File transfer / streaming rates

Doug Eldred · Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 12:40 pm Post subject: File transfer / streaming rates

Currently, I have an AirPort Express which gives 802.11/b/g access to my cable modem, and a MacBook that has 802.11/n. If I add an Apple TV, which does 802.11/n, what speed will it transfer/stream from the MacBook at, the "n" speed they both have, or the "g" speed of the AirPort Express? There's no Internet involved, so I'd guess "n", but am I right?

Put another way, if I add an Apple TV, do I also need to upgrade to an AirPort Extreme base station to give the MacBook/Apple TV "n" speed?

Doug
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hackersmovie · Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 12:51 pm Post subject:

actually I would have guessed at the "g" speed. The content will only be able to be transferred at the Macbooks fastest speed. I think of it like this, The macbook sends the info to the express at "G" speed so the Airport Express can only send it to the ATV at "g" speeds. . .

I may be wrong but, that theory makes a lot of sense to me.
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Doug Eldred · Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 1:18 pm Post subject:

If the AirPort Express is in the loop, I'd agree. I was thinking that perhaps the MacBook and Apple TV talked directly to each other, since both have AirPort Extreme (n) built-in.

Doug
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Apple TV (with firmware 2.0)
MacBook 2.2 GHz, 120 GB, 1 GB
HP PL4260N plasma TV

hackersmovie · Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 1:21 pm Post subject:

ahh... I'm not sure if that's how it routes the media or not. Good thought though, I'll be watching this thread myself for more info.
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Grover Time · Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 8:49 pm Post subject:

hackersmovie · Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 9:05 pm Post subject:

Grover Time · Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 9:47 pm Post subject:

Your router is always going to handle everything. I mean unless you set up Internet Sharing or something.

Pleiades · Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 10:22 pm Post subject:

Grover is correct. Unless you create a "Computer-to-Computer" (Apple's term for adhoc) network, your router will be handling all traffic, therefore operating at whatever speed it operates at.

Even if you upgrade the router to an 802.11n capable Airport Extreme, if an 802.11g device joins that network (like an Airport Express), the overall network speed will slow to 802.11g speeds. You can avoid this by running an ethernet cable from the Airport Extreme to the Airport Express, and disabling the Express' wireless system (or have it create it's own separate network). USB printer sharing and AirTunes will continue to work. Of course, this assumes you actually can run a cable between the two.
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Ben Tex · Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 1:10 am Post subject:

You can bypass your wireless 802.11b/g router with Internet Sharing. This will let you take full advantage of 802.11n between a Mac with 802.11n and the Apple TV. You just need to go into System Preferences -> Sharing. Highlight Internet Sharing and select share from Ethernet (you'll still need this connection) to computers using Airport. Once you turn it on, go to your Apple TV and select the network in settings. There is a drawback though. AirPort cards typically have a weaker outgoing signal than a your average router. Things could get sketchy the further you get away from your Apple TV.

Doug Eldred · Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 10:08 am Post subject:

Thanks everyone. It sounds like I need to upgrade to AirPort Extreme to get full "n" speeds for MacBook - Apple TV transfers/streaming.

Doug
_________________
Apple TV (with firmware 2.0)
MacBook 2.2 GHz, 120 GB, 1 GB
HP PL4260N plasma TV

hackersmovie · Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 10:11 am Post subject:

Yes! Excellent! I've wondered this for a while now!
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Doug Eldred · Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2008 8:22 pm Post subject:

Actually, it seems to run at the broadband speed, which is usually much slower than either 802.11/g or /n nominal rates! Sad

But, it seems to be faster than my Mini was transferring from my MacBook, which may or may not be "real" or instead related to overall traffic.

So at this point I don't think upgrading to an Extreme will help me much.

Doug
_________________
Apple TV (with firmware 2.0)
MacBook 2.2 GHz, 120 GB, 1 GB
HP PL4260N plasma TV

Doug Eldred · Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2008 9:46 pm Post subject:

Or maybe not... The transfer rate shown on my Mac is in excess of the cable provider's nominal speed, and also in excess of its "turbo" speed, though not by much, and VERY consistent. So, maybe it IS doing Mac to AirPort Express to Apple TV internally, so a faster AirPort would help. Ah, decisions, decisions...

Doug
_________________
Apple TV (with firmware 2.0)
MacBook 2.2 GHz, 120 GB, 1 GB
HP PL4260N plasma TV

sandor · Member Joined: 27 Feb 2008 Posts: 68

Pleiades · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 10:30 am Post subject:


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