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.
