NAS + homeplugs + media streamers = buffering

gam3r

gam3r

gam3r

Soldato
Joined
20 Jun 2005
Posts
3,826
Location
London..
Hi guys.

Currently I have a Linksys NAS200 connected to my router with videos loaded on the drive. My router is plugged into a home plug which feeds two other home plugs that are connected to two media streamers(generic device, and an xbmc comp).


Now I have no issue when streaming standard definition AVI files over the home plugs when only a single media streamer is using the NAS, but when media is being streamed simultaneously over the network from the NAS(different files) there is loads of buffering on both devices.

The wiring in my house isn't great but it's not bad considering it's age and the NAS only has a 10/100 Ethernet connection/port, is this the bottleneck?

What can I do to sort this out? Is it a case of a new network drive with gigabit Ethernet or should I simply scrap the home plugs and run a Ethernet cable directly from my router to the streamers?

Does anyone have any ideas that may help resolve or minimise the issue?

Thanks in advance ;)
 
If it's only SD stuff, it sounds like you have crappy wiring/Homeplugs, even a crappy NAS should be able to cope. If running CAT-5 is an option, do that. The 10/100 port isn't a bottleneck, SD streams only need average 2Mb/s each.

Can you test the bandwidth over the homeplugs? iPerf is preferable if you have another PC, but timing a normal windows file transfer of a largish (100MB+) file will do.
 
Zarf said:
If it's only SD stuff, it sounds like you have crappy wiring/Homeplugs, even a crappy NAS should be able to cope. If running CAT-5 is an option, do that. The 10/100 port isn't a bottleneck, SD streams only need average 2Mb/s each.

Can you test the bandwidth over the homeplugs? iPerf is preferable if you have another PC, but timing a normal windows file transfer of a largish (100MB+) file will do.
Click to expand...

Sounds like the home plugs then. If I download an ubuntu iso over the home plug I get about 950kbps, where as a direct connection to the router would max out my download speed at 1.65mbps.

Only thing is running cat5 everywhere is a pain and a bit messy...I would really like to wire the whole house up ideally but that's a big task....
 
Had a Simular situation and changed my popcorn hour to an acer revo and still buffering on 1080p content but 720p was fine, bought twonky media server and still the same, finally ran network cable from computer to router i'n living room and had no probs ever since. 1080p plays great no buffering anymore and popcorn hour streams 1080p fine.
 
Exactly, so if on 85mbps worth changing. Also, are they plugged into extensions etc? If so try moving them to the wall socket as sometimes extensions can cause problems. Better yet if getting new ones get the 200mbps with the socket pas sthrough.
 
use the home plug utility to assess the weakest link, swap the adaptors round and repeat, if the results the same then its poor wiring to a socket (try another socket even one further away) if the slowest connection is always to the same homeplug one may be failing or on old firmware.
 
Decided to run a cable and buy a gigabit switch(future proof hopefully)...to various rooms. Will let you know how it goes.
 
GM@N said:
85mbps homeplugs will not stream HD content
Click to expand...

Not strictly speaking true, HD content say blue ray source is just under 50Mbps at its max, which is rarely the case, for downloaded "content" of circa 12GB hd files 10Mbps is all you need.
 
Seems like I have resolved this issue. As above, I purchased a Gigabit switch and hard wired the connections into every room - no Gigabit speeds of course due to the NAS, but I don't get buffering anymore.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom