• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Gigabit or firewire network

P

perdomot

Golden Member
I'm thinking of getting a gigabit switch so I can transfer video files between my desktop and my server but I was wondering what the real world speeds of such a set up are versus a firewire network. Just realized that my server PC has firewire connections so I can make a network between the two PCs with just the firewire cable I already have and save the money from the switch. However, I don't know what kinds of transfer speeds both set ups are likely to achieve. Can anyone advise me on this? Thanks.
 
Gigabit: 1000mbps
Firewire: 400mbps 1394a, 800mbps 1394b

A Firewire LAN isn't very practical since not all computers have a firewire port.
 
I've never done a side-by-side comparison, but I'd expect them to be pretty close. Transfers will likely be limited by your hard drive transfer speeds, which could be anywhere from 160mbps to maybe 600mbps, depending on whether IDE, SATA, or the various SCSI options. And Gigabit transfers, in real life, aren't really Gigabit.
 
Gigabit consumer switches typically max out at 700-900Mbps, depending on the product. That's comparable to 1394b, but a significant step up from 1394a.

Note throughput you get with Firewire hard drives is not directly comparable to what you would get with a Firewire network, which involves network overhead. Firewire networking will also consume more CPU to deliver the same throughput.

As suggested by the previous poster, a Firewire network isn't very practical with more than two network devices. I'm guessing you already have at least one other network device -- an Internet router -- which makes the gigabit switch the sensible choice.
 
That's interesting. MS supported FireWire Networking in XP and (on a limited basis) in ME (the best OS ever!).

I second the suggestion to spend $25 on a Gigabit switch and some CAT5e or CAT6 patch cables. ComputerGeeks.com has Broadcom PCI 1GB NICS for $10 each if you need them.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top