Matching network components necessary?

[KilroY]

I was just reading another post where NICs and Hubs were being discussed, and incompatability was brought up. I never realized this was an issue. I have 2 computers in a network (with a cable modem as well). My NICs are D-link ISA and the Hub is a Kingston.

Is it possible that the network and cable modem are running under par or inefficiently because of compatability issues? This is my first network so I have nothing to measure it against. What would be warning signs, and are there any benchmarks I could use to test this? Everything seems to be running ok, but I was considering changing to PCI adapters and maybe this would be a good excuse?

[noackjr]

Well, I don't know of any benchmarks you could run, but try transfering a fairly large file over the network and see what kinda speeds you get. This is where it could get a little tricky. The file sharing built into Windows (anything) is not that fast. If you can, try transfer a file using ftp, http, or any internet messaging client that supports file transfer. If you have a 10 Mbit/s network you should see speeds in excess of 700-800 KB/s. When I do that over a 10 Mbit/s hub that is what I get and a 10 Mbit/s switch bumps that up to over 1 MB/s (using any of the methods listed above - ftp, http...). I'm not sure what ISA will do to you, but you'll have to see. If you do decide to replace it, check out http://www.linksys.com/scripts/index...t=Starter_Kits . They have kits with 2 PCI adapters and either a 5-port 10/100 hub or switch for under $100 ($85 and $96, respectively, at http://www.buycomp.com). They even include 2 Cat5 cables! Check 'em out...

Jon

[This message has been edited by noackjr (edited 23 February 2000).]

[Moleman]

Sisoft Sandra has a Network benchmark tool.
http://www.sisoftware.demon.co.uk/

[Alegria]

When it comes to hubs and NICs the most common issue is running them on the smallest common denominator regarding duplex transfers. Since most NICs and hubs support full-duplex transfers they have to negotiate the method. Most NICs are set to automatic negotiation which is the correct setting unless you run into problems when they errantly choose to run on a setting that does not match the capabilities of the network infrastructure. Try transferring both large and a lot of small files and use some network monitoring software such as the built-in network monitor of windows. Look for collisions in packets(which will occur quite frequently), retries and deferrals in any way. You can also see the Byte-count of read and written data to and from the machines.
Interpretation is not always easy but it is a first hint to bottlenecks in a network and poor performance.
You don't necessarily have to buy matching components. I had an issue with the 3COM Superstack II 100MBit hub and 3COM905B-TX cards. Although those are "matching components", some machines in this network ran fast and reliable, others were crawling slowly and lost connections. I discovered then that I had two types of the same NIC only differing within the production date/hardware revision. I replaced those cards with Intel 100Mbit NICs and the slow machines speeded up to the level expected.
Imagine a company network to be dependent on a certain NIC manufacturer and hardware version of the NIC. Impossible in large networks.
I hope that helped a bit.

Regards, Alegria

------------------
The pump don't work, 'cause the vandals took the handle...
Bob Dylan