Gigabit LAN - what is it and what do I need it for?

The term Gigabit LAN (GB LAN) can be read and heard from time to time. You can find out what this is and what you need it for in this practical tip.

Gigabit LAN - you need to know that

• One speaks of gigabit LAN when a network can transmit data at a speed of one gigabit - or 125 megabytes - per second.
• If you want to know how fast your network is, you can check the speed at which your computer hangs on the network. However, make sure that the PC is connected with a network cable.
• If you regularly transfer large amounts of data locally in the network, an upgrade to Gigabit LAN is definitely worthwhile. This allows you to move files ten times faster than the slower 100 megabit network.
• A network at gigabit speed makes sense if you use a NAS, i.e. network storage, at home, for example.
• Gigabit LAN also makes sense if your Internet connection is faster than 100 megabits per second. Otherwise your local network would limit the speed of your internet access.
• A WLAN network usually does not achieve the speed of a wired network. So if you need a high data rate internally, you should refrain from using a WLAN network.

The next practical tip will show you how to change the name of your local network.