Speed Up Your Network Pick up the pace with a gigabit ethernet switch for your network.

Think about your network for a moment. More and more data is pumped over it all the time--with no end in sight. Whether it's time to widen those traffic lanes or lay the groundwork for a new network, a gigabit Ethernet switch is a good place to start. Increasingly popular and affordable, this standard can crank data at rates of up to 1,000Mbps--plenty fast for most business needs. Even if most of your network's PCs connect over Wi-Fi, it can't hurt to have a nice, fat gigabit pipe in the PC linking your network to the internet.

There are two basic types of switches: unmanaged and managed. Some networks use both. Businesses needing only a simple network solution or those looking to expand an existing network may want to check out unmanaged switches. Managed switches offer a host of advanced features and remote management capabilities that will make your network administrator happy and give you more control.

Next question: Layer 2 or Layer 3? Layer 3 switches are more expensive, but they also offer certain technical advantages that address the complexities of a growing network. The $2,790 (all prices street) Netgear ProSafe GSM7328S has four dual-purpose, hot-swappable high-speed module bays. Cisco's $2,000 multilayer Catalyst 2960G-24TC adds enhanced security features. Many sales outlets include Layer 2, Layer 3 and multilayer switches in their product lineups. A salesperson or consultant can help you find the right one for you.