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Networking NICs (4 posts)

Anonymous Posted 7 years, 5 months ago Joined: N/A

When creating a network, does the NIC have to be the same speed as the other computer?

Example: I have 1 computer with a 10/100, and another with 10/100/1000.

Chris Burrage Posted 7 years, 5 months ago Joined: 12 years, 5 months ago

Re: Networking NICs

Answer is no. The connection will be made at the fastest common denominator, in this case 100 (assuming everything else is nominal).

Chris B

Gordon Drennan Posted 7 years, 5 months ago Joined: 12 years, 5 months ago

Re: Networking NICs

The answer depends on how you have the NICs connected together.

1. If you have them directly connected with a (cross-over) cable both NICs have to be set to run at the same speed. So a 10/100 NIC directly connected to a 10/100/1000 NIC would require you to ensure that both NICs had defaulted or were set to the same speed, either 10 or 100.

2. If you have them both cabled to a switch then the switch can set the speed it talks to each NIC at the fastest speed it and that NIC can talk at. A 10/100 switch would automatically set itself and both NICs to talk at 100. A 10/100/1000 switch would automatically set its port connected to the 10/100 NIC and that NIC to talk at 100, and it would automatically set its port connected to the 10/100/1000 NIC and that NIC to talk at 1000. Data between those two NICs would not be able to flow faster than the slower of the two connections.

3. If you have them both cabled to a hub then if it was a hub capable of only 10 you would have to ensure both NICs either defaulted to or were set to 10. If it was capable of 10/100 it would it would select the fastest speed it and both NICs were capable of and set them all to that. In your case it would be 100. There aren't any hubs capable of 1000 that I know of.

Stephen Chapman Posted 7 years, 5 months ago Joined: 12 years, 5 months ago

Re: Networking NICs

Both have to be able to communicate at the same speed. With your example both can communicate at 100 so you will be okay.

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