100MB vs. Gigabit

[BostonDan]

Hi Everyone,

Currently, I have:
1) 8 computers and an Intel SS4200-E all connected to a 16-port 100Mbps switch.
2) All 8 computers and the Intel SS4200-E support gigabit lan.
3) All 8 computers are running MS Access and simmultaneously modifying a database on a Intel SS4200-E NAS.
4) The tables are structured such that the table data resides on each computer while master table(database) which refers to the tables is on the NAS.

When queries are performed, it can take a long time. I'd like to improve performance. Is there a way I can meaure network activity to determine if upgrading the 100MB switch to a 1GB switch will speed up performance?

Appreciate any guidance.

Thanks everyone,

BostonDan

 

[00Roush]

Since you are running MS Access I assume your computers are running Windows. Should be fairly easy for you to look at network usage using task manager. In XP, Vista, and 7 you can either hit ctrl-alt-del to get there or right click the taskbar and select task manager. Then just goto the network tab. By default you should see a percent usage of your connection. If you want more detail you can change the columns shown using the "Select Columns..." option under the view menu. I usually do bytes send/received per interval.

Hope that helps.

00Roush

 

[BostonDan]

NAS Throughput?

Thanks very much 00Roush.
By chance, are you aware if there is a way to monitor network activity on the NAS from one of the PC's?
Best,
BostonDan

 

[00Roush]

Well it mostly depends on the NAS. Some have web interfaces that can be accessed from other PC's that give network stats and such. Others allow you console access and might allow for programs to run which can show you network activity. I would have to do some searching to see what is possible on your particular NAS.

00Roush

 

[vicrod74]

Upgrading to 1GB Switch will give your network more bandwidth especially when dealing with network intensive applications. You'll definitely see a difference in speed for queries under MS Access, SQL, or Oracle. Just one thing... Make sure your NAS server and all PC's (clients) have 1GB NIC cards too. You don't want to have a bottleneck somewhere in the network. Also reevaluate your LAN setup, make sure you don't have other PC's connected to 100 MB switches. Also I don't know if you have multiple subnets, but a good managed switch would be appropriate, otherwise stick with 1 GB unmanaged switched.