New home network

[Percy1983]

In short I have the bulk standard talk talk router right now but really want a better connection.

Here is my current setup.

Behind my router I have 4 network ports, to go behind my TV (Running a HTPC + Xbox 360), and 2 run upstairs to a room known as my 'man room; to which my PC is plugged in. It is a CAT6 network.

Now right now I am not stressing the network all the much but here is the maximum usage.

The HTPC has 4 HD TV tuners and is also a media server (music, video, pictures).

There is running 2 xbox 360s upstairs connect via wireless N and the usually laptops/tablets roaming about and as mentioned my PC upstairs wired in.

So there is the potential of 4 HD TV streams all going out at the same time so bandwidth may be stretched + media.

Instantly I am thinking of an adsl router with gigabit ports, but secondly I have a spare network port upstairs so could I setup a second wireless network upstairs or extender the network upstairs for better coverage?

Sorry quite a few things to consider there, I have an idea what I am doing but not sure on how to proceed. This is more about getting data around the house but of course a stable internet connection would be nice.

Thanks

[kalniel]

Wireless N would be fine I think as long as you've got a decent card in the HTPC - that's probably going to be your limiting factor, and be careful I/O or CPU isn't limiting

No need to run a bridge upstairs unless it's an enormous house.

[Percy1983]

Oh good nothing too massive, I will put the current poor performance down to the current router then.

So its just finding a good replacement router then, any recommendations?

[MrJim]

Are you looking for a router or a combined ADSL / router? I've read good reviews about this one (which has four gigabit ports), but it's not cheap:

http://www.ebuyer.com/340748-billion...er-bipac-7800n

It might be worth bearing in mind that routers supporting the latest 802.11ac standard are starting to come on the market, if you're interested in maximising wireless throughput...

[Iain162]

Think you'll find that your current router is more than likely fine, theres more chance of your actual internet bandwidth struggling to supply that many users before the network itself feels any stress, if you assume that its a cheap version of N running at 150MB/s (15-20 MB/s actual) for the wireless clients then add to that the 100MB/s (10-15 MB/s actual) ethernet ports theres no way you'll stress that, you'd need a rediculously fast internet connection to even max what you already have lol

Gigabit ethernet ports are suited more to huge file transfers like network based storage backups between machines and so on.. you can stream a dvd at full bit rate easy on what you have.. playing raw DVD data (1x) only requires 1.39MB/s actual.. and compressed HD video formats from websites or even downloaded files dont need much more than that to stream at 720p possibly less even..

[kalniel]

Think you'll find that your current router is more than likely fine, theres more chance of your actual internet bandwidth struggling to supply that many users before the network itself feels any stress, if you assume that its a cheap version of N running at 150MB/s (15-20 MB/s actual) for the wireless clients then add to that the 100MB/s (10-15 MB/s actual) ethernet ports theres no way you'll stress that, you'd need a rediculously fast internet connection to even max what you already have lol

Why would he be using the internet when he has HD tuners and is serving content from the PC?

[Iain162]

i edited to include video content.. still doesnt make sense to upgrade if using compressed HD videos only reason would be if they were trying to stream raw blu-ray data which is unlikely

I totally understand worrying about it but at the end of the day why waste money if you dont have to ? if/when the problems with stuttering because of network stress occurs then splash out on a new router..

But even poorly compressed 720p HD video at 400 MB per 30 minutes works out at 223KB/s actual, 30 * 60 = 1800 seconds, 400 / 1800 = 0.22222 if your wondering how i worked that out.

so you could double that to 800MB per half hour of HD video and still have more than enough bandwidth to supply 4 machines at once on his current network.

[Percy1983]

Interesting points.

I will say my internet connection being distributed is fine.

I am not sure on the actual bandwidth coming out of the HD tuners but as said all 4 could be going out at the same time. I do stream blu-ray rips which are basically straight from the disc and not further compressed, mp3s shouldn't be a problem.

I guess I just want something I know will work, the last thing I want is the wife complaining when the TV upstairs isn't working properly etc.

I will say we do currently get drops on the wireless signal so certainly worth looking into a replacement