Any speed difference will not be detectable. Check that the hardware is all capable of 100mbps. If most components are capable of 100MBPS but a couple components are only working at 10MBPS, the entire network will run slower. Also, when some components that your computer want to access are turned off the network will noticably slow. For example, if your computer wants access to a printer on another computer, your computer may run noticably slower.
No, it won't increase the network's speed
The speed at which it establish a network connection.
Reduce the size of the pulley on the motor
That depends on a few things. Be a bit more specific.
The advantage of using a layer 3 switch is the speed at which it can establish a network connection.
Find the control switch located on the steering column. Push the end of the switch in to turn on the cruise control, push again to turn it off. When you get to the speed you want, push down on the switch to set. To coast, pull the switch towards you to disengage. To resume the previous speed, push up on the switch. To adjust speed while driving, push down on the switch to lower speed. Push up on the switch to increase speed. If you just tap the switch up or down, it will adjust the speed in approx. 1 mph increments.
A gigabit switch allows other devices on your network to send and receive information at gigabit speed. A 10/100 switch is much much slower - allowing other devices on the network to communciate at a maximum rate of 100 megabits per second (versus a billion per second with gigabit). Of course, to get the higher speed, all of the computers on the network must also be capable of running at that speed. Otherwise you might be paying for something you aren't using.
10 megabit 100 megabit 1 gigabit (1000 megabit) these speed ratings are theoretical
Probably QOS(quality of service) features would be nice in an advanced switch as well well as the ability to create vlans, and turn off certain undesirable protocols. Most of these features can be implemented from a router as well. I would also compare expandability and the speed of the backbone or (plane) that interconnects all of the blades in a large switch. I would also have at least a spare blade and powersupply for the switch if it's a mission critical switch like the switch at the network core.
It is not a complete necessity to have a gigabit Ethernet switch but it will increase processing speed to 1,000 Mbits per second. Earlier forms of the Ethernet switches were in the 10 to 100 megabit range.
Upgrades to Cat6 cables, increased processor speed, and memory, on the server and on the user PC's. Also dedicated servers. These are all very expensive solutions, but the only ones that will not sacrifice security on the network.
A larger hard drive will increase the overall speed and performance of your computer.