Gigabit Ethernet Q&A

There is a huge hype surrounding Gigabit Ethernet. How is it going to affect your current system, and what can we expect? Also, how fast is Gigabit Ethernet? There may be a few unanswered questions running through your mind. So let’s break them down for you and get them answered in this weeks Q&A!

1. What is Gigabit Ethernet?

It is a networking standard based on Ethernet-standard packets of all of your information and data, that is sent over optical fibers at up to a rate of 1 gigabit per second or 1000 Mbps. It uses the same signaling speed as the standard 100 megabit Ethernet, but instead uses all four pairs of wires in the cable to increase speed and overall performance.

1. What will I need?

You’ll need new network interface cards and hubs, along with switches and routers. Other than that, everything else on your standard Ethernet can stay as before.

1. What cables will Gigabit Ethernet need?

Cat 5e is what is typically recommended, and it basically an enhancement of the ubiquitous Cat 5. If you have a larger installation, make sure to do a preliminary check for alternative options to avoid an expensive re-cable that may not be compatible to what you currently use.

1. Will Gigabit Ethernet PC work on my older network?

Absolutely, the systems will detect 10 or 100 Mbps Ethernet networks and from there will adjust their speeds accordingly.

1. What is the difference between Gigabit Ethernet and internet?

Both are types of networks that are used to connect computers, but the scope and range of the networks will differ. Ethernet is a local area network used to connect computers near each other and internet is a Wide Area Network (WAN), that computers further away can connect to access information.

To get your other questions answered, make sure to contact AeroCom today to speak to your account executive at (877) 465-3505 or visit our website at www.aerocominc.com