Does Gigabit require separate network

[Guest]

I have a simple 10/100 Mbps home network with two computers, a print server,
and a NAS. All components are connected through a Linksys 10/100 cable
gateway (modem/router/switch combination.) The NAS supports Gigabit and I'd
like to connect it to (at least) one computer this way for increased
throughput. I assume that the Gigabit components need to be on a separate
network, right? If so, how do I do this, yet still have access to the other
network? Do I install NIC cards in the computer, one for 10/100 and another
for Gigabit? If so, does Windows XP automatically know how to route the
packets through the right NIC or do I have to do some configuration to make
this work?

Thanks.

-Jim

 

[Doug Sherman [MVP]]

Well, all you need is one network and one NIC in the XP machine. Obviously,
the NIC has to support gigabit speeds and must be connected to something
that supports gigabit speeds. The Linksys doesn't, so you need to connect
the Linksys switch, the XP, and the NAS to a gigabit capable switch - eg.:

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?childpagename=US/Layout&packedarg
s=c%3DL_Product_C2%26cid%3D1123638177128&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitor
Wrapper

Doug Sherman
MCSE, MCSA, MCP+I, MVP

 

[Guest]

Doug,

Thanks for the response.

I buy a Gigabit NIC and a Gigabit switch. (In fact, I've ordered the Linksys
EG1032 adapter and EG005W switch.) I connect the computer (EG1032), NAS,
print server and existing 10/100 gateway to the Gigabit switch (EG005W). This
supports Gigabit transfers between computer and NAS and 10/100 Mbps transfers
between computer and all else (print server, internet). Do I have this right?
If so, I should have ordered the 8-port Gigabit switch instead. : - )

-Jim

 

[Guest]

I think there is a better way. I connect the adapter (EG1032), NAS, and
10/100 gateway/switch to the Gigabit switch (EG005W). I connect the print
server to the 10/100 gateway/switch. This uses one less port on the Gigabit
switch. Is this how you suggest?

-Jim

 

[Doug Sherman [MVP]]

Yes - be aware that sometimes you can have gigabit vs. fast ethernet
performances issues, but these are generally driver/product related rather
than network configuration issues.

Doug Sherman
MCSE, MCSA, MCP+I, MVP