Optimizing Media File Performance - NETGEAR EVA9150 - Digital Entertainer Elite User Manual

Digital Entertainer Elite EVA9000/9150 User Manual
located. Although any of the links in this example would be sufficient for high-traffic applications
such as streaming HD video, the use of older devices such as 10 Mbps Ethernet or 802.11b
wireless would create a significant bottleneck.

Optimizing Media File Performance

Video playback can be resource intensive. To avoid pauses in video viewing, select hard disk
drives and network equipment designed to handle large files quickly. If you want to send video
over a wireless network connection, new wireless technologies like those found in the NETGEAR
RangeMax products are good choices. Not only do they operate at higher speeds, but they also
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sustain those speeds over greater distances.
File transfer speed depends on the following:
• Hard disk drive speed
SATA hard drives can be any of the following speeds: 4,500 RPM, 5,400 RPM, 7,200 RPM,
10,000 RPM.
Tip: For best performance, separate your media into their own set of folders. This
maximizes performance of your PC and reduces the time needed to find media
files.
• LAN connection speed
A Gigabit Ethernet connection through a gigabit switch provides the fastest LAN file transfer
speed and gives the best performance.
NETGEAR HD Powerline adapters provide adequate bandwidth without the inconvenience of
running Ethernet cables.
• Wireless communication speed
– 802.11b (11 Mbps,) is not recommended for video.
– 802.11g (54 Mbps) is not recommended for HD video.
– 802.11n is not recommended for high bandwidth HD video. However, when using
802.11n, the 5GHz band is usually less crowded and will likely provide better
performance.
– If many wireless networks in your area are sharing the same channel, this can slow the
speed of your wireless network. (The scanning utility built in to NETGEAR wireless
adapters lists all wireless networks operating at your location along with the channel each
is using.)
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v1.0, March 2009
Fine-Tuning Your Experience