Question about how iTunes handles a nas

[colticus]

hello,

I offloaded my iTunes library to a NAS so I could save some room on my iMac and utilize the faster speeds of the wired network compared to WiFi. My computer that I am running iTunes off of is not near an Ethernet hookup so it is connecting to my network via the airport express (newest model).

My question is, am I really going to be utilizing the wired network speeds to other devices (Apple TV, iPhones) if iTunes is running off the computer that is on WiFi?

 

[techwarrior]

WiFi. When you share iTunes content, it is from the Mac to whatever device is playing the content. The connection from the Mac to the NAS is transparent to the third device. But, even that is WiFi.

 

[colticus]

WiFi. When you share iTunes content, it is from the Mac to whatever device is playing the content. The connection from the Mac to the NAS is transparent to the third device. But, even that is WiFi.

Thanks for the reply. Looks like it’s not beneficial speed wise.

 

[techwarrior]

Thanks for the reply. Looks like it’s not beneficial speed wise.

Speed is an elusive concept in networks. In reality, it is bandwidth, or the amount of data that can be transmitted on a network that impacts perceived speeds. The data travels at roughly the same speed regardless of medium (radio signal vs wired). But, if the path hits a bottleneck and data is cached\retransmitted, the perception is that it takes longer to get al the data to the destination which is the speed we perceive.

But, streaming media doesn't require a whole lot of bandwidth. Music (1-3Mbps) to 4K video (15-25Mbps) can easily stream over WiFi. WiFi bandwidth ranges from 54Mbps (802.11g) to 1300Mbps or more (802.11ac). The key is if there are bottlenecks in the WiFi network that might limit bandwidth. For instance, your AP Express connects to the network with either 100Mbps Ethernet, or WiFi. If it connects via WiFi, the bandwidth through the AP Express might be less than 100Mbps. If you have considerable interference from other WiFi (neighbors), wireless devices (home phones, bluetooth or wireless keyboards\mice) or Microwaves, your WiFi bandwidth may be even less.

So, if the WiFi is up to it, shouldn't be an issue.