The reason I got the giga switch and nic is if ur server is kicking out 100 mbps and u have 8 systems hooked to the switch @ 100 mbps then the demand on the server can be upto 800 mbit and u just cant push 800 mbps through 100 mbps, so with 1000 mbps going into the switch from the server I have 200 mbps to spare and everyone can have a full 100 mbps. now about fiber, I have cat5e run to the guy next door "he rents bandwidth from me
" and I'm puttting in fiber do to the fact lightin loves copper wires!!! DO NOT use copper out side, I live in South FL and I took a direct hit once , it fryed : 1 router $400, 1 mobo $145, 1 dsl modem $125 and 2 100 mbps nics $40, Thank god I was able to warranty most of it.