Why is my home network never go over 25% (25Mbps) of capability.?

Question

I setup a home network with my wireless router. It connects 4 desktops, 7 laptops, and one vpn data server. I used windows to share files. I have DVD and Blu-ray movies stored in my 8TB server. When I try to watch it though network on my HTPC it freezes and lags, so I checked my statues and it shows that I was only using 25% of the capability at peak which is 25Mbps (3.125MB/s). To stream Blu-ray smoothly I at least need constant 27.3Mbps. My entire network has 100Mbps hardwares and I don’t know why I only get 25% of that I don’t know what is bottlenecking. Maybe I can change my network to 1000Mbps but why when I’m not even using all 100Mbps. I have been dealing with computer for long time but this is first time I ever dealt with this level of network capacity.

Answer 1

Could be a number of things...

-Wireless G is limited to 54Mbps, slower with interference.

-If your server can't read and process fast enough to stream it won't be able to keep up - try checking the drives for errors/failures, defraging and rebooting the server if possible

-If other computers are using the connection (especially for wireless) the bandwidth must be shared to let everyone through the "weakest" link.

-Make sure none of your hardware (switches and the router) is overheating and try rebooting the routers/switches in case they're running circles for some reason.

-Less likely but I have seen it - some hardware is "100Mbps" but for whatever reason won't really go that fast - make sure the firmware on your router and drivers on your network cards are all up to date.

Answer 2

Dont forget that your laptops are not 100Meg connections unless they are connected via wired, also if you have 4 computers connected to the Data server they will all share the data servers 100Mb connection.

Answer 3

Is your connection wireless any where in there? 802.11G typically tops out at 54Mbps. Also, look at the other traffic on the network at the same time. You may have bandwidth reserved for something with a higher priority. I know that some routers will allow for setting priority traffic like for gamers. That is where I would start. Good luck.