USB 2.0 Gb Ethernet or 5ghz Wifi

[LT-Maverick]

Hey All,

 

So I have recently converted an old laptop to be my Linux Plex server.

 

However when I plugged in Ethernet it looks like it is only a 100 base. (I thought it was gigabit) so now my question is, is it worth getting a USB 2.0 gigabit Ethernet adapter or keep it running on 5ghz wifi.

 

My thinking is Ethernet is better but thought it is worth hearing other opinions.

 

Thanks in advanced.

 

David

[Hold-Ma-Beer]

I do not know much about Plex Servers, but Ethernet would be the preferred choice.

In my experience, unless you have a good router, 5GHz can be unstable for your use.
Again, I DO NOT know much about Plex servers, but just giving a general opinion : P

[Sir Asvald]

I don't recommend using your laptop seems like it's old.. Better to get a used PC from Ebay.

[mariushm]

Both are bad choices. USB sucks due to polling and cpu usage.  Wireless will suck due to latency and variations due to how many networks and devices are around you house/apartment.

 

You could probably get a miniPcie to PCIe slot adapter card and plug this adapter into the slot where your wireless card is plugged into, just keep the network card outside the laptop case on a piece of cardboard or something.  Will depend on the bios, if the laptop only allows some hardware IDs in that slot (whitelisted wireless cards) or accepts any card.