Consider adding gigabit Ethernet hubs and connectors to your network. You should contemplate making this change because customers are using demanding applications, particularly video. You could switch to fiber technology; however, that is a more expensive method. Gigabit Ethernet technology is a good, reasonable and sound alternative.

Gigabit Ethernet hubs and concentrators are essential when it comes to experiencing gigabit technology. The hub or switch plays the important role because it transmits large files from your computer to other systems. When it comes to gigabit Ethernet hubs and concentrators, make sure you have the following:

1. Deploy and use a gigabit Ethernet switch.

2. Ensure your gigabit Ethernet port is connected with a gigabit Ethernet cable.

3. Make sure your computers have gigabit PCI cards installed in them.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Install and use a gigabit Ethernet switch

One of the first products you must get is a gigabit Ethernet switch. These network devices are up to 10 times faster than Fast Ethernet. This gigabit Ethernet hub is responsible for transferring large amount of files, such as multimedia, over your network. You'll want to get a gigabit Ethernet hub that has more than just one gigabit Ethernet connection. This will not be a problem since companies make multiple gigabit Ethernet port systems.

I recommend: Netgear makes gigabit Ethernet hubs and concentrators. Since 1996, this company has been making gigabit Ethernet concentrators. Force10 Networks specializes in making gigabit network hub solutions. Many corporations all over the world have its gigabit network hub devices in their network infrastructure.

Make sure you have a gigabit Ethernet cable connected to your gigabit Ethernet port

This is extremely important. In order to experience gigabit Ethernet technology, you must use gigabit Ethernet cables. Gigabit Ethernet cables transmit data to the speed of up to 1.000Mbps from one device to another. With current technology, the gigabit cables you'll want to use are either CAT5E or CAT6.

I recommend: Providence Cable sells gigabit Ethernet cables. Its focus is on providing connectivity solutions for voice, data and video application businesses. Eforcity also sells gigabit Ethernet cables.

Ensure your computer systems use gigabit Ethernet PC cards

This is another crucial component you must have if you want to achieve gigabit speed. It's a guarantee that by using gigabit Ethernet PC cards, you can eliminate traffic bottlenecks. These cards also provide advanced features, including embedded flow control and independent FIFO. These features prevent you from losing data as it is being transmitted over the network.

I recommend: TigerDirect is one the top online stores that sells gigabit Ethernet cards. The company sells various brands of these cards. PC Superstore also sells gigabit Ethernet cards.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before you change your existing equipment to gigabit Ethernet hubs and concentrators, make sure you write down all of your static IP addresses.