HP x5401 Accessing the Network Performance Tuner, Getting Started, Network Performance Monitor

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network must be in “Infrastructure” mode.

If your Media Center PC is connected to the wireless network, it must be connected with an internal wireless networking PCI card or with an Ethernet wireless adapter (bridge). USB wireless adapters are not supported.

Accessing the Network Performance Tuner

When a Media Center Extender is initially set up with your Media Center PC the Network Bandwidth Monitor is launched in “Automatic Test” mode after setup is complete to ensure that the current network configuration is capable of delivering a quality TV video experience.

The Network Performance Tuner is also accessible at any time from the Windows Start menu under “All ProgramsàAccessoriesàMedia Center”.

Getting Started

In order to use the Network Performance Tuner ensure your Media Center Extender is setup successfully and when turned on it shows the Media Center “Start” main menu. To accurately understand the performance of your network make sure no media playback is occurring on the Media Center Extender while the Network Performance Tuner is in use (Live TV, Recorded TV, Music, My Videos, or Radio). For best results, turn off your Media Center Extender then turn it back on again before use so that all Media Center Extender resources are cleaned up.

The Network Performance Monitor

The Network Performance Monitor is an advanced utility which measures the overall bandwidth between a Media Center PC and a Media Center Extender in the same way as the Automatic Test. The difference is that the Network Performance Monitor runs indefinitely continually showing the results of the testing on a graph displayed on the screen. The purpose of this utility is that it allows you to make changes to your network configuration, such as changing the location of your access point or modifying the position of antennas, while you can see the results of those changes in real-time.

When using the Network Performance Monitor the objective is to make adjustments to your network configuration until you can keep the green graph line consistently above the solid yellow line in the middle of the screen. The higher above the yellow line you can get your network performance the less likely you are to have problems watching TV on your Media Center Extender. See the troubleshooting sections below for more detailed suggestions for how to improve your network performance.

Testing Your Network with the Automatic Test

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Contents Improving Your Network Performance Quick Tips IntroductionChanging Location or Orientation of Wireless Components Basic TroubleshootingReducing Obstructions in the Wireless Path Modifying Antenna PositioningAdvanced Troubleshooting Fully Wired NetworksElements That May Cause Wireless Network Interference Changing Wireless Networking Channels Network Topology ChangesUsing the Network Performance Tuner Media Center Extender Wireless Network RequirementsRecord TV Shows at Lower Quality Levels Getting Started Accessing the Network Performance TunerTesting Your Network with the Automatic Test Network Performance MonitorProblems Using the Network Performance Tuner