Sign in with
Sign up | Sign in
Your question
Solved

Why is streaming on my new modem/router slow? GT784WN

Tags:
  • Switch
  • Modem
  • Networking
Last response: in Networking
Share
September 13, 2014 4:06:16 PM

I stream movies from my desktop pc to the htpc under my tv. My previous set-up was a single port modem plugged into a "dumb" switch with both PCs plugged into this switch. This setup has always worked great. Lightning recently got my switch so I figured this was a good time for gadget reduction. I swapped out my modem, switch and a wireless router for an Actiontec GT784WN wireless modem/router combo. Eveyone's wireless performance has improved, all the wired computers have internet and can "see" each other on the network, but when I try to stream movies from the desktop pc to the htpc they take forever to start and then buffer continuously. Any suggestions as to the reason for this?

Additional details/clarification:
-Both PCs are wired connections
-Both are Win 7 machines, plenty fast enough
-Both computers play videos from their hard drives fine.
-Both computers stream netflix fine.
-I did 3 pings from desktop to htpc. 1st ping lost 1 of 4 packets. The two following pings had no loss.

More about : streaming modem router slow gt784wn

September 13, 2014 6:31:32 PM

Are both PCs negotiating at 100Mbs? Have you tried different ports on the Actiontec?

I'd recommend checking the Networking tab in Task Manager to get an idea of throughput while you are streaming.

You may want to check for firmware updates for the Actiontec.
m
0
l
September 13, 2014 8:15:51 PM

Okay. You're a genus, you've got me on the right track. I never would have thought to check that. It looks like the htpc is connecting at 10mbs, how do I correct this? My googling has produced little helpful information.

I tried swapping ports and rebooting the PC & Actiontec. No firmware update is available for the Actiontec as of now.

Also I switched out my ethernet cable for a new one.

I keep looking for a setting that says 10mbps or 100mbps. No dice yet.

Thanks!
m
0
l
Related resources
September 13, 2014 8:31:42 PM

Can't imagine what would cause it to connect at only 10Mbs. It's usually attributed to distance or a defective cable, but it seems you've ruled out those. It could be a defective router.

I don't think you'll find a setting to adjust, especially if your other PC is connecting at 100Mbs.
m
0
l
September 14, 2014 2:05:04 PM

I certainly appreciate the effort.

Today I connected the htpc to the old modem and a 10/100 four port switch I outgrew a couple of years ago. The htpc still connected at 10mbps, so I guess the new modem is ruled out. Perhaps when lightning got my switch it also fried my...NIC (?). I don't actually know what controls connectivity speed. If this is the case, is it my mobo that will need to be replaced?
m
0
l

Best solution

September 14, 2014 2:34:55 PM

You shouldn't have to replace the entire mobo. If you have a spare PCI slot inside your PC, you can just purchase an internal NIC card. They can be found for under US$20.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-ali...

There are also Ethernet adapters available that you can plug into a USB port.
Share
September 14, 2014 5:40:00 PM

Thanks a ton. I think I'm going to try the usb adaptor even though it's a less tidy method. My htpc is tiny so I don't know that there is room for a NIC card, I appreciate you taking the time to post the link though.
m
0
l
September 19, 2014 3:01:30 PM

Great to hear that you got it working! Thanks for posting back.
m
0
l
September 19, 2014 8:37:04 PM

Lol. I spoke too soon. Tonight was the first time I sat down to watch more than a few minutes of streamed video. There is a less frequent, but equally annoying freeze/buffer. The adaptor seems plenty fast and is connecting at 100Mbs so there must be a bottleneck somewhere. I may have to open up the box and see if I can make room for a NIC card.
m
0
l
!