For years we have been using a relatively slow networking protocol that had a maximum transfer rate of either 10 or 100 Megabits per second. Back in the
Windows XP days that might have been considered fast but today, that speed is actually considered quite slow. The good news is that today, you have a new option called Gigabit Ethernet. This new technology is now built into most new routers and switches but in order for everything to work properly, you will have to have all your devices Gigabit ready.
Ethernet actually was the result of research done by Xerox in the early 1970’s. Gigabit was actually already is use in 1999 but required Optical fiber to operate properly. The standard was further improved in 2004 when Gigabit hardware started to become more popular. The problem is that older machines do not have Gigabit network cards. Even if all your equipment is set to Gigabit speeds, you need a Gigabit network card installed in order to make it work.
Most new computers will have a Gigabit card already installed on the machine. If you have an older computer, you can purchase separate cards that will convert your older system to the faster speeds. In addition to upgrading your router and switches, it is best to use the newer cat 6 Ethernet cables to connect your devices.
If you have lots of computers or long cable runs for your network devices, buying Cat 6 cables could get expensive. You might want to try making your own cables. You can buy kits at most electronic and home stores such as Home Depot. The kit should contain everything you need to get started. Be sure your kit contains a wire tester so you can be certain your connections are all tight and the wires you make are ready to use. If a tester is not included, be sure to buy one separately.
Read all the directions carefully before attaching the ends to the wires. Be sure the ends are rated for Gigabit Ethernet for best results. In addition, be sure to buy the cat 6 wires for best results. The first couple of crimps will be tricky but once you do a few, they will get easier and easier. The trick is stripping just the right amount of insulation off the wire before pushing the wire into the end. Once you are satisfied all the wires are in the end in the correct order by color, you can use the crimper to permanently attach the ends. It will take some practice but making a custom size cable is great since you do not have a lot of extra wire that you might have to roll up behind the desk. This process is also great for making a short jumper to go from your router to another switch sitting right next to the router.
Once you have all your hardware and cables in place, get ready for faster network transfers. You likely will not see a difference with Internet browsing as this upgrade primarily concerns connections from one computer to another.
As you can see, getting your network up to Gigabit speed might take a little work and expense but the end result is a super fast network with much quicker file transfers.
By ,Tech Joe
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