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There are three types of Ethernet networks for the home: 10-Base T,
100-Base TX, and 1000-Base SX, with speeds of 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, and
1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) respectively. Due to non-data overhead, Ethernet
networks can get about 80% peak data bandwidth utilization. Since
Internet connections tend to be slower, the bandwidth requirement will
depend on how much information the user needs to transfer from machine
to machine on the internal network (LAN). |
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Most systems now incorporate the network adapter (NIC) into the
motherboard. However, there are still some choices for external NICs.
Some brands to choose from include: 3Com, Intel, SMC, Asante,
Netgear, Linksys, and Allied Telesyn. 3Com and Intel are still
considered among the best. When choosing a NIC, it is important to
consider what LEDs are built in, which can indicate: link, activity,
100 Mbps (for 100 Mbps adapters), full-duplex, and collision.
Netgear's FA310-TX model is the only one I have seen that has all five
LEDs. However, this model is no longer made. |
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 To network
more than two systems together, a hub or switch is needed. Although
it may be cheaper to purchase a dedicated bandwidth hub or switch
(i.e. 100 Mbps), it is better to purchase one that has multiple
bandwidth capability (i.e. 10/100 switch). |
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Hubs divide the rated bandwidth between all ports. If this is a
concern, consider a switch. Switches guarantee maximum bandwidth
to each port. In addition, switches allow for full-duplex
communication, which guarantees maximum bandwidth for both sending and
receiving data. The difference in cost between a home hub and a home
switch is negligible, unless there is a need to connect more than
eight systems together. |
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The last thing to consider is cabling. Most all cabling is UTP now
(unshielded twisted-pair). You can still buy shielded cabling, but
the extra protection is less noticeable then the fact that it's
already UTP. Category 3 (CAT3) cabling is designed for 10 MBps networks,
but it is no longer cost-effective to manufacture. The most common
type is Category 5 (CAT5), which is used in 100 Mbps networks. CAT5
cabling is also capable of gigabit (1 Gbps) transfers. Other types of
cabling include: Category 5e (CAT5e), FastCat5, datatwist 350, and
Category 6 (CAT6). |
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Most systems now incorporate the network adapter (NIC) into the
motherboard. However, there are still some choices for external NICs.
Some brands to choose from include: 3Com, Intel, SMC, Asante,
Netgear, Linksys, and Allied Telesyn. 3Com and Intel are still
considered among the best. When choosing a NIC, it is important to
consider what LEDs are built in, which can indicate: link, activity,
100 Mbps (for 100 Mbps adapters), full-duplex, and collision.
Netgear's FA310-TX model is the only one I have seen that has all five
LEDs. However, this model is no longer made.
To network
more than two systems together, a hub or switch is needed. Although
it may be cheaper to purchase a dedicated bandwidth hub or switch
(i.e. 100 Mbps), it is better to purchase one that has multiple
bandwidth capability (i.e. 10/100 switch).