If you have ever noticed, almost all current network cards support 10/100/1000 ethernet, but very few routers actually support the /1000. The last /1000 is actually called gigabit networking, allowing you to transfer 1 gigabit per second – which is the same as 1000 megabits per second or 125 megabytes per second – over your network. This increase in speed is significant, especially if you need to transfer large files between computers on your network.
Gigabit routers are available, but they are usually pretty pricey. I have a solution that can work with your current setup for under $50. It can definitely be worth the extra money if you intend to do any file transfers. Time is money, you know. Here’s what I recommend:
- Check out your favorite computer warehouse – I will use Newegg for sample prices – to find a simple gigabit switch that has 4 ports or more.
- Dlink and Linksys both have switches available for under $35 at Newegg which can be used for this purpose
- When you get the switch, you will want to shut off your router and modem
- Unplug all the ethernet cables on your router except the one that goes to your modem
- Plug the switch into the router with an Ethernet cable
- Plug all computers and other networked devices directly into the switch
Using this process allows all the computers on your home network (assuming they are all wired into this switch) to communicate at gigabit speeds, without investing in a gigabit router.
In my house, I have Ethernet wired in the walls to a few different locations. All the drops lead to the furnace room where they are mounted in the wall. I have it set up so that there is a gigabit switch in the furnace room supplying signal to two of the locations, and the other lead goes to my room, where I have it go into another gigabit switch with my equipment plugged in there. Then, from there, that switch goes into the router.
My overall network speed has seen a very noticeable increase since the switch to gigabit. For me, it was well worth my time. I hope it can be worth yours too!
Tyler Thompson A native of Derby, Kansas, Tyler is the man who brings you our weekly newsletter. He is currently interested in programming, hardware and networking systems, and technology integration.
It is completely unecessary and useless to shut off the modem and router.
Matt,
The reason I suggested shutting off the router and modem was because I ran into an issue with one router I used that didn’t like the addition of the switch without being restarted (quality of router was sub-par). I thought it would be easier just to say that from the get-go in case there were similar problems with other models. Shutting the modem off, however, wouldn’t help much.
I may be asking something stupid, but, is there such a thing as a wireless gigabit switch and would it allow the wireless connections from laptops or other desktops work at this faster speed, too?
I admit I am not too knowledgeable about this, but I have a D-Link Wireless Router Access Point connected now.
Thank you.
Also, isn’t there a limit on how much data can travel through a Cat-5 cable? Should they not upgrade to Cat-6 or Cat-5e at least?
Cat-5 cable is not certified for gigabit, however, yes, starting at Cat-5e and above are all capable of carrying the signal. Most cables made sense I’ve been in the business have been the enhanced version – I will edit the article to reflect your suggestion. Thank you!
A friendly grammar note: there is a difference between “sense” and “since”. I hated my english classes too, but thought I’d point it out.
Also, for those who are going this route, make sure your NIC cards are gigabit capable. (PC, XBOX 360, Laptop, etc). Not all new ones are, and most old one’s most certainty are not. However, I have been wanting to do this for some time now and might finally bite the bullet.
Hey Tyler, thanks very much for the tip. I didn’t turn off the router the first time I did this, and it still picked up the network connections as 100Mb/s. Turned power off and on and presto, 1Gb.
Matt, just a friendly note to you. It’s not polite to so rudely comment on an article someone has taken time and effort to write. If you have something to say, try being more constructive, like “Hey Tyler, I don’t think you need to turn off the router, it should still pick things up even if it’s on.” You wouldn’t talk to someone this way on the street, so leave it out. Also, I’d have a look at the grammar in your last post before pointing out others mistakes in a public forum like this.