Gigabit

Gigabit Ethernet, primarily used in computer networks, supports a maximum data rate of 1000 Mbps. At one time, it was believed that these speeds required fiber optic, but Gigabit Ethernet has now successfully been implemented on CAT5 cable (& CAT 6 cable). Currently available on various computers including the Apple Macintosh, Gigabit is also backward compatible for use on slower networks as well (such as 100-Base T or 10-Base T). While Gigabit has yet to take a market hold as the front running network delivery protocol, it works wonders on high bandwidth information such as digital audio and video.