My set up at present is:
OS = Windows 7
Broadband into Linksys WRT54G v5.1 wireless router which then feed:
1. Linksys PAP2-NA Phone adapter for VoIP.
2. Cat5 cable to HTPC
3. Cat5 cable to Desktop
4. Cat5 cable to iOmega NAS
5. Wifi to Laptop (Wireless “G”)
Everything works but it seems a bit slow sometimes.
I would also like to extend the range of my Wifi coverage if possible but not essential.
So Questions are:
1. Will a gigabit LAN connection improve things or might this still be limited by other factors – eg hard drive speeds?
2. Will wifi be improved by moving to “N”? Laptop is def “G” but will range improve?
3. Based I guess on the above should I get a new router or stick with what I have and get a gigabit switch?
I have no free ports and this may also be an issue in the not too distant future. For example I would like to have one redundant cable to plug the laptop into occasionally.
Finally, if a new switch is the answer (as I suspect it may be) are there any issues in configuration? e.g. I have read that things like NAS can get “stuck” on the router and route everything through that unless they are reconfigured to get their IP addresses from the switch.
Many thanks and apologies if this is dealt with fully elsewhere – I have read a few answers on this topic but it is my first time on the site and am still trying to find my way around here.
Just checked various speeds for a 232MB file:
2.8MB/sec – NAS to Wifi (Laptop)
2.8MB/sec – Wifi to NAS
8.5MB/sec – NAS to Wired PC
5.5MB/sec – Wired PC to NAS (does this difference seem odd?)
2.5MB/sec – WiredPC to Wifi
2.8MB/sec – Wifi to Wired PC
3.0MB/sec – NAS (drive V) to NAS (drive X) – !?
The NAS is configured as 5 separate drives for Video, Music, etc… seems daft to me.
