Hard Wired or WIFI

Siron said:

I have a simple questions (and I apologize if it's been asked before - I did do a forum search).
I have the faster of the DSL options with a Gigabit N router. Will I get a faster connection if I hook up the ATV with a CAT 6 cable or WiFi?
Thanks
Alan

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I believe ethernet is a little faster but it depends whether you have space to run a wire, if you don't then 802.11n looks fine

dogtanian

Siron said:

I have a simple questions (and I apologize if it's been asked before - I did do a forum search).
I have the faster of the DSL options with a Gigabit N router. Will I get a faster connection if I hook up the ATV with a CAT 6 cable or WiFi?
Thanks
Alan

Click to expand...

Either one should work fine. Either one (ethernet cable or wifi) is faster than your DSL line. I started with wifi on a "g" network, but switched to ethernet and, for me, it has been somewhat less hassle.

If you have an easy way to use wired ethernet, I would go that way - especially if your iTunes library is on a wireless computer. You will find much faster sync times with the apple TV if both devices are not on the wireless connection.

wired will give you a more reliable connection than wireless. if you have it use it!

Just switched to wire from a G networked Wi-Fi connection. I hadn't any issues with Wi-Fi, but my satellite TV receiver has added functionality with an ethernet/internet connection that I just started utilizing. This satellite receiver also has throughput for another ethernet cable. So hooking up my AppleTV was as simple as about a 2' cable from the AppleTV to the receiver.

So far, so good. I do notice faster syncing, but haven't had enough time to check it out any further. So in my case, it was a "why not?" no brainer to wire it up.

Isn't 802.11n faster than ethernet?

billabong said:

Isn't 802.11n faster than ethernet?

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Ethernet is a wired connection & can run upto 1Gbps. Standard n transmits upto 70Mbps (If I can remember correctly). But it all depends on your system(s)/ router & cabling. If your streaming lossless or .WAV audio & video files to your TV or other device, I would always recommend a direct wired connection. Its also safer security wise. I like to be secure with my network & data, you never know who's out there. But when wired, make sure your router/server has a firewall or your system has one.

If you are unable to use a wired connection, then wireless is still good. But streaming video, depending on the bit rate/ sample rate for audio/visual, it could get chopy & annoying, sync'ing your media to your TV would solve the problem, but large files, i.e. 3.6Gb, may take a while to sync.

Hope that helps.

Deleted.

AVonGauss said:

The Apple TV unit currently has a 10/100 Ethernet interface, not gigabit. Typical speeds for 802.11n connections range from 144 Mbps to 270 Mbps. A lot of different factors can affect the performance of a wireless connection and it's stability, but conceptually the wireless connection should be faster in optimal conditions.

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My appologies, I thought the TV had the 1Gb network interface? getting mixed up with Airport Express?!? & I miss read the 70Mbs, was getting mixed up with through put which is 74Mbs. They are trying to get a through put of 600Mbs from what I can read here?

smilinmonki666 said:

My appologies, I thought the TV had the 1Gb network interface?

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Anyone know why it doesn't? Seems to me that gigabit is most useful in media area, especially when transferred from your mac.

The best thing to do is to put a big ole eSATA drive on your Apple TV.

I ran mine wired for a few months, then unplugged it when I was moving furniture. I keep meaning to plug it back in, but I notice zero difference, so...

Cave Man said:

The best thing to do is to put a big ole eSATA drive on your Apple TV.

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Amen