Home Forums Networks & Cross-Platform Networking DSL "Modem" Speed

My ADSL modem is 5-7 years old. I am running wired ethernet to two computers via a router (capable of b/g) and CAT 5e cable. There will be a new computer on the network that has gigabyte ethernet capability. To take advantage of this extra speed potential on the one computer, should I look to upgrade the "modem", router (to n/b/g status) or...? Don't tell me the cable (CAT 6)!

Suggestions and thanks in advance.

Your question has two separate aspects: your current Internet connection speed and your local LAN speed. To take advantage of a particular LAN/ethernet speed, you need at least two components rated for that speed. Since you don't and your DSL speed is less than your current wired ethernet can handle, there's no need to change anything right now.

That might change when you get two or more gigabit ethernet Macs AND need to move data at that speed between them, or when your internet hookup speed exceeds your current network speed limit. In both cases you'd be looking at a router/switch upgrade to accommodate the faster wired ethernet (I'll assume that your ISP will provide the requisite modem).

Wireless speeds are lagging behind wired, so that will be a separate issue further down the road. That is, unless you want to take advantage of 802.11n speeds now, but that's still slower than your current wired ethernet.

I had not thought about 802.11n being slower than my current wired Ethernet, so that is a good point you raise. That, along with the computer's capabilities exceeding the current DSL speed make sense that no change is required.

Thanks for the right on response.

"wired where you can, wireless where you can't"

I'm becoming a big fan of that approach to connectivity.

It still makes me get a slight uncontrollable twitch when I have to work on a customer's machine onsite where they are connecting to their time capsule, wirelessly, which is sitting beside or behind their imac.

Sorry, but your point eludes me.

in terms of wired or wireless. they could be getting a better connection and faster speeds if they just wired in, rather than running wireless.

Sorry, but your point eludes me

Specifically, connecting wirelessly to a base station 4" from the computer. When a 2ft ethernet cable would almost be too long.

Especially with time machine backups now, people are starting to make better use of gigabit ethernet. Imagine initially syncing your new imac over to your time capsule over wireless, as opposed to gigabit? 20 hrs vs 45 minutes, or something like that.

Roger and V1...

Well, duuuh!

Thanks.