Realistic NAS Speeds?

[mynewromantica]

I am considering a NAS for backups and storing some videos. What are the realistic speeds I can expect over 802.11n? Will it handle streaming non-HD video to my computer? And does the specific hardware make a huge difference?

 

[ltrain]

I am considering a NAS for backups and storing some videos. What are the realistic speeds I can expect over 802.11n? Will it handle streaming non-HD video to my computer? And does the specific hardware make a huge difference?

I can download from the Internet at around 30 mbps on an 802.11n network in a crowded apartment building, and local transfers are even faster (though I haven't benchmarked them).

I assume you're not going to be streaming uncompressed Blu-Ray data, so you shouldn't have a problem provided each link in the chain - NAS, router/access point, your computer - is capable of 802.11n speeds, and that the wireless devices have strong signal. Some cheaper NAS units and 802.11n routers have difficulty pushing data at theoretical maximums, but I think most are sufficient for all but the most demanding streaming.

 

[mynewromantica]

I can download from the Internet at around 30 mbps on an 802.11n network in a crowded apartment building, and local transfers are even faster (though I haven't benchmarked them).

I assume you're not going to be streaming uncompressed Blu-Ray data, so you shouldn't have a problem provided each link in the chain - NAS, router/access point, your computer - is capable of 802.11n speeds, and that the wireless devices have strong signal. Some cheaper NAS units and 802.11n routers have difficulty pushing data at theoretical maximums, but I think most are sufficient for all but the most demanding streaming.

Here is my set up. I have an Airport Extreme, a current 15" MBP, and a current MacBook all in an 800 sq foot apartment. So I am never far from the router. So according to what you said everything should be just fine, right?

 

[Matty-p]

I am considering a NAS for backups and storing some videos. What are the realistic speeds I can expect over 802.11n? Will it handle streaming non-HD video to my computer? And does the specific hardware make a huge difference?

5ghz, 40mhz then around 550 mbps (600 in theory) if 2.4ghz 20mhz then about a tenth of that - 55mbps (150 in theory)

 

[ltrain]

Here is my set up. I have an Airport Extreme, a current 15" MBP, and a current MacBook all in an 800 sq foot apartment. So I am never far from the router. So according to what you said everything should be just fine, right?

My guess is that everything will be just fine. There are many variables that affect the throughput of wireless, not the least of which is your apartment's structure. My last apartment was much smaller than yours, but it was two levels and it seemed like there was a Faraday cage surrounding some of the rooms. Even though the line-of-sight distance to the router was very short, the wireless connection in certain areas was extremely slow and unreliable.

I'm not sure what your hesitation is - just try it! It sounds like you have everything except for the NAS - what are you planning to use as a NAS server? Make sure it is capable of streaming quickly as well (and, if possible, connect it to your AirPort Extreme using Ethernet).