TIP: Jumbo frames on a LAN

[Aussie]

A little tip for anyone that has or is thinking of running their LAN at 1gig speed. Jumbo Frames are your friend.

Let me explain in laymans terms. Currently Windows LANS are set too transfer packets at a default speed of 1500 MTU. Jumbo Frames allow you too set this speed up too 9000 MTU. What this means is that you can transfer very large files in no time. Some examples: 5 gig file on a normal LAN can take uptoo 30 mins whilst Jumbo Frames will transfer that in approx 4-5mins. (These tests were carried out on my home LAN approx 12 months ago)

Some people will be running a 1gig LAN now, but unless you use JF then its really running the same as a 100Mg LAN

Now heres the downside.... ALL the computers PLUS your switch must be JF capable. I have attached a pic which shows how too set your PC too use JF.

I purchased a Netgear switch for $80 which is JF capable. So not a huge price too pay for a huge Speed increase.


Lastly please note these changes are for advanced users.

[5teve]

Nice... speeds between the server and the HTPC are now up and maintaining 55+mb/s

makes transferring a little quicker now!

Thanks

Steve

[Aussie]

Good to hear :D

[slug_burner]

MTU relates to the size of the packets not the speed. Bigger packets results in a better ratio of information payload vs protocol overhead. A bit like buying bigger envelopes, you can send more per envelope therefore get the information across in less deliveries. All good if you have low error rates, higher error rates means you have to resend packets more often when they suffer errors resulting in corruption of the packets.

[PaulP38a]

Now heres the downside.... ALL the computers PLUS your switch must be JF capable. I have attached a pic which shows how too set your PC too use JF.


Good tip Aussie. Not all gigabit switches are equal or support Jumbo Frames. Most consumer switches do not support JF unless their packaging specifically states that they do.

Cheers, Paul.