Benefits of using two NIC

Reeferjon · 24 May 2006 at 12:37

Q.
What would be the benefit in terms of overall network speed if I were to add an extra NIC to my simple file sharing machine and fed that also to my switch (guess I would need a cros-over for that).

The machine is XP pro running RAID 1 and performs no other function than to share files.

Thanks.
John.

growse · 24 May 2006 at 13:10

If both net cards are same make and have drivers that support teaming and/or bonding, then you can use teaming/bonding for resiliancy/speed.

You might need a switch that supports it, and you'll only see a benefit in speed if you're maxed out on your current connection, and the resiliancy benefit comes if you absolutely need 24/7.

In short, unless you know you need it, you probably don't.

Ricochet J · 24 May 2006 at 13:12

It'll require more CPU power from your Switch.
Why not just get one GigaNIC with Gigaspeeds?

Reeferjon · 24 May 2006 at 15:11

Yeh I see your point two NIC is going to be a pain...

If I went to GigaNIC would that not mean I would need to swap my switch out for a GigaNIC, (then cables and the other NIC's eventualy)........

I suppose that if the Switch were Giga then the data rate to the switch would be able to cope with say 4 (100Mhz) connections that were running at say 50%

John.

hybrid · 24 May 2006 at 19:24

If this is for a home network then i dont see the point tbh.

Maybe you could get a Gbit NIC but then the switch would have to be Gbit too.