Questions concerning security & performance

[mroxy1]

Hi all I am new here but I have some questions and concerns I am sure you all can answer for me. I am not experiencing any issues with the items in question I an simply trying to learn if upgrading these older items would increase security and or performance.
I have a Realtek 8168 rev 6 chip on my MB. and while the driver it up to date it has a 2012 date. I also have a Cradlepoint MBR900 router which is used mostly "wired" but right now I am wireless to our Roku.
I don't want to spend money but I am thinking technology and more specifically security keeps marching forward. So, what do you all think?
Brand names / models would be appreciated if you recommend upgrading.
Windows 7 64
Thanks in advance.
Mike

 

[ch33zw1z]

1. Security:

-Wired: the driver you're using is fine. If you're not having problems, then don't worry about it

-Wireless: If the cradlepoint can do WPA2, give it a 20+ character password, and you'll be fine

2. Performance:

-Wired: You probably won't see much difference moving to a new device

-Wireless: It's possible a new device will yield better performance. It's important to note that wireless performance depends just as much on the client WLAN NIC hardware/driver/software, and also interference can cause issues as well.


Note: I tried to look up the cradlepoint device, but their site isn't loading for me.

note: I looked a little further, is this device connecting you to a 3g/4g connection from a mobile ISP

 

[mroxy1]

My ISP is cable at 9.98 Mbps download, ping 31ms, up .83 Mbps (currant test) and has been very reliable.

 

[JackMDS]

When it comes to Computer hardware and One thinks about the Future, the solution is to wait for the Future when it really needed, and Upgrade then.

If your system is OK Upgrading for the Future is Oxymoron since the change in Computer Technology is so Rapid and not often Not specifically predicted.

 

[azazel1024]

When it comes to Computer hardware and One thinks about the Future, the solution is to wait for the Future when it really needed, and Upgrade then.

If your system is OK Upgrading for the Future is Oxymoron since the change in Computer Technology is so Rapid and not often Not specifically predicted.

Correct. Also, unless backdoored, your wireless/wired network drives generally aren't a security issue. Its OS/software firewall and/or router firewall where security vulnerabilities may be and where up to date firmware/software versions are important (though even then, often holes can and will be found. Though the good manufacturers will update to fix found vulns. Downside is pretty much anyone outside of the enterprise guys treat their routers as what they are. Cheap consumer appliances so most abandon support for them after about 1-2 years even if they are still making and selling them.)

 

[azazel1024]

Oh and for what it seems you are doing, connecting one desktop to the internet, no, upgrading the NIC will do nothing.

If this was a gigabit to gigabit connection on your local network, I would suggest possibly upgrading to an Intel NIC, especially a newer one, but that isn't really the case and would also only be the case if you want to squeeze every last bps of performance out of a gigabit LAN connection.

I've at least found that my Realtek chipset gigabit NICs (rev 6,7 and 8. I've got a TON of NICs between integrated and PCI-e) tend to be just a tiny bit slower than my Intel NICs. Old though they may be, my Intel Gigabit CT NICs can pump around 117.5MB/sec between each other using SMB and 9k jumbo. My Realtek NICs seem to run from around 113-115MB/sec max performance also using 9k jumbo.

Based on a ~10Mbps internet connection, you'll see zero difference in what NIC you are using to connect to your cable modem.

 

[mroxy1]

Thank you all so very much. I will keep what I have!
Mike