NAS performance over wi-fi

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Jared777

61 posts

Master Geek

#119348 29-May-2013 08:51

Hi there,

Been reading lots of good stuff on GZ about various NAS boxes as I may look to buy one in the near future.

If/when I get a NAS box it will be connected to the stock standard Vodafone modem that I have via 10/100 Ethernet. Almost everything on the network accesses the network via wifi. A couple of laptops, a couple of smartphones, Intel NUC (connected to the TV).

Are there going to be any performance issues streaming media with this setup? Specifically using 10/100 Ethernet and wifi.

The majority of media would be music, photos, video etc. Obviously the largest files would be TV and movie files, HD and non-HD...mostly non-HD at this point in time. Would there buffering issues with video...or even music for that matter? If a video was streaming on one device, would it impact the internet connection on another device?
These kind of feel like stupid questions, but I've never really seen these things addressed.

The modem is currently in another room to the majority of devices accessing it. I've never had any issues with internet connectivity, but just wondering if streaming media (or even backing up files to the NAS) would be painfully slow with this setup?

Any advice would be great!

freitasm

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#827519 29-May-2013 08:52

WiFi will degrade with more devices around. Unless you have a good WiFi AP you might be in for a lot of pain when streaming stuff.

freitasm

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#827521 29-May-2013 08:55

PS. Yes, I have an Intel NUC connected via WiFi. The physical link says connected at 215 Mbps. This and my smartphone are the only WiFi devices permanently connected, with everything else going through gigabit ports in the switches and router.

Gilco2

1556 posts

Uber Geek

#827522 29-May-2013 08:56

I have a whs 2011 homebuilt using the Vodafone modem and various laptops and phones and Ac Ryan xbox and ps3 all connected to tVs. No gaming but streams HD movies files flawlessly over wifi. Havent tried with 3 different files at once but with 2 on separate tv works fine. Very pleased with it

HTPC Intel Pentium G3258 cpu, Gigabyte H97n-wifi motherboard, , 8GB DDR3 ram, onboard graphics. Hauppuage HVR 5500 tuner, Silverstone LC16M case, Windows 10 pro 64 bit using Nextpvr and Kodi

NonprayingMantis

6434 posts

Uber Geek

#827530 29-May-2013 09:09

You will probably be fine, but Ethernet connection will always be better. If that is not practical, and wifi doesn't work great for you for whatever reason, you could try Ethernet over power line type products. I use them and they provide a nice middle ground between Ethernet and wifi. Plenty fast enough to stream hd, but without having to rewire your house.

Jared777

61 posts

Master Geek

#827532 29-May-2013 09:10

Thanks for the replies guys.

freitasm: WiFi will degrade with more devices around. Unless you have a good WiFi AP you might be in for a lot of pain when streaming stuff.

I do have one of these lying around - http://www.dlink.com/ca/en/home-solutions/connect/access-points-range-extenders-and-bridges/dap-1513-wireless-n-dual-band-media-bridge

Possibly do the trick?

Ideally it would be best for the Intel NUC to have a wired connection as it will be doing most of the heavy duty streaming. Currently living in a flat and don't have control over where phone jacks are etc.

Laptops are possibly less likely to stream media, more likely to back files up to the NAS.

Maybe something to look at when I move into a house.

Jared777

61 posts

Master Geek

#827538 29-May-2013 09:15

NonprayingMantis: You will probably be fine, but Ethernet connection will always be better. If that is not practical, and wifi doesn't work great for you for whatever reason, you could try Ethernet over power line type products. I use them and they provide a nice middle ground between Ethernet and wifi. Plenty fast enough to stream hd, but without having to rewire your house.

Hmm true. Didn't think of this.

Would be nice to "try before I buy" :)