Gigabit Networking Question

[eeffis]

Hey all!

This might be an easy question...

I currently have a wireless router with 4 port 10/100 switch.

I would like to go to gigibit.

Can I simply buy a gigabit switch and run that off the 10/100 router and get gigabit speeds if all devices are plugged into the switch?

My mind says it will only run 10/100 because of the router, but some folks on the net are saying otherwise.

Thoughts?

 

[fmw]

A network operates at the speed of its slowest element.

 

[DizzlyDood]

A network operates at the speed of its slowest element.

Media sharing on your local network would benefit from the gb switch however. All NICs would need to support gb as well though.

 

[Geoff]

A network operates at the speed of its slowest element.

Not necessarily.

If all of the computers are connected to a gig switch and have gig NIC's, and the router is simply used to connect multiple computers to the internet (i.e. it goes Modem > Router > Switch > PC(s)), then for all LAN purposes you would have a gigabit network.

 

[eeffis]

Thanks all! Sounds like I'm getting a gigabit switch!

 

[davidireland]

Thanks all! Sounds like I'm getting a gigabit switch!

Don't forget, you need CAT 6 cables!

 

[Geoff]

Don't forget, you need CAT 6 cables!

CAT 5e also supports gigabit.

 

[KiD [720]]

cat 6 i believe (correct me if im wrong) helps with not picking up local power line frequensy and things anything metal, tv etc...