[rescue] Gigabit ethernet - worth it?

[James Sharp]

> I know that Dave would prefer we all use FDDI, but on justdeals.com I
> see gbit ethernet cards for $34.99 and a 5-port gbit switch for $99.99.
>
> What is the collective wisdom of the list concerning this stuff?

I've just finished a whole slew of gigabit upgrades at work (mainly
inter-switch connections, but a few server machines)...and although I
still think FDDI wins on technical merit, gigabit is faster than shit...as
long as you've got a card that will support 64-bit 66Mhz PCI.

The 1000Base-TX I've played around with was horribly susceptible to noise
and cross talk on the cable...you'll need to make sure your cable meet
strict Cat 5 standards in manufacture as well as physical installation