File server access over LAN

[daniel1113]

I recently added a file server to my home network and have been pretty dissapointed with the transfer speeds over my LAN. Basically, I am unable to stream videos (divx encoded) without a lot of pauses/stuttering between two wired computers plugged into a Buffalo WZR2-G300N wireless-N router.

Initially I was surprised with these results because I thought I was running a gigabit LAN. However, during the troubleshooting process, I discovered that my router does not in fact support gigabit transfer speeds.

So, my question is simple: Will a gigabit switch/router drastically improve my real-life transfer speeds so that I can use my file server just like a hard drive plugged directly into my system, or is 100mbit enough for what I am trying to accomplish? Am I really pushing the limits of what a 100mbit LAN can handle?

Thanks in advance.

 

[JackMDS]

This is a network forum, it would be nice if you can actually measure and report the Speed of transfer.

Measure the time that it takes to transfer a 100MB file from one computer to the other.

In theory a Good 100Mb/sec. System should provide transfer of about 8 to 10MB/sec.

A Good Giga system should provide 35 to 48MB/sec.

b = bit B=Byte 8bits = 1 byte.

I get with this a transfer of 48 MB/sec. (which is the max. that you can squeeze out of a peer-to-peer client OS' Network).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817111480

Use TCP Optimizer to optimize the TCP/IP stack of the computers according to the type and speed of the Internet connection and than double the recommended size of the RCWin.

http://www.speedguide.net/downloads.php

For 100Mb/sec. system use the recommended RCWin

For Giga Network double the recommended size of the RCWin.

 

[daniel1113]

Sounds about right. I was getting between 3 and 4 MB/sec which is clearly below the 8-12 MB/sec I should be getting. However, I think I may have accidentally stumbled upon the problem/solution. I decided to relocate my router, and in the process, I used a new cat5e cable to connect my file server. I am now getting closer to 12 MB/sec and am able to stream multiple videos and songs at the same time without any stutter. I guess I had a bad cable... it's always the simple things, no?

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: daniel1113 I am now getting closer to 12 MB/sec and am able to stream multiple videos and songs at the same time without any stutter.

I guess I had a bad cable... it's always the simple things, no?

:thumbsup:

 

[RadiclDreamer]

Originally posted by: daniel1113
Sounds about right. I was getting between 3 and 4 MB/sec which is clearly below the 8-12 MB/sec I should be getting. However, I think I may have accidentally stumbled upon the problem/solution. I decided to relocate my router, and in the process, I used a new cat5e cable to connect my file server. I am now getting closer to 12 MB/sec and am able to stream multiple videos and songs at the same time without any stutter. I guess I had a bad cable... it's always the simple things, no?

Cabling, 99% of the time its the Physical Layer that causes the problems

 

[imported_snikt]

Cabling, 99% of the time its the Physical Layer that causes the problems

This isn't directed to the OP but I'm sure there are quite a bit of support staff that would argue Layer 8 outweighs the Physical Layer. lol

 

[Crusty]

Originally posted by: snikt

Cabling, 99% of the time its the Physical Layer that causes the problems

This isn't directed to the OP but I'm sure there are quite a bit of support staff that would argue Layer 8 outweighs the Physical Layer. lol

:laugh:

 

[drebo]

Originally posted by: snikt

Cabling, 99% of the time its the Physical Layer that causes the problems

This isn't directed to the OP but I'm sure there are quite a bit of support staff that would argue Layer 8 outweighs the Physical Layer. lol

Ain't that the God's honest truth.

 

[daniel1113]

Originally posted by: snikt

Cabling, 99% of the time its the Physical Layer that causes the problems

This isn't directed to the OP but I'm sure there are quite a bit of support staff that would argue Layer 8 outweighs the Physical Layer. lol

Haha... even I know enough about networking to get that joke

 

[RebateMonger]

n.m.