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Chat => Entertainment & Technology => Topic started by: addictweb on September 09, 2007, 22:38:14 PM

Title: Wireless speed sufficient for streaming video?
Post by: addictweb on September 09, 2007, 22:38:14 PM
So, im looking at extending my wireless network to cover my new shed.

It will be for browsing but also for streaming video files (mainly Xvid movies between 700mb and 1.4gb  ;)).

What the minimum wireless speed that I would need for that kind of thing? 11/22/56/108? Im pretty sure 56mb/s has been good enough for me in the past. Would 11 or 22mb/s suffice?

Reason I ask is that I own a Dlink DWL-900AP+ access point that can act as a repeater but it only 22mb/s. They are also cheap if I need to pick up a few more.

Cheers!
Title: Re:Wireless speed sufficient for streaming video?
Post by: SteveF on September 09, 2007, 23:28:07 PM
You could ballpark it I guess.

1.4GB over 2 hours is 700MB an hour
~12MB/minute
~0.2MB/sec

Your 22mb/sec switch should be fine
Title: Re:Wireless speed sufficient for streaming video?
Post by: XEntity on September 10, 2007, 18:48:27 PM
Remember that the router speed will be Mega Bits /sec not Mega Bytes /sec, so if my maths is right 11 MBits is about 1.4MB/sec.... Should still be enough tho.

*NB Im tired so my math may not be correct!
Title: Re:Wireless speed sufficient for streaming video?
Post by: Shakey on September 10, 2007, 19:28:05 PM
You have to remember though that wireless can have the habit of dropping out every now and then (esp depending on the router), which can cause issued when streaming video/audio.
Title: Re:Wireless speed sufficient for streaming video?
Post by: Mark on September 11, 2007, 01:55:49 AM
I used to use wireless to attempt to stream - my conclusion was that it was a load of balls.

Cable it.

Esp if its going to be HD
Title: Re:Wireless speed sufficient for streaming video?
Post by: SteveF on September 11, 2007, 02:49:56 AM
Quote from: XEntityRemember that the router speed will be Mega Bits /sec not Mega Bytes /sec, so if my maths is right 11 MBits is about 1.4MB/sec.... Should still be enough tho.

*NB Im tired so my math may not be correct!
Just divide the number by 8 to go from mb to MB.  so 22mb/s ~3 MB/sec.  3MB/sec is much more than 0.2MB/sec so youll be fine.

As for wireless dropping it really shouldnt be a problem as most players can buffer streams and itll be downloading much faster than you could watch it.

Cable would be better of course but for small divx/flash films under a couple of gig then wireless will be fine.
Title: Wireless speed sufficient for streaming video?
Post by: Electroguard on September 22, 2007, 11:01:58 AM
Networking over mains could be a better way to go if you have wifi problems and dont want to run cable - you can get a pair of plug-in transceivers from PcWorld for about £80.
Title: Wireless speed sufficient for streaming video?
Post by: mrt on October 08, 2007, 17:34:27 PM
Quote from: ElectroguardPcWorld for about £80.

Ban Him!!!!!!!


Actually, some Netgear Homeplugs would do the job a treat!   ;)
Title: Re:Wireless speed sufficient for streaming video?
Post by: moony1234 on October 08, 2007, 17:52:43 PM
I stream HD from my PC to PS3 over 54mbit wireless and it does a lovely job! Think it must buffer a bit in advance though as when you hit play it waits about 30 seconds before starting...
Title: Re:Wireless speed sufficient for streaming video?
Post by: mrt on October 08, 2007, 18:01:54 PM
Quote from: moony1234I stream HD from my PC to PS3 over 54mbit wireless and it does a lovely job! Think it must buffer a bit in advance though as when you hit play it waits about 30 seconds before starting...

I setup a mates 360 - MCE wireless streaming and again it works fine over 54.  All dependent on your house though.  He lives in a new build and so paper thin walls for streaming.  My house is like made out of lead or something as I only get a very low connection going between two bedrooms which are only 12ft in length each.  The wireless connection downstairs point blank refuses to connect because of the poor conneciton.