100 mps or 1000 mps network?

[TRGraphics]

What are most of you using? I want to upgrade to 1000mps for my four computer farm. Any recommendations on a router that will do the job and will it make a big difference in my node performance? Thanks.

Oh yeah, I did a search but the search function is not working very well since they changed the board.

[skogzort]

I don’t know how many PC’s you need to connect, but I just got a little 5-port 10X1000 Netgear switch that works great for under $50. It does not even care if you use crossover cables because it has auto-sensing ability. I have not used it for rendering yet, but for large file transfers it makes a huge difference. Remember when you upgrade to get the right cables as well – I would use Cat-6 to get the full benefit of Gigabit Ethernet.

[Gleb_ATL]

I'm using NETGEAR GS516T 16-port Gigabit switch and all cables are CAT6
It adjusts speed independently for each link and transfer files almost instantly. I have 6 stations connected to it, one big epson 7600, one 250Gb buffalo linkstation drive as network folder for all rendering bitmaps and NETGEAR Firewall router for Internet connection via dsl link. 16-port will give you space to stay alive longer.
All bought from Newegg.

[TRGraphics]

Is a switch similiar to a router? I use a router for internet access for two of the computers. D-Link 604 is what I use now. It works fine, but it's only 100mps.

I will only be hooking four computers up to whatever I finally get. Home office, no room for more then that right now.

Sorry for the newbie questions, networking is not my thing.

[Gleb_ATL]

It's exactly the same scenario I had
I would recommend you to buy a Gigabit switch (8 or 16) and connect your D-Link to it. It will keep internet access plus join all stations at Gigabit speed (assuming they have Gigabit controllers onboard).
Switch don't require setup or installation. Just plug it in.
Check this link for main explanation
http://www.antionline.com/showthread...hreadid=220338

[TRGraphics]

I'm still a little confused here. Do I connect all the computers to the switch and then run the switch thru the router? Thanks for the help so far.

Tony

[Gleb_ATL]

Yes, you connect all computers and router to the switch.

[davision]

This is good information. I'm thinking about going to gigabit too. So... let me get this straight, if I have a all my computers plugged into a gigabit switch... it doesn't matter if my switch is connected to 100 megabit router (which goes to the 'net). I'll still gigabit speeds within my network?

Also -- if I use Cat5E cable, will there be any speed increase -- or do you have to use Cat6 to get above 100 mb?

[Gleb_ATL]

Your home network (LAN) will operate at Gigabit speed.
Gigabit will push CAT5e (100 MHz) to its limits.
CAT6 with 200 MHz bandwidth will have fewer errors/re-transmissions of lost or corrupted data packets.

[tammo]

5e cabels are ok with gigabyte up to 15 meters i think.
if you are going through walls or longer distances you should buy type 6.

[TRGraphics]

I built a box very similiar to a render cube that house my four computers. 18" is the longest length of my cables so 5e should be good, right.

This is very useful info for a lot of us here. Thanks!

Tony