This article contains question and answer pairs relative to gigabit Ethernet.

Question : What is gigabit Ethernet?

Answer : Gigabit is the next generation Ethernet standard which provides a theoretical, raw data bandwidth of 1000Mbps (or 1 gigabit per second). As network bandwidth becomes strained by new network applications and the proliferation of rich media data types, like graphics and video, gigabit Ethernet will become a cost-effective method of alleviating bandwidth bottlenecks. Gigabit Ethernet is based on the IEEE 802.3z standard approved by the IEEE organization in 1998. For more information on gigabit Ethernet, see http://www.gigabit-ethernet.org/ .

Question : What differences are there between gigabit Ethernet and standard (10BT) or fast (100BT) Ethernet?

Answer : Gigabit Ethernet increases the speed at which data is transmitted. The access method, packet format, packet length, error control, back off algorithm, and management information is identical to the other Ethernet standards ensuring that existing network services and protocols will work identically between standard, fast, and gigabit Ethernet.

Question : What cables are supported by the Apple gigabit Ethernet card?

Answer : The Apple gigabit Ethernet card allows you to connect your computer to a 1000Base-SX Ethernet fiber optic network. The card uses a short wavelength laser to support 62.5 Micron Multi-Mode fiber cable up to 250m and 60 Micron Multi-Mode fiber cable with SC-style connectors. The card does not support standard unshielded twisted-pair (UTP), or Category 5, wiring. The gigabit Ethernet standard, IEEE 802.3ab, to support unshielded twisted-pair wiring, or1000BASE-T, has not been finalized yet by the IEEE organization.

Question : What Macintosh operating systems are supported by the Apple gigabit Ethernet card?

Answer : The Apple gigabit Ethernet card supports both Mac OS and Mac OS X Server. For Mac OS-based systems, you must use Mac OS 8.5.1 or later. The drivers to support the gigabit Ethernet card in Mac OS will be included on a CD when you purchase the Apple gigabit Ethernet card. The driver to support the gigabit Ethernet card in Mac OS X Server is already preinstalled in the operating system.

Question : Does the gigabit Ethernet card auto-switch between 10Mbps, 100Mbps, and 1000Mbps?

Answer : No, the gigabit Ethernet card does not operate at 10Mbps or 100Mbps.

Question : How do I connect a Macintosh with the gigabit Ethernet card to my existing standard or fast Ethernet networks?

Answer : Connecting a Macintosh with the gigabit Ethernet card requires a compatible router or switch that has both the fiber-optic gigabit Ethernet connector and standard Ethernet connectors. A number of vendors, including Cisco, 3Com, and Bay Networks, offer solutions for connectivity between gigabit Ethernet and other standard networks.

Question : What network performance will I get with the gigabit Ethernet card?

Answer : The theoretical limit to gigabit Ethernet is 1000Mbps. However, network throughput is dependant on your hardware configuration, network infrastructure, and software and therefore, will vary accordingly.

Question : Can I use the Apple gigabit Ethernet card with single-mode fiber?

Answer : No. The Apple gigabit Ethernet card only supports multi-mode fiber.

Question : Can I netboot a Power Macintosh G3 client over a gigabit Ethernet card?

Answer : No. A client can use only Apple's built-in Ethernet to connect to the NetBoot. There are no plans to support netbooting clients over third party PCI network interfaces at this time.

Question : Can I use Gigabit Ethernet on my NetBoot server?

Answer : Yes, but the server's Gigabit Ethernet must be connected to a switch capable of handling it. Individual Netboot clients can then be connected to this switch using the built-in Ethernet.

Question : Where can I purchase cables or products to support gigabit Ethernet?

Answer : For more information on gigabit Ethernet peripherals and the companies that are selling those products, see http://www.gigabit-ethernet.org/technology/products/category.html/ .