Is it better to hook an HD via ethernet or USB?

Question

I'm wondering if I should buy a network HD. Is it any faster to access an HD on my network if it has ethernet capabilities? Or is a normal USB external fine if hooked up to my router via USB? There will be three computers accessing the network.

Answer 1

You would have to check the specs of the hard drive to see what the data transfer rates are.  But there are some limiting factors here, if you connect this via ethernet you will max out at 100Mbits (unless your router is a 1Gb and your nic is also 1Gb). USB 2.0 is designed to go at 480Mbits, but likewise if you plug it into your router (assuming it's a 100Mbits as most are) then your router will cap you out at 100MBits.