Gigabit Ethernet
A brief introduction
By: Hunter Nance

What is Gigabit Ethernet?

           Gigabit ethernet is basically the transfer of data at a rate of 1,000,000,000 bits per second.

How is it different?

            Currently the most popular speed of Ethernet is 100 megabits per second.  Some companies even run as low as 10    
            megabits per second. Most computers come standard with a 10/100 NIC card and a special Gigabit network
            interface card must be purchased separately.

Who uses Gigabit Ethernet?

            Right now Gigabit speeds are only available in local area networks and in some cases wide area networks. 
            The internet itself cannot utilize gigabit speeds. Although many internet backbones are connected via Gigabit adapters.

Who sells Gigabit equipment?

            Most of the major network equipment companies carry Gigabit adapters and hardware.  Including: Linksys, D-link, Netgear and more.

Is Gigabit here to stay?

            Not only is it here to stay, many companies are upgrading or planning for their networks to use Gigabit speed technology. 

For more information please visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gigabit_Ethernet