Networking question!

[Grumpz]

Ok, on the networking side, I don't know much.

So can someone please tell me, can I speed up my network (file transfers)? I've got a laptop with Vista, and a desktop with Xp. I'm moving data around to better utilize my HD space. Is 23-25 mb's a sec the best I'm going to get?

[jsscooby]

Tell us more about your network. Wireless? If so tell us about the router and wireless cards. Cat5 Ethernet cable?

[Polygon]

I'm guessing this a wired network running at 1 gigabit since you're getting about 200 megabits per second.

[Grumpz]

I've got a Dlink DIR-655 router. I find wifi slow, so when I move around large amounts of data I hook up the cat5.

[brettallica]

I think you're doing all you can do, considering your current setup. The DIR-655 says it's a wireless-N and gigabit router, so you're not really going to be able to do too much else. File transfers are going to be quite a bit faster over a hardwired connection, but I will say that if you're "stuck" using wirless-N, you're way better off than if you still had G.

You could upgrade to Cat6 cables for kicks, but from what I've read Cat5 can support a gigabit network just fine.

[Hammie]

Originally Posted by brettallica

You could upgrade to Cat6 cables for kicks, but from what I've read Cat5 can support a gigabit network just fine.

For short runs, Cat6 probably is not going to buy you anything. Cat6 may help with attenuation at longer distances, but as long as you are running Cat5e, then you should be fine. My entire home network is Cat5e in-wall cabling with 25 feet being the longest current run). Recently, I've been purchasing Cat6 cabling for my patch cables, but just because the price difference at monoprice.com is negligible.

I used to make my own cables, but I use color coded cables to help with organization and dictate which each cable performs or what it is connected to.

If you make your own cables or punch down to wall jacks, just make sure you use the same cabling standard for each end, i.e., 568A or 568B. I personally use the 568B layout because it is what is typically used in the telco world and what I am most familiar with.

As far as you current situation, if your laptop has Gig-E, then bandwidth wise you are doing all you can do. Not sure what software you are running, but if you have any security software running that is doing packet inspection, then you may seee some reduced speed, especially if you have an older computer and you are getting close to maxing out your CPU and memory.

On the hardware side, make sure you have the max amount of memory that you computer can support. You will also have to clean your registry, delete and temp files and defrag your hard drive. A couple programs I use on my Windows machine are CCLeaner, and Defraggler. Both are free and do a great job. I have not really looked for anything for a Mac, but I'm sure Brettallica may have some suggestions.

[brettallica]

Originally Posted by Hammie

For short runs, Cat6 probably is not going to buy you anything. Cat6 may help with attenuation at longer distances, but as long as you are running Cat5e, then you should be fine. My entire home network is Cat5e in-wall cabling with 25 feet being the longest current run). Recently, I've been purchasing Cat6 cabling for my patch cables, but just because the price difference at monoprice.com is negligible.

I'm 100% Cat6 in my network (which is pretty complex for a home network), but yes I agree with you that at this point, as long as you're going with Cat5e (although I didn't specify "e" in my response), then you're good to go for cabling. I have a couple runs that are about 50ft — the two upstairs bedrooms (the router is downstairs).

[Grumpz]

Ok...you guys are gettin way too technical, but it sounds like that's as fast as she'll get.