We have recently done a change in our network by using CAT 6 cabling. Now I would like to measure the speed difference when I use Cat 5 or Cat5 e and Cat 6. Is there a way to find out the same?
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CAT5e is perfectly capable of supporting 1GB connectivity. Most do not realize that the issue is typically not in the transmission media, rather at the points where IO creates bottlenecks. |
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If you have a file server that you know is not the bottle neck, simply transfer a big compressed file a few times and time it while there is not much other network activity. In some cases Cat5 can work up to a gigabit, and if that was your case, you will probably not notice a huge difference. |
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Are you running gigabit switches/network cards? If not, your not going to notice any difference. If you are, then depending on disc i/o, you should be able to transfer files quicker- test from server > server. |
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You can use 'netcat' on Linux to test pure network speed, without having to worry about approximations using file transfers (limited by disk IO). |
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The most limiting factor won't be the cabling - but disc-performance and the servers/clients and their configuration (+ switches/routers) matter. The biggest impact on the "faster" cables will be fewer errors - at the same speed... tsg |
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