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Message: [QUOTE="manleyzoo, post: 2382041, member: 519"] On cables: An ethernet cable is a cable is a cable. The only difference is branding not technology. On speed: mbps is megabits per second. It's the smallest measurement for data. For example, a 6 mbps download means about 6 million bits of streaming data are hitting your computer per second. Picture resolution and download time are dependent on speed. 6 mbps is plenty for streaming but 6 is often 3.5 in actual use. You can run speedtest.net to see a snapshot of your download and upload speeds. It picks a server close to you with the best ping (hello, hello is anyone there?) BTW, there are a lot of reasons why someone with AT&T for an ISP sees faster speed on an AT&T server than others. Internet speeds measures through web browsers aren't reliable and can be mucked up by server traffic, your distance to the testing server, network protocols, etc. All of the measuring utilities are inaccurate to one degree or another. As for 20 mbps -- it is often 15 and sometimes lower. But no matter both are plenty with updated transfer technology. What that means is the streaming algorithm (the rate at which the data is organized and send over the transom) is maximized with new equipment. You'd be best set up with a new modem and also an updated router from which you can run multiple devices if you want. Those who are telling you that the problem with ESPN is downstream are correct -- the more users tapping into a server the worse your data transmission. That's completely out of your hands. You can change servers with a VPN but you kinda have to know what you're doing and there's no guarantee you'll find one with a better throughput rate. I don't know your configuration but right now the latest Roku and Chromecast technology have the best consumer algorithms for data transfer. Amazon Fire isn't bad. All three support gazillions of channels including ESPN. And if you choose a packaged service like SlingTV that includes ESPN, that's supported as well. They can plug either into your laptop or your TV and are wireless. The poster who told you that a wired connection is more reliable than wireless is correct. As for cable length for a Cat 5/6 ethernet cable, the maximum is 300 feet. In this case your problem isn't wired or wireless. Technically speaking, it's latency (how long it takes the data to transfer and packet loss (data doesn't make it to its destination because of network congestion). ESPN is notorious for running feeds in high traffic areas through more servers and vice versa in low trafficked areas. The steaming hubs can help with that to some degree but even they suffer from downstream server issues. What to do? First, upgrade your modem/router. Next, ask your ISP to optimize your connection (they'll know what that means). Next, limit the number of devices on your network. Next, run speedtest.net to see what you're really dealing with but don't trust it as gospel. Anything at 6 or above is what you're looking for with your DSL connection. Next, go to your local computer store and look at the streaming hubs to see if they'll work with your devices. Next, go to a bar and watch the games there. [/QUOTE]

Verification: What is a Syracuse fan's favorite color?