I've always understood a lower case b to mean bits, and an upper case B to mean bytes. But Spots is right in that they are often exchanged without regard. Most people don't know a bit from a byte.
Agreed.
In theory your math is correct, but you've not figured in any machine or network overhead. In reality the actual speeds are much less. I can routinely get 3.5 to 4.5 megabytes per second between a NT workstation with a single NTFS eide drive, and a NT server with a NTFS, SCSI, multi drive raid 5 array. This rate is usually achievable on large files over 75 meg. That translates to only 35-45% of the theoretical rate that 100mbps is capable of. I have tweaked, tuned, caressed, cajoled, begged, fiddled, and wished for a better rate, but that is the best I can achieve with my limited technical abilities. This is even hooked through an Intel 510T ethernet switch, full duplex, so i know that network traffic through the hub is not at fault. I am OK with this rate, it is pretty quick.
Sending large files using FTP to a DEC UNIX box, using the exact same NT boxes and network gear, I can get 8-9 megabytes per second, which is 80-90% of theoretical. I am daily blown away by this speed. A 250 meg file goes in less than 30 seconds. It is very quick.
Bottom line is that your actual mileage will vary. I agree that you should consider nothing less than category 5 wire and 100mbps cards. You'll never regret it.
MS networking is not as efficient as pure FTP or even NFS for that matter. I always use FTP for big xfers.
that said. fast ethernet rules...
my favorite 8 Port 10/100 switch is so cheap.
Asante Friendly Switch 4008 - 8 Port 10/100 on each port. 1Gbs of backplane bandwidth.
$383 at Buy.com with a $100 manufacturers rebate. Can't beat it....
Net $283.
If you have a small-med lan at work and don't have one of these you are missing out on some serious throughput for minimal investment...
Sean
Sean |
