Q&A for How to Upgrade Your Network to Gigabit Ethernet

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Can a laptop be upgraded like a desktop if it has only fast Ethernet?

Community Answer

Using a USB to RJ45 dongle can do the trick. However, if it's connected to a USB 2.0 port, theoretically max speed would be 450 Mbps, so a USB 3.0 is required to achieve actual Gigabit speed.

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Question

My office currently has older 10/100 Ethernet switches, but the computer is gigabit ready. Do I just need to install a gigabit Ethernet switch?

Community Answer

Yes, you will need a gigabit Ethernet switch. You may also need to upgrade your cabling to at least Cat 5e cables.

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Question

I have an older desktop. I have an ISP supply of 150mb/s. Currently I have a 100mb/s network card. Best Buy told me that I have to upgrade my motherboard. If I buy a gigabit network card, will that allow the desktop to get the speeds I am paying for?

Markoulas

Community Answer

If your cables and your router(if you have your own) are up to the task, then yes. They told you about the motherboard because it has a built in network card. Get a pci NIC and you are good to go.

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Question

I just got 1 gig internet and my computer is compatible. However, I am still only getting 200 mb/s. Could anything else be stopping the connection besides the ethernet hardware and software?

Daniele Caruana

Community Answer

There might be something large downloading, but that is probably not the case. I would recommend contacting your ISP to ensure that the connection was established correctly.

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Question

I do not understand number 9 and 10. What is the connection of your ISP and speed test with the Ethernet?

Community Answer

Your download and upload speed is only as fast as you get from your ISP. The internet speedtest will help you see what those download and upload speeds are.

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