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Just wondering if anyone uses wifi to watch movies on xbmc, where the movies are hosted on a unRaid server.
Emphasis on WiFi
Pros, Cons,..hardware concerns?
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Wi-Fi adapter on the UnRAID server ... or UnRAID attached to Wi-Fi router via ethernet then Wi-Fi adapter on XBMC box?
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While everything that jackh said is 100% true, it's also situational. I run gigabit to everything stationary, and dual mode g/n to everything mobile. My wife and I can both watch 1080p Youtube without trouble.
You're going to hate life if you try to run everything wifi, but if you have 1 or 2 places you just can't get a cable to, don't sweat it too much, you'll probably be ok.
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My main pc connects to my router via wifi. My NAS drive connects to my router via cable, and my second pc connects via wifi. Both pc's accessing the same NAS drive and both playing movies at same time with XBMC.
I have no issues with play back at all.
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lol, I'd use two cans and a string before powerline adapters =)
Fun fact: I can connect to two neighbor's networks from work. If you're electrically inclined, they can be pressed into service, but it's definitely an ideal solution. Everything you have plugged into your wall outlets becomes a source of interference. Normal home connections to the grid don't filter the signal either, which is why I can connect to my neighbor's networks.
If you're in an apartment, your only serviceable option is wireless N at 5ghz or bite the bullet and run cat 6 around under your baseboards. If you're in a single dwelling, and don't use cable TV but have jacks ran, look into MoCA.
At the end of the day, run cat6 unless it's absolutely impossible, then fall back to wireless N
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xbmcg
Senior Member
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I agree, avoid wifi, if possible.
Use it only for mobile devices / laptops etc. Severs and media players / htpc located somewhere on a fixed location should be wired - best case GBit ethernet.
Powerline works sometimes well, but there are out there installation with 3-phase power and there can be trouble also when using some machinery in the kittchen / laundry etc. I know, there are solutions out there for powerline (coupling modules, filters) and for wifi like repeater etc to get a better coverage and signal strength).
Anyway, a dedicated wired cat5e / cat6 network is still the best and the cheapest solution in the end.
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2012-05-05, 10:49
(This post was last modified: 2012-05-05, 11:13 by CpTHOOK.)
Well....I say MoCA if you have existing RG6 Cable running throughout your home which most of us in the USA should have if you've ever subscribed to digital cableTV. PowerLine performance is intermittent depending on the type of wiring you have in the walls and what types of appliances you use. Streaming large 1080p files Is however possible when using MediaServer software(Serviio Y TVersity) and PowerLine, but when streaming directly, performance drops off quite considerably. WiFi.... I would only use for basic Internet surfing and and streaming Internet media... u should NOT rely on WiFi for home network media streaming!
I admit to using both MoCA and PowerLine on my network with success while pulling media files from unRAID. CAT5e/CAT6 is ideal, but not entirely necessary for home media streaming purposes and XBMC!
....oh yeah, Gort will only save us if Mr. Carpenter A.K.A Klaatu sees us all getting along!
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If you have to use wireless, only use 5ghz N to avoid interference.