Theoretically, gigabit ethernet can transfer data at 1000 megabits per second, 10 times faster than typical networks running at 100 mbps. Products that use it are backward-compatible with 100-mbps networks (albeit at 100-mbps transfer speeds) and use existing CAT5 cables. But to reap the full power of gigabit ethernet, you’ll need to upgrade your switches, hubs, and routers.

A surprisingly large number of new desktop and notebook computers have gigabit ethernet integrated into their motherboards: IBM Think-Centre business desktops (M and S series), IBM ThinkPad notebooks (R, T, and X series), Dell OptiPlex business desktops (several models), Dell Latitude notebooks (some units), and Dell Dimension XPS gamer PC5. HP’s Compaq D330 and D530 systems; ABS’s X5 and Awesome 5100, 5300, and 5500; and all Apple Macintosh machines (except the IMac) offer gigabit ethernet cards as standard equipment.

For office users who can take advantage of the extra bandwidth, the price is coming down. `A year ago (gigabit ethernet] cost on client level was four (times that of] 100 megabits,” says Howard Locker, chief architect for desktop and mobile development in IBM’s Personal Computing Division. Today, he says, that cost is down to two times the price you’d pay for a 100-mbps network.

For the average home user, few applications take advantage of high-speed network gear. “There’s not yet a pressing need for that extra bandwidth,” says Dell company representative Lionel Menchaca. Dell doesn’t yet offer it as standard equipment on its consumer desktops, he says. However you can upgrade the network adapter on some Dell systems for about $40. If your system doesn’t include a gigabit adapter, you can get one for about $50.

At Falcon Northwest, customers are asking for the technology in hopes of future-proofing their networks, according to company representative Bradd Berdelman. He states that gigabit ethernet comes standard on all of the company’s PC5 because they use Intel’s 875 chip set, which supports gigabit ethernet. (Intel’s 865 chip set also supports it.)

Lightpath. Long Island University (LIU), New York, the nation’s seventh-largest private university, has expanded its educational capabilities by upgrading the university’s network connectivity.

It has chosen to deploy a Metro Gigabit Ethernet network to interconnect the university’s largest campuses, including C.W. Post, Brooklyn and Southampton. The upgraded system will replace LIU’s legacy network infrastructure and enable vast educational improvements throughout the university.

“We are developing this network to provide our students and faculty members with access to state-of-the-art technology that will link them to resources across our campuses and around the globe,” says George Baroudi, LIU’s chief information officer. “We can now support new applications, such as distance learning through teleconferencing, adding an entire new dimension to the educational experience.”

Distance-learning enhancements will allow for an increase in course offerings and accessibility for students. The new network backbone also will be used to connect the university to Internet2’s high-performance academic research network, allowing LIU to collaborate with other research and education networks throughout the world.

LIU’s network upgrade has positioned the university to take full advantage of future applications as they become available, and to continue making network enhancements to provide students, faculty and alumni with communications services.

An ethernet switch is a simple box that sits between your router and your networked devices to control traffic flow across your network. The devices come in two basic types: unmanaged and managed. With the former, you merely plug in your devices and get back to work. But managed switches provide advanced features that prioritize data, link ports for improved performance, and enforce security policies on your network.

An appealing middle ground for small businesses is a manageable switch like Cisco’s eight-port Linksys SLM2008 (find.pcworld.com/62811), which offers some of the robust trunking and data prioritization of a managed switch in a compact package with a Web-based control interface that novices can manage easily.

The SLM2008 measures just over 5 inches wide by 5 inches deep. Setting up the basic features via the Web-based interface takes only minutes, but there are enough advanced security and data-routing options to satisfy nearly any small-business need. Midrange small business switches like this one can be the perfect choice for small-office/ home-office workers with robust VoIP and videoconferencing demands.

Managed and manageable switches often duplicate (or surpass) the port-forwarding and port-linking features of conventional Wi-Fi routers; you may have to disable the corresponding features in your router to avoid conflicts.