Network card for 3gig connection

[alex5908]

Hello everybody,

I've recently changed over to 3GB internet connection but the connection is still 1GB (as it used to be before the shift).

Which network card (before CAD100) should I buy?

I was told that not all the cards will suit to my Sagemcom Giga Hub. Shall I use 10Base-T or SFP+ cards? Or something else?

I know that the cable should be at least CAT 6E.

[BellPatricia]

Hey there @alex5908. Thanks very much for your post, and welcome to the Bell Community 🙂
Keep us posted, we're interested to know which equipment you choose, and how everything goes with the set up!
- Patricia

[alex5908]

Actually, I was seeking for a piece of advice.

I can't believe that nobody here uses 3 gig connection and does not know which LAN cards are compatible with Bell's Giga Hub modem.

By the way, I chatted with a Bell operator on line and it seems that he does not know anything about the subject matter....

[ZaneP · Accepted solution]

Hi @alex5908 ,

"I've recently changed over to 3GB internet connection but the connection is still 1GB (as it used to be before the shift)."

I don't know what this means.

"Which network card (before CAD100) should I buy?"

A PCI card which will delivers more than 1GBe. They cost more than $100.

Unless you are using your own router, you don't need an SPF+ card, right? You can buy one at Canada Computers, Amazon, Best Buy. 

"I know that the cable should be at least CAT 6E."

Cat 6A is fine for your needs.

Cheers,

ZaneP

[dks]

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Which network card (before CAD100) should I buy?

I was told that not all the cards will suit to my Sagemcom Giga Hub. Shall I use 10Base-T or SFP+ cards? Or something else

---

You ask some good, important questions. But there are questions you could answer to help make your decision easier. 

First, is your computer a laptop or a desktop computer? If you have a laptop you are more likely stuck with thee speed of your wireless connection. If you have a desktop, other questions arise. 

Does your computer have an open PCiE slot on the motherboard to install a network card? Take a picture of the open slot on your computer and compare it with the bottom of the network card. They have to match. 

You want a card with an RJ45 Ethernet port, not with an SFP port. There is no way to directly connect your fibre optic cable to your computer. It is connected to the modem. You are correct, you need a Cat6 cable. 

Expect to pay around CAD$125 to CAD$150 for the 10Gb network card, plus tax and shipping. As an alternative, you could keep to your price point by buying a 2.5 GB card, which are under CAD$50. You would not get maximum throughput but it would get you almost the connection speed you want. 

[Inf]

I personally use a Startech US2GC30 which gets 2.5Gbps (current 5gbps usb adapters have an overheating issue) and Intel wireless Ax200 and Ax201 for Wifi.

[ZaneP]

"I can't believe that nobody here uses 3 gig connection and does not know which LAN cards are compatible with Bell's Giga Hub modem."

Bell modems shouldn't be a concern. The LAN card needs to play nicely with your computer hardware.

[ZaneP]

"First, is your computer a laptop or a desktop computer? If you have a laptop you are more likely stuck with thee speed of your wireless connection..."

There are very good USB-to-ethernet adapters available for laptops. I'm using a 2.5Gb one from Pluggable on a MacBook Air.

[alex5908]

About more than $100... Why not? I've ordered one for 30 bucks.

I used to have 1gbps download speed. Now it's 3 gbps. Is that what you didn't make out?

I am using Sagemcom Giga Hub modem and not the router. Otherwise I'd have mentioned it.

[alex5908]

I use a PC with Windows 10 installed.

Yes, I have both slots available- PCI and PCI Express. My motherboard is Gigabyte GA Z170X-Gaming 3. 

[alex5908]

Yeah. I've read about overheating issue, but it does not seem to affect the operation of the card.

[alex5908]

Yes, that's why I am asking about compatible LAN cards.

[dks]

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@alex5908 wrote:

About more than $100... Why not? I've ordered this one for 30 bucks.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004908010257.html

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It appears to be intended for a server. It appears to be a half-height card with no endplate for a full height installation. That's not a show stopper, but...  I also see the delivery time is over a month. More local sources may be more expensive, but the advantage is that delivery is much quicker; just a few days in some cases. I am also reminded of an old saying I heard in the early days of personal computers. "Good. Fast. Cheap. Choose any two." Report back on how well it works. 

[dks]

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@alex5908 wrote:

Yes, that's why I am asking about compatible LAN cards.

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As long as the card fits your motherboard and is connected to the modem with a Cat6 network cable and the card meets networking standards, compatibility with the modem is not an issue. 

[ZaneP]

Hi @alex5908 

Bell tech support is meant for help with their equipment and services. It doesn't extend to equipment we own (router, PCs, etc) so we shouldn't really expect their help on LAN cards.