08-16-2009, 08:50 AM

For you network folks out there.

Here's my network setup currently.


Click for full size - Uploaded with plasq's Skitch

My question has to do with transfer speed between the HTPC and the server.

Just moved my first large folder this morning at 28GB including a single file at 22 GB. Transfer speed maxed out at about 900 KB/sec on the smaller files and at 9.5MB/sec on the 22 GB file.

Should this be my expected speed or do I need to upgrade the standard CAT5 cable (about 100') between the D-Link and the Time Capsule?

08-16-2009, 09:03 AM

That seems very slow, Tom. GbE is compatible with CAT5e, but with distances like that, and considering that you're not using enterprise-class switches, I would tend to think that you might be experiencing some packet loss.

The easiest (and cheapest) thing to try would be to replace the CAT5e run with a CAT6 run (heavier shielding). I'd be willing to bet you'll see better performance.

Although CAT5e should be good for about 330', you'll never see full performance with those kinds of lengths, particularly with consumer-grade switches.

08-16-2009, 09:25 AM

At the time I ran the original line, I'm not even sure it's CAT5e without going up in the attic to look. Just checked monoprice though and at <$15 for 100' of CAT6, that's a pretty cheap upgrade. It may just have to wait until it cools down some before I climb up into the attic to change it out.

08-16-2009, 09:32 AM

I am lazy to look. I take it the Dlink DIR655 is Gigabit? If it was 100Base-T then that 9.5MB/sec would be fine. Also does the server have a Gigabit Ethernet port?

I am using a Dlink Gigabit 8-Port Switch here and between systems I get on a single large file around 35MB/sec or more depending on the computers hard drive performance. The old server I have has older ATA drives on a old HD controller and holds things back a bit.

08-16-2009, 09:44 AM

Originally Posted by bobtomay

At the time I ran the original line, I'm not even sure it's CAT5e without going up in the attic to look. Just checked monoprice though and at <$15 for 100' of CAT6, that's a pretty cheap upgrade. It may just have to wait until it cools down some before I climb up into the attic to change it out.

Well, CAT5e has been around for a long time now. My house was built in '99 and the entire thing was wired with CAT5e (with an RJ-45 to every room, which can be used for voice or data). I'd be surprised if it was anything less. Fortunately, since you have an existing run, it shouldn't be terribly difficult to replace.

08-16-2009, 10:10 AM

Yep, all my devices are Gigabit except the old Dell my wife is using.

My house was built in '56, so no pre-wiring here. Went up and checked, it was CAT-5e I put in. I may try moving the server and attaching it to the TM in the LR and see if that helps later on.

No issue with streaming it back to the HTPC from the server though, so I can probably live with the transfer speed to the server for the time being. Probably need to check in on the MediaSmart forums also and see what kind of speeds everyone else gets with it.

I'd like to put everything in a closet and at least another run to the MBedrm. But that's for another project.