Internet Bandwidth & Hardware?

Question

I currently have High-Speed Cable Internet + Turbo ($10 more).  Recently I noticed my cable company starting to offer even faster speeds of internet service for additional $$$.  I'm an online gamer which is why this interests me.

I've never been savy when it comes to internet speeds/bandwidth which is why I am asking.

Now the questions...
1) Would I need to get a new specific type of cat-5 cable to ensure I get the full bandwidth so it isn't funneled to a lesser extent?
2) Do I need to get a special ethernet card for my PC to make sure I get full use of the bandwidth so again it isn't funneled down by using the default ethernet connection on my motherboard?
3) Do I need a special router or modem to ensure I get the full bandwidth so it isn't funneled down?

I basically don't want to pay additional money for faster speeds if in the end, due to hardware capabilities, it's just being reduced in which case I'm wasting my money.  Of course I don't mind buying new cables/cards if needed.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

The total bandwidth you receive is indeed dependent upon the type of hardware you have in your home.  If your using older or antiquated hardware it will bottleneck for sure.

1) Use CAT6 Cabling.

2)  Use a Gigabit Ethernet Card

3) Use a  Router with Gigabet Ports

Anonymous · Answer

We don't know what hardware you have nor how fast a svc you are planning on buying.  

1. Probably not unless you have runs of more than 100 feet. 
2. If you have a 10/100 card, it should be good enough.
3. Comcast recommends a DOCSIS 3.0 modem for speeds over 25Mbps

I'm not sure you will see a marked improvement if you are just running 1 pc.  You're not an internet cafe or anything right?  

If this is Comcast, their service varies buy area.  If you have Turbo which I think is 12-20Mbps down and you're going to Blast which is 16-25Mbps, they recommend a DOCSIS 3.0 modem but their people will not volunteer this info.  There is a list on their website so you can look yours up to see if its 3.0.  I just did this upgrade and changing the modem also fixed some VoIP problems I was having.  In my area they have service up to 50Mbps as long as your willing to pay for it.  

I'm guessing you already have a 10/100 network card but if you don't I'd get one of those.  You should check the settings on your card.  I would do a direct connect (to the modem) speed test now and one after the upgrade (at the same time of day/night) and one with your router to see any differences.  

I doubt your CAT5 cable will cause you problems going to 25-30Mbps.  Don't know what kind of distances you run but you're in a house not a office building.  You can buy a 6 or 10ft CAT6 for not much money and see if it makes any difference.  

On your router, most wifi defaults to MIXED which causes your wifi to run at 10Mbps cuz that is as fast as a B device can run.  To fix that change your setting to "G Only" or "G and N" if you have that setting.  I'm guessing you're running wired and the ports normally are set to auto 10/100 which should be fine.  

I bought a new N router when I upgraded but I don't think it was necessary as I have no N devices. 
I got an internet streaming Bluray player for Xmas but it only needs a 1Mbs connection for an HD picture.

Internet Bandwidth & Hardware?

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