NyQuil Kid
8f The Nyquil Kid
join:2001-01-06
Brick, NJ
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1 edit | [2K3] Gigabit network adapter recommendations
Hi there:
Just curious about any suggestions for upgrading the network adapter on a Windows 2003 Standard server from 100Mbps to 1Gbps - I am planning on getting a GB switch as well (along with upgrading any desktop computers).
Also, feel free to provide suggestions on a gigabit switch as well - the cheaper they better (office has about 10 computers).
Thanks in advance.
[8F] The NyQuil Kid
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Kramer
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join:2000-08-03
Richmond, VA
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| My experience with Gigabit Ethernet is that you don't want to buy a cheap switch. I don't know why this is and maybe someone can explain it, but every time I have tried to attach a 100mb Ethernet card to an un-managed gigabit switch, there have been problems. Network speeds are horrible (sub 10mb) and I haven't found a solution around it. I've tried setting the speed manually on the NIC. If I use a managed switch and set the port on the switch to the speed of the NIC, everything is fine. I've even had the problem with expensive managed switches when I haven't adjusted the port speed and just left it on auto. A 16 port managed switch isn't too expensive...maybe a couple of hundred bucks. |
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shdesigns
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join:2000-12-01
Stone Mountain, GA
·Atlantic Nexus
| reply to NyQuil Kid
You did not say what type of adapter: PCI, PCI-X PCI Express.
I have had good luck with the Intel cards. I have a few PCI (32-bit) and PCI-X (64-bit). They work well.
I have a laptop card (PCI-E) based on the Agere System ET-131x chipset. Can maintain full gigabit speed.
Gigabit switches are tricky. 5 and 8-port work well as they do all switching in one chip. So no backplane speed. Once you go beyond 8 ports, you need to pay attention to switching speed.
On mixed 100/1000 networks, the amount of RAM in the switch is important as the gig ports can que up lots of packets for 100mbit ports.
If I were getting a switch, I get a managed one. Right now I just have a 5-port Xyxel switch as I only need 3 PC's with gigabit; rest are all on my 10/100 managed switch.
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srr2
join:2001-12-20
Bethlehem, PA
·RCN CABLE
| reply to NyQuil Kid
Here... you can't beat this deal with a stick: »www.pricegrabber.com/user_sales_···=7883420
PriceGrabber.com
Yes, the price is right. They are new and genuine Intel adapters. I've bought a bunch of them from this guy and couldn't be happier. No problem with vendor - items were well packed and shipped promptly.
I'm using them with Linksys SD2005 and SD2008 switches in mixed networks. Everything works perfectly even on old Cat5 cabling. |
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Kramer
Premium,Mod
join:2000-08-03
Richmond, VA
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1 edit | reply to NyQuil Kid
Here is a decent but old article on Server adapters.
»www.dell.com/content/topics/glob···en&s=esg |
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Lazlow
join:2006-08-07
Saint Louis, MO
| reply to NyQuil Kid
I have had great luck with the 3com GigE cards. Picked up a bunch of them on ebay for $15 with shipping. Still it would be tough to beat srr2's link.
Depending on the wiring in your setup, you can be better off with multiple smaller switches rather than 1 big switch. We are set up in little 4 computer groups. Each group is using a 5port (netgear gs105s) (each group only has 1 cable going to the central server). It saves a lot of time running cable and there are almost no hard drives (client side) that can keep up with GigE (so the 1 cable is not a bottleneck). |
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Nightfall
My Goal Is To Deny Yours
Premium,MVM
join:2001-08-03
Grand Rapids, MI | reply to NyQuil Kid
I have also had very good fortune with the Intel Gigabit Ethernet cards. I have a few in some Windows 2003 servers, PCI-Express, that work great.
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watts3000
join:2002-01-21
Birmingham, AL | Intel or Broadcom but I prefer Intel I've had great luck with both. |
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Juke Box
Free From Marketing
Premium
join:2001-01-29
Bar & Grill
·Comcast
| reply to NyQuil Kid
Where I work, we use HP Pro curve equipment which all has gbit (LC) connections. I know, because I am always checking continuity in our fiber runs. Not that there is a an issue but someone needs to make the checks when that building is not in use.
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