Link to home
Start Free TrialLog in
Avatar of manuel96
manuel96

asked on

Network card on FTP server

What network card do you recomend, for a FTP Server, that is using Linux Red hat,,, and the server its for aprox, 100 users
Avatar of lundrog
lundrog
Flag of United States of America image

Avatar of mlynch24
mlynch24

Assuming your running in a 10/100mbs mode, I would go to http://www.softwareandstuff.com/h_net_RTL8139C.html and buy some NICs cheap. They have uptodate Linux drivers and you just can't beat the price. Today the top ten adapters on the market (3COM, Intel, NeatGear, DLink, Linksys, etc.) will all work well in both GUI and non-GUI environments. Your access/port speed and user load equation is of more concern than which card to choose. Unless you have a mission critical environment and don't want the finger pointed at you, BUY ONLY Intel/3COM/SMC only as they have good Linux drivers and are the top names people recognize. The plus side is that these three manufacturers provide a lot a tweaks for their adapters to tune them for different performace patterns/conditions.  I like to use four Intel 10/100/1000 adapters in member servers with windows and then team them into pairs, giving me 20/200/2000mbs bandwidth for input and 20/200/2000mbs for output. Here is a link to see some variety and pricing:  http://www.ecost.com/ecost/search/search.asp?Search=PCI+network+cards&CurDSN=simple&calledfrom=1&incimage=on

Compatibility is your #1 issue.  Intel and 3COM network cards have good Linux drivers available.  I like intel, myself.

Your #2 issue is bandwidth.  Mlynch had a great suggestion of multiple NICs in pairs, but that doesn't do you much good if the rest of your network doesnt support it.  To acheive that 2000mbps he was talking about, you need a gigabit networking switch.  Otherwise you're topped out at 200mbps and there's no need to buy more expensive gigabit network cards.

Remember, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link and your network is only as fast as its slowest device.  If your FTP is over DSL or cable, you may be maxed out at 768kbps, maybe 1.5mbps.  Sure, a lot of bandwith between your server and router helps...but dont waste your money expecting 2000mbps.  

If your FTP network is local, then gigabit, gigabit, gigabit.  Especially between your router and server!
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
Avatar of modulo
modulo

Link to home
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Start Free Trial