how to build a really fast home network
 

I would like to speed up my network performance. some tips would be great

right now I have comcast ISP, with linksys modem connected to D-Link DGL-4500 with additional D-Link (consumer level) 8-Port Gigabit Switch.

reason why i'm considering this, i managed to get 100-120mb/s transfer between main rig and server (server 08, still running evaluation).

Server is Phenom 2.2ghz with 4gb ram, but with 100-120mb/s transfer CPU spikes to about 50-80% and ram gets filled up to 100% in under a minute for some reason. Right now i'm using the onboard Gigabit Realtek chip.

Main Rig is using nvidia nforce gigabit chips (based on Marvell).

both machines are connected to DGL-4500, I'm considering buying Intel Pro PCI-E Gigabit NICs for all 3 main PCs (Main Rig, Server, HTPC) to cut down on CPU usage.

and instead of having them all plugged in the Router to get a better higher level Gigabit Switch, and have all machines pluggged into that. Then that switch plugged into router.

Re: how to build a really fast home network
 

It sounds like you have the right idea there. The dedicated NICs will offer superior throughput. Remember to enable jumbo frames whenever you can.

Re: how to build a really fast home network
 

looked around, and it seems these NICs are good
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...643&CatId=2380

just looking for a decent 8-port gigabit switch that can take it ;)

btw, what size jumbo frames do you recommend

Re: how to build a really fast home network
 

Jumbo Frames are great for big xfers across your network, but when picking out a switch be sure to check and ensure that it supports Jumbo Frames.

The size depends mostly on the size of the files you will be x-fering. 1500 of course is the default packet size. If you plan on huge MB or GB size files go ahead and top it out @ 9000.

Re: how to build a really fast home network
 

Use network teaming. Basically, it's the SLI version of Ethernet. You need a gigabit switch with support for teaming (and you must check the exact version), and several network cards with teaming support too.

You also can put cat7 cable, and use GG45 connectors, for the future 10Gbit LAN over cable.

Re: how to build a really fast home network
 

I've always wanted to try teaming.

Also try fiber optic Nekro. It's FTW. ::D:

Re: how to build a really fast home network
 

one of these maybe?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833129168

Re: how to build a really fast home network
 

The problem with gigabit is that the HD becomes the bottleneck.

Re: how to build a really fast home network
 

Yap. Buy it and win!

Re: how to build a really fast home network
 

Waste of money atm, IMHO. 10Gb/s means you would have to have a file-storage system that can write @ at nearly 1GB/s, sure some bigger file-storage systems can hit that but it's not economically viable for consumers yet AT ALL.

Teaming mostly only helps if you are serving multiple clients at the same time, the only other time you might want to use it is when you have more then one teamed box. Also keep in mind that the speeds gained from Teaming will only help if all "teamed" systems are on the same switch, otherwise of course you'll get whatever the uplink port speed is which is almost always 1Gbps with modern switches.

It makes no sense to "team" a server that would only be serving 1-2 Gigabit clients on the same switch, however if you are looking for HD content streaming to more then 2 clients then yes teaming is the way to go. Also keep in mind there are different levels of teaming and most consumer-level switches are sparse on what kinds of teaming they support. Most of the time you will have to contact a vendor to find out what levels of teaming it supports (if at all).

Re: how to build a really fast home network
 

monolyth that was just a joke ;)

Re: how to build a really fast home network
 

Yeah...sarcasm is often hard to catch in text. :(

Oh well maybe the teaming info will help.