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.
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.
Good luck
Dan |
