Should we upgrade to gigabit networking for our desktops, or is it not worth it?

Question

Our IT department are looking to upgrade our network cabling to Cat5e. They are also proposing to implement Gigabit switches across the company, at additional cost.

I know it will make a difference for the servers, but is it really worth it for desktops?

Answer 1

Yup, the introduction of Fibre Optic networking, the Americans are way behind on this, will make it a necessity. I worked on a fibre optic network back in 1996 in Canada. They are just coming to the US.

Cheers

Answer 2

I think this really depends on what your company uses it's network for. If for example you had to render high-end computer graphics or video over the network then sure. (might even consider fiber, but expensive) If not you will still notice an improvement in network speeds and usually a faster network = less congestion = better transfer rates and access times.  But again it's tough to answer this question without knowing the nature of your company's business.

Answer 3

Personally I support more than 200 users, and we only have a gigabit switch for our servers and my IT Department.  Depending on how many users and data jacks you have it would be more or less feasible.  But generally the average office worker would not notice the difference, nor use it to its full potential.  As for the IT Department, we have it so we can remote control multiple sessions at once, transfer big files from our workstations to the server.  Share our CD drive to install application. etc.

To answer your question.  Gigabit switches will help if you are running cat6 through the top level of your network. Since on a 48 port switch you have those 46-47 PC's data all going to and from one piece of media(cable.)

Answer 4

thing is for gigabit to be used on desktops you need gigabit network cards on your desktops which means extra money to be spent if your desktops arnt gigabit

if your server is gigabit but your desktops are 100mbps the data will only travel at 100mbps so u either go all gigabit or not at all

Answer 5

Is this for real?  You are just looking to upgrade to Cat5e?  Cat6e has been approved over 2 years ago.  Without even going into the benefits of Cat5e, no one has sold less than Cat5e for 5 years.

Answer 6

technology-

http://thepn.org/