrictions on them. To do this, you must create a
Share on the Administration System and set access restrictions on
it (see page 16

for more information).

Accessing the Network Storage Server

From the task bar at the bottom of your screen, select:

1

Start, Find and then Computer.

2

Enter the name of the Network Storage Server.

3

Click Find Now. An icon for the Network Storage Server should
appear in the search window after a short while.

4

Double-click the Network Storage Server icon. A window will
appear containing all the Shares stored on the Network Storage
Server.

The Public Share is the default area on the Network Storage
Server where all users have unrestricted access to the data
stored. If other Shares have been created, they will appear here
too. Access to these other Shares is determined by the Network
Administrator.

3Com recommends you map a drive letter to the respective
Share. Mapping a drive to the Share will allow you to access it
quickly and reliably from Windows Explorer.

Mapping a Drive to a Share

From the task bar at the bottom of your screen, select:

1

Start, Find and then Computer.

2

Enter the name of the Network Storage Server.

3

Click Find Now. An icon for the Network Storage Server should
appear in the search window after a short while.

4

Double-click the Network Storage Server icon. A window will
appear containing the Shares.

5

Select a Share and click the right-hand button on your mouse.

6

Select Map Network Drive from the list.

7

Select an unused drive from the Drive list.

8

Ensure the Reconnect at logon check-box is turned on.

9

Click OK.

16

U

SING THE

A

DMINISTRATION

S

YSTEM

The Administration System

The Administration System is a Web-based utility that allows a
Network Administrator to configure the Network Storage Server
and set up Shares, Users and Groups. The Administration System
can also be used to configure the Network Storage Server itself,
so that it functions efficiently within the network. The Network
Administrator can access the Network Storage Server’s Failsafe
Mode to upgrade its Operating System, run Hard Disk checks
and reset the Unit back to its factory defaults. (See “Failsafe

Mode” on page 21 for more information.)

This Administration System also contains a comprehensive online
help system that gives explanations and instructions on
configuring the Network Storage Server and using the
Administration System.

Who Can Access the Administration System?

Anyone using the Network Storage Server can access the
Administration System, provided they have a Web browser
installed on their PC and are connected to the network.
However, their level of access and, therefore, the tasks they can
carry out on the Administration System is determined by the
access level assigned to them by the Network Administrator.

When a User is created, the Network Administrator can assign
additional managerial privileges that allow the User to create
other Users, Groups and Shares; allocate disk space and impose
security restrictions. A User without these privileges can only
change their Login password when they access the
Administration System.

Accessing the Administration System

To access the Administration System:

1

Open your Web browser.

2

Enter the following URL into your Web browser:

http://<xyz>/

Where

<xyz>

is the IP address or the Host name of your
Network Storage Server. The IP address and Hostname were
assigned to your Network Storage Server when it was installed.

3

Press Return.
The Administration System’s Login screen will appear.

4

Click the Login button.
A dialogue box will appear prompting for a User Name and a

Password.

5

Enter admin for the User Name.

6

Enter admin for the Password.

7

Click OK.

The Administration System’s Welcome Page is displayed on your
screen (see Figure 3

).

CAUTION:

Always use this procedure to access the
Administration System. Do not bypass the logging-in procedure
by creating a ‘bookmark’ to your Network Storage Server in your
Web browser as this may prove unreliable.