Hello PCBUILD Listers, just a question concerning ethernet switches,
I have a 3com baseline 10/100 24 port ethernet switch which experienced total failure the other day.  You can imagine the problems it caused in my office considering we didn't have a backup (I ended up daisychaining several small linksys workgroup hubs, the 5 & 8 port variety to get everyone connected to our LAN again).  When we purchased this 24port switch, it was @$1900 cdn before taxes in 1999, they've sinced dropped down considerably in price and I was able to pick up 2 of these 3com 24 port switches (similar model to this existing one except these switches are auto MDI/MDIX ) for @$300+ each before taxes.  I know that these switches run 24/7, 365 days a year and the original 24port switch lasted 3+ years.  Does anyone know the average lifespan for these units and if they can be fixed?  I'm really tempted to open up this switch but I don't know what I would be looking for specifically to determine where the failure occurred.  It powers up and I noticed a flashing power/self test led that flashes green several times then changes to an amber color and shows no other activity than this when connected to a network.  Any info you may have or any expertise you wish to share on this topic would be greatly appreciated.  TIA, rob,wpg

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