How To Upgrade Your Network To Gigabit Ethernet?
Gigabit Ethernet supports a data rate of 1000mbps, i.e., 1GB per second. It is a type of Ethernet family and is currently the latest network speed that has been made available. To keep up with the fast-growing network speeds and upgrading your network, you have to make sure that you are updating the rest associated things too. Mentioned below are some steps that you should take before you make a final upgrade.
Do You Require An Upgrade?
If you are constantly performing network tasks that are intensive, you might need an upgrade. Intensive network tasks include downloading large files, streaming media online, playing online games, etc. An upgrade would be beneficial for you in such cases.
Is It Available In Your Area?
You have to make sure that your service provider can provide you with 1000mbps speed. Consulting with your internet service provider is a good idea before you make an upgrade, especially if you are living in rural areas. It is still a new concept so it makes its availability a bit scarce.
Check Your Cables And Router
Notice the labels on your network cables and check what type it is. You have to make sure that your cables are on the “Cat5e” label. They provide better speeds for gigabit Ethernet. The router or switch for your network should be able to support 1000mbps. You can use a combination of switches to ensure the same.
Upgrading Your Hardware And Firmware
You should make sure that your network hardware is up to date with this particular Ethernet type. After you ensure that your hardware is compatible with the network, check the same for your firmware. Ensure that all your devices are updated for high-speed performance and reliability.
Upgrading Your Storage Media And RAM
Increase your storage media by using solid-state drives. Such drives ensure faster reading and writing of files. Adding extra RAM to your device is also helpful. Especially in cases where you have to use multiple software for your tasks.
Speed Test Running
Once you achieve all this and upgrade to gigabit Ethernet, make sure that you run a speed test. There are various sites available for free online that will help you check it. You can review the steps if you are not satisfied with the speed. Ensure that you complete all tasks first. Only then will your upgrade prove beneficial.
Ensuring all these steps will finally let you upgrade your network speed to 1000mbps. Keeping up with intensive network usage can be a difficult task and lead to system problems if not done in an optimum manner. Intensive use of services can only be ensured if one makes the appropriate upgrades to his/her system.