the 1000mbps gigabit ethernet card transmits and receives data at one gigabit per second (1gbps or 1000mbps). its fullduplex (only) operation mode enables it to transmit and receive data simultaneously, effectively doubling the amount of data being handled and giving it an actual throughput of 2gbps. this huge data pipeline can be used to connect highly active or bandwidth-hogging computers and servers directly to your network either through a switch port on your backbone, or through a departmental switch. the 1000mbps gigabit ethernet card also includes very large (96 kb) data buffers designed to significantly increase network performance by virtually eliminating buffer overruns.