The Cincinnati Enquirer significantly boosted its computer network to accommodate upgraded editorial and advertising systems recently.

The newspaper flipped the switch on a new gigabit Ethernet network that links together more than 1,000 users at 16 sites, according to Terri Preston, the newspaper’s system administrator.

The network was supplied by 3Com Corp. and replaced an older 3Com network that had less network transmission capacity. The new network is supporting a number of business and financial applications, including the daily’s CCI Europe NewsDesk editorial system as well as a net-linx Publishing Solutions’ SII classified ad system.

“At The Enquirer, where nearly every aspect is deadline-driven, we can’t afford any network downtime,” Preston said. “Thanks to the 3Com system’s built-in redundancies, we’ve eliminated the risk of network failure to ensure timely delivery of the news to our subscribers.”

The new network is based on 3Com’s flagship model 4007 gigabit Ethernet switch installed in the daily’s headquarters.

The device is connected to 15 SuperStack series switches, which in turn are capable of transmitting data to hundreds of desktop computers at speeds that range from 10 megabits per second to 100 Mbps.

The 4007 is also connected to a second gigabit Ethernet switch installed at The Enquirer’s production plant, located two miles away from headquarters. Data is sent at rates of up to 100 Mbps over the regional telephone company’s fiber optic-based Ethernet-over-ATM service. ATM is a transmission technology that guarantees certain levels of service.

To protect the network, a redundant core switch sends data at rates of up to 100 Mbps to a series of 3Com model 4400 prioritization switches that are located at The Enquirer’s remaining 14 sites.

Within the next few months, The Enquirer will install five additional prioritization switches at its main office.

The entire network has built-in Web management, allowing Preston and other information technology managers to oversee the system either on-site or remotely.