2016-05-18, 17:52
At home I currently have 1 Gbps capable network, but my HTPC (older laptop - Sony Vaio FW31J) has only 100 Mbps network card. There is a "middle man" in form of a Devolo dLAN 650+ powerline adapter, but I have got good connection between these units as Devolo cockpit shows 350-400 Mbps. This is therefore not a bottle neck.
From time to time it happened that streaming vere slow on high quality content, but this could have been caused by other things than my network. I have never investigated this in detail. That is why I ask about general question and expect general answer like "yes, go for it" or "100 Mbps is enough for your needs". It does not cost that much and I do not have 4K capable TV (Sony Bravia KDL-55W905A ), so there is no need to upgrade my HTPC.
Should I buy one of those external USB 1 Gbps capable network cards or this does not represent any improvement for high quality streaming from Plex Server (i do not transcode) to Kodi + PlexBMC on my HTPC? I usually watch content in 1080p or blu-ray because UHD 2060p will probably not make any difference on my non-4K TV.
If yes then are there going to be any problems when my HTPC does not have USB 3.0, but 2.0 only? I have noticed that those external network devices offer backward compatibility with USB 2.0 where this version should deliver 480 Mbit/s and that is pretty much where I stand with my powerline adapters anyway.
If no, then I will probably use this old HTPC until it finishes its life span (or 4K TV appears in my living room) and buy something new after that time.
Thanks.
From time to time it happened that streaming vere slow on high quality content, but this could have been caused by other things than my network. I have never investigated this in detail. That is why I ask about general question and expect general answer like "yes, go for it" or "100 Mbps is enough for your needs". It does not cost that much and I do not have 4K capable TV (Sony Bravia KDL-55W905A ), so there is no need to upgrade my HTPC.
Should I buy one of those external USB 1 Gbps capable network cards or this does not represent any improvement for high quality streaming from Plex Server (i do not transcode) to Kodi + PlexBMC on my HTPC? I usually watch content in 1080p or blu-ray because UHD 2060p will probably not make any difference on my non-4K TV.
If yes then are there going to be any problems when my HTPC does not have USB 3.0, but 2.0 only? I have noticed that those external network devices offer backward compatibility with USB 2.0 where this version should deliver 480 Mbit/s and that is pretty much where I stand with my powerline adapters anyway.
If no, then I will probably use this old HTPC until it finishes its life span (or 4K TV appears in my living room) and buy something new after that time.
Thanks.