Gigabit Ethernet Can Cover the Distance
One of the main reasons for replacing network backbone segments with Gigabit Ethernet (and 10 Gigabit Ethernet) network adapters and switches is that the backbone carries a much larger amount of network traffic today than departmental switches do. Each local LAN switch merely needs to make connections for workstations that probably use very little of the 100Mbps bandwidth for the majority of the time. Yes, when you're using FTP to download a file from a remote server, it can be frustrating because of the time involved. But if most of the work performed on the server falls into the typical office scenario type of work (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations), the network bandwidth usage is sporadic and you don't need to use Gigabit Ethernet to make a connection to the network for this type of workstation.
However, when you consider consolidating network traffic from hundreds, if not thousands of workstations and the file and print servers they use, Gigabit Ethernet (and now 10 Gigabit Ethernet) is a viable solution. First, the technology provides a much faster bandwidth. Second, when using fiber-optic cabling (copper cabling is pretty much confined to the wiring closet for these technologies), the distances you can cover are measured in kilometers instead of meters. You might find that you can connect buildings that are much farther apart without having to use an intermediary switch or router due to the distance that Gigabit Ethernet technologies can cover. For example, when using single-mode fiber optic cabling with a 1300-nanometer laser, you can cover distances of at least 10 kilometers.
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