Wireless or wired?

[MoodyM]

I'm about to buy a 3rd gen ATV. At home I have a dual band router and my MacBook Pro running iTunes is connected to the network via the 5Ghz band.

Would I be better to connect my ATV also by wifi to the 5Ghz band, or would I be better connecting the ATV to my router via Ethernet cable?

 

[S.B.G]

Ethernet is always better over WiFi if you're able to use it.

 

[MoodyM]

Even though the ATV only supports 100mbps?

 

[S.B.G]

Yes, because Ethernet isn't prone to wireless interference and poor signal strength and has plenty of bandwidth to support it.

 

[MoodyM]

Yes, because Ethernet isn't prone to wireless interference and poor signal strength and has plenty of bandwidth to support it.

Ok, but my MacBook Pro and ATV will both be connected over 802.11n to a 5Ghz WiFi network that is set to "n" mode only/40Mhz (not mixed mode), and the Apple TV will sit almost next to the router and the MBP will always be in the same room. Will that make a difference?

 

[S.B.G]

It will probably work just fine. I just always recommend Ethernet, for everything, when its possible to use it.

My ATV 3 is right next to my AEBS, but I still use Ethernet.

 

[MoodyM]

It will probably work just fine. I just always recommend Ethernet, for everything, when its possible to use it.

My ATV 3 is right next to my AEBS, but I still use Ethernet.

So my ATV connected via Ethernet at 100mbps and my MBP connected over 802.11n/5Ghz will allow me to stream 1080p movies no problem?

 

[S.B.G]

So my ATV connected via Ethernet at 100mbps and my MBP connected over 802.11n/5Ghz will allow me to stream 1080p movies no problem?

It shouldn't be a problem.

 

[ZeRoLiMiT]

I Agree with the ethernet part. Wireless is good only if thats the only option

 

[Carlanga]

So my ATV connected via Ethernet at 100mbps and my MBP connected over 802.11n/5Ghz will allow me to stream 1080p movies no problem?

Depends on your internet speed.

Wired will always be faster, but you can also test wireless everything and decide if the speed improvement over wired deserves the cables around the room or not.