3.5.3 Select and Install a Network Adapter Next Resource Listen to simulation instructions You work as the IT administrator for a small corporate network. To accommodate specific network communication needs for an upcoming project, you need to upgrade the network connection's speed for the Windows workstation located in the Executive Office. In this lab, your task is to: Install the network interface card with the fastest speed into the Exec computer. Connect the Exec computer to the local area network using the new network card and the appropriate cable. From the workstation's operating system, use the ping command to confirm that the workstation has a connection to the local network and the internet using the following: LocalThe correct answer and explanation is:
To complete the task in the simulation, follow these steps:
Correct Answer:
- Install a 10Gbps network interface card (NIC) into the Exec computer.
- Use a Category 6a (Cat 6a) Ethernet cable to connect the NIC to the nearest switch on the local area network (LAN).
- Verify the network connection by using the
pingcommand.
Explanation :
Upgrading the network speed for the Windows workstation in the Executive Office requires installing a network interface card (NIC) that supports the highest possible speed available in your network. For modern networks, a 10Gbps NIC is the optimal choice for fast data transmission, ensuring minimal latency and maximizing performance for demanding tasks.
After selecting the NIC, it must be installed in an available PCIe slot on the workstation’s motherboard. This slot provides the high bandwidth necessary for a 10Gbps connection. Ensure the computer is powered off and unplugged before installation to avoid electrical damage.
Once the NIC is securely installed, connect the workstation to the LAN using a Cat 6a Ethernet cable, which is designed to support 10Gbps speeds over distances up to 100 meters. Using a cable of lower category (e.g., Cat 5e) would not support the full speed potential of the NIC, leading to bottlenecks.
After the physical setup, power on the workstation and install the necessary drivers for the new NIC. The drivers ensure proper communication between the operating system and the hardware.
To verify the connection, open the Command Prompt and use the ping command. First, ping a local network device (e.g., the default gateway or another workstation) to confirm a local connection. Next, ping an external website (e.g., ping google.com) to verify internet connectivity. Successful replies indicate that the new NIC and cable are functioning correctly.
This upgrade improves network speed, enabling the Exec workstation to handle high-bandwidth applications effectively, supporting the needs of the upcoming project.