Spec for a Gigabit network

marcus2704 · 26 Sep 2007 at 13:11

I am running CAT5E cable from my Cable Modem (Virgin Media) to a Linksys BEFSR41 4 port router which forms my internet gateway.

Id like to change to a Gigabit network and am after Router and NIC recommendations.

Id need a minimum of 6 ports on the router (preferably 8+), and to be able to connect to the cable modem much as the Linksys currently does. I understand Cat 5E is sufficient, but is there any other advice or things to look out for at this stage? One of the PCs is running Vista, the others are Server 2003 (standard).

sidethink · 26 Sep 2007 at 13:29

There are one or two gigabit equipped routers out there but to be honest, it would be easier to just buy a gigabit switch and plug all of your PCs into that, then uplink the switch to the router.

Your internet connection will never approach a speed that would trouble the uplink port at 100Mbit.

Its also much easier to find a switch with 6 or 8 ports than it is to find a router (nigh on impossible I'd say).

marcus2704 · 26 Sep 2007 at 14:05

This is what Ive done at the moment as I needed more than the 4 available ports of the current router I have, I attached a netgear switch to this. It would be nice to just use the one unit, but you are right there doesnt seem to be many about.

gumbald · 26 Sep 2007 at 14:15

sidethink said:
There are one or two gigabit equipped routers out there but to be honest, it would be easier to just buy a gigabit switch and plug all of your PCs into that, then uplink the switch to the router.

Your internet connection will never approach a speed that would trouble the uplink port at 100Mbit.

Its also much easier to find a switch with 6 or 8 ports than it is to find a router (nigh on impossible I'd say).

As he said. Get a big gigabit switch and just use one link to the router.