Copper vs. Non-Copper NICs and Switches

[WhoIsThat]

Some gigabit NICs are listed as copper. Does it really make difference? I mean, if I have the following...
- copper gigabit NICs
- non-copper gigabit NICs
- copper gigabit switches
- non-copper gigabit switches

If I mix and match them, would the network maintain 1000mbps throughput?

What exactly is the difference with copper NICs as opposed to non-copper NICs?

After quite a bit of search, I couldn't find a straight answer and thought that the tech-minded geniuses here on anandtech would know the answer. 🙂

 

[JackMDS]

Link us to a none-copper NIC?

In any case in a regular Home Network you use Copper.

 

[spidey07]

Yes, that's just the physical layer media. It is still 1000 Base and runs at gigabit speeds.

However, the cost of fiber ports on switches can be very pricey compared to copper. If you've already got switches with open fiber ports (you'll have to check what kind of port it is 1000 Base-SX or LX) then you can use a like network card with a fiber patch cable with the correct connectors.

 

[WhoIsThat]

Well, some gigabit NICs say "copper" and others do not. Why is that? That's basically the reason I am wondering about this question. 🙂

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: WhoIsThat
Well, some gigabit NICs say "copper" and others do not. Why is that? That's basically the reason I am wondering about this question. 🙂

Because there are many different flavors of Gigabit Ethernet.

1000 Base-T (copper)
1000 Base-LX (fiber with a laser)
1000 Base-SX (fiber with an LED)

 

[WhoIsThat]

I see. That would mean that if a NIC says gigabit copper, it must be 1000 base-T then. Thanks! Learning something new everyday...

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: spidey07
Because there are many different flavors of Gigabit Ethernet.

1000 Base-T (copper)
1000 Base-LX (fiber with a laser)
1000 Base-SX (fiber with an LED)

spidey07,

Do folks use fiber NICs for desktops? I'd think it'd be too pricey at this point.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger

Originally posted by: spidey07
Because there are many different flavors of Gigabit Ethernet.

1000 Base-T (copper)
1000 Base-LX (fiber with a laser)
1000 Base-SX (fiber with an LED)

spidey07,

Do folks use fiber NICs for desktops? I'd think it'd be too pricey at this point.

Not any more, but they were heavily used before 1000 Base-T was a standard and a lot of them are still in use because of that.