[rescue] Gigabit ethernet - worth it?

[Julius Sridhar]

On Sat, 26 Jan 2002, James Sharp wrote:

> > I know that Dave would prefer we all use FDDI, but on justdeals.com I
> > see gbit ethernet cards for $34.99 and a 5-port gbit switch for $99.99.
> >
> > What is the collective wisdom of the list concerning this stuff?
>
> I've just finished a whole slew of gigabit upgrades at work (mainly
> inter-switch connections, but a few server machines)...and although I
> still think FDDI wins on technical merit, gigabit is faster than shit...as
> long as you've got a card that will support 64-bit 66Mhz PCI.

I wonder how hard it would be to sit down and convert a FDDI card for
gigabit operation with newer electronics.

> The 1000Base-TX I've played around with was horribly susceptible to noise
> and cross talk on the cable...you'll need to make sure your cable meet
> strict Cat 5 standards in manufacture as well as physical installation

Indeed.  I tend to use it for point-to-point fiber links.

Peace...  Sridhar