An IT support technician is often called on to research equipment to maintain or improve a computer or network and make recommendations for purchase. Suppose you are asked to upgrade a small network that consists of one switch and four computers from $100$BaseT to Gigabit Ethernet. The switch connects to a router that already supports Gigabit Ethernet. Do the following to price the hardware needed for this upgrade:

Find three switches by different manufacturers that support Gigabit Ethernet and have at least five ports. Save or print the webpages describing each switch.

Compare the features and prices of the three switches. What additional information might you want to know before you make your recommendation for a small business network?

Find three network adapters by different manufacturers to install in the desktop computers to support Gigabit Ethernet. Save or print webpages for each NIC.

Compare features of the three network adapters. What additional information do you need to know before you make your recommendation?

Make your recommendations based on the moderate $($middle$-$of$-$the$-$road$)$ choices. What is the total price of the upgrade, including one switch and four network adapters?

What is one more question you need to have answered about other equipment before you can complete the price of the upgrade? Explain how you would find the answer to you