Dual Gig Lan, worth it?

[katanaso]

Sorry bout the overshoot..

What?

See, I would be willing to help, and explain, in detail, why things would or wouldn't work.  But you're not giving me a reason to do so.

So, good luck to you.

[Vulcan]

My motherboard has Dual Gig Lan option and a built in controller.. Was wondering if anyone uses this feature, and if it actually helps FR/Connectivity?
If any further outside connections, (like complete separate modem and signal source) are needed? My mobo manual is a bit vague..
And I used search, lots of LAN entries, lots of DUAL entries, but no Dual Lan entries..
Is it worth it?

Thx <S>
PAK

Unless you have a managed switch capable of binding the ports together (properly) then no (and such a gig switch will usually cos you >$500 for a semi-decent one).

[2bighorn]

Unless you have a managed switch capable of binding the ports together (properly) then no (and such a gig switch will usually cos you >$500 for a semi-decent one).

Switches aren't the problem. You get LCAP capable ProCurve for about $250 or less and would easily qualify for "semi-decent" class.

Problem is the Windows, most versions come with no LCAP support. You're pretty much confined to NIC manufacturer drivers which means you either need multiple port NIC or multiple NICs from the same manufacturer, which again, is troublesome with most dual on board ports because very often they're mixed (one port Intel + one port Marvell, for example).

Anyway, apart from port trunking, Mobos with multiple ports can be useful if you do load balancing, routing, using machine as security appliance, multiple LANs, etc.

[Skuzzy]

Rob has pretty much hit the nail on the head.

The best use for a dual 1Gb LAN port system is to use it as a router/firewall and/or file server for your local LAN.

[PAKFRONT]

Thank you all, I do appreciate all the replies.. Gave me much to search..
OK, not worth the effort and expense for my purpose.. Got it!!!

I came late to the computer hobbies, I have others.. Right now, I know just enough
to be dangerous to my own equipment, lol.. That is why I ask the question..

[Vulcan]

Switches aren't the problem. You get LCAP capable ProCurve for about $250 or less and would easily qualify for "semi-decent" class.

Problem is the Windows, most versions come with no LCAP support. You're pretty much confined to NIC manufacturer drivers which means you either need multiple port NIC or multiple NICs from the same manufacturer, which again, is troublesome with most dual on board ports because very often they're mixed (one port Intel + one port Marvell, for example).

Anyway, apart from port trunking, Mobos with multiple ports can be useful if you do load balancing, routing, using machine as security appliance, multiple LANs, etc.

It's LACP

[2bighorn]

Yes it is