recommend a workstation nic

[slam]

I'd like to increase network performance on network applications.
I have a netgear 724gt 10/100/1000 switch.
1. What nic's would anyone suggest.


2. Does cpu offloading (on the workstation) really help in faster response times when running apps from a server to workstation.

[cat5e]

A popular quality Giga NIC is the Intrel Pro,

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833106121

As for CPU off load?

Under normal circumstances, it does little.

However, it really depends on what else the workstation is doing. There might be specific circumstances that it helps.

Example, if the workstation crunches numbers all the time and needs to get and send big chunks of info while working to the server, CPU off load might help.

[Sterling_Aug]

How many other users are on the network?

Is there any subnets on the network?

How far away is the server from the workstation?

What kind of backbone was used for the network (Cat5e, fiber, etc)?


The network will only transfer as fast as the weakest link and the NIC may not be the weakest part.

[slam]

How many other users are on the network? 25

Is there any subnets on the network? just 1

How far away is the server from the workstation? varies up to 150 ft

What kind of backbone was used for the network (Cat5e, fiber, etc)? cat5 and cat 6


The network will only transfer as fast as the weakest link and the NIC may not be the weakest part. : true however machines that have been upgraded with gig nics are performing better than the 100 nics. I know I need to also look at other issues.

The software running across the network is a database. I am guessing that its continous small chunks of data.



__________________

[Sterling_Aug]

From what I have heard, it is not a good idea to mix and match Cat5 and Cat6 on the same network. You may want to look into upgrading to all Cat6.

I have been told that Cat5 is borderline if you expect to get Gigabit speeds. Cat6 is designed for GBit.

Is there any network lines running near or on any power lines or florescent light fixtures? Interference will cause packet losses and then seem to be slower because of the resends.

[slam]

It would be very difficult to run all new wiring through this building.
Can I isolate the cat6 to one switch and cat 5 to another ? would that help.
I am sure some of the locations have packet losses due to some sort of interference. However all the cabling is in walls behind sheetrock and a lot of hard ceilings so It would be very difficult to know if anything is running near wiring or just above florescent lights. However that could be examined in the areas where we do have drop down ceilings. The one complaining user is on cat 5 and she has better speeds with the gig nic.



how can I test for resends?

[Sterling_Aug]

You may want to hire a network technician who can check each drop with a Fluke meter and find the problems.

My company does this as a contract, so you may want to email me for details.