Guide to Gigabit Ethernet Switches

Buy gigabit Ethernet networking hardware switches that are backward-compatible

Ultimately, you'll want to have all gigabit Ethernet computer products in your system. You want everything to run at gigabit speed with your 10 gigabit Ethernet switches, but you should be practical. Buy gigabit switches that support 10/100 speeds. That way, your gigabit Ethernet networking hardware switch, which can run 10/100/100, enables you to make your network transition to gigabit Ethernet gradually. If your gigabit networking switches run at 10 gb, you'll have to convert every network device to that speed as well. Otherwise, for example, you might not be able to use your network printers. Make sure your gigabit Ethernet switches are backward-compatible. Not having this flexibility can cost your business money and headaches.

I recommend: Check out Cisco switches such as the Catalyst 3750 series. Extreme Networks also sells gigabit Ethernet switches and takes pride in building sophisticated Ethernet switches.

Upgrade to gigabit hardware when you add gigabit Ethernet switches

If you want all of your systems to run at gigabit speed, first look at your personal computer's motherboard. Your motherboard may have a gigabit Ethernet port, and you may have gigabit network switches set up in your network infrastructure. But you still won't achieve that gigabit Ethernet speed. Why? Because your gigabit Ethernet chip may be connected to a PCI bus. The PCI bus shares the bandwidth with other components, which lowers your transfer rate.

I recommend: Make sure the mother board has a PCI-E slot. That way, your gigabit Ethernet port does not share bandwidth. Look at AsusTek's website on its motherboard's specifications. Check out Gigabyte's website as well. This particular motherboard supports has two gigabit Ethernet ports.

Upgrade network cables for Ethernet switches from Cat 5 to Cat5e

Yes, you can run your gigabit Ethernet networking hardware switches on Cat 5 cables. But you'll do better to upgrade to 5e, primarily for performance issues. Both 5 and 5e have the same maximum transfer rate, but it's the noise factor you should be concerned about. Cat 5e has better crosstalk.

I recommend: Stick with reputable and reliable network cable manufacturers like Belkin and TrippLite. These companies that have been in business for a long time. Network cables are essential in your network infrastructure.