Windows and file share speeds

[John Esak]

>
> Maybe it uses small packets?  Only thing that comes to mind.  It seriously
> is like the difference between running NFS with 1K packets as
> opposed to 8K
> packets.  Maybe that's is, as it seems you can further saturate the
> wireless traffic with things like VNC or other traffic at the
> same time and
> it fits in there.  So I don't think it's bloated, but it's "off" in some
> odd way I can't seem to figure out.
>
> It's just a puzzle that's driving me slowly mad. :) If anyone knows the
> answer, I wouldn't mind hearing it.  If anyone knows a -solution- I'd be
> even more interested in hearing how to get ftp-like performance speeds out
> of SMB.
>
> mark->


The only thing I have to add is complete agreement and even more curiosity.
I have asked about this before... here and elsewhere. It is indeed
maddening. I have watched one other add-on which you don't seem to allow or
include in your diatribe... actually you may have... It could be exactly
your point, even, but you seem to be referencing all this to SMB.  However,
just do a simple test of ftp'ing a file from one Unix box to another. On our
100mb system, this is usually just like lightning... so fast, just no reason
to complain about it in any way. The larger the file, the longer it takes,
but all still amazingly fast when the stats pop up. Move the same damn file
from an MS-Dos prompt (with ftp) to the same damn Unix box... and bang!...
you are dragged down into the mud. SMB is not involved here (is it?) no. And
the horrible speed degradation is just so evident.

Also, just to add the last rant. The very worst thing I can do on my
network, (though does not involve ftp (at least I don't think it does...
probably just plain "windows" stuff) is to copy a large file from one PC to
another PC across this same network... (including just drag and drop or cut
and paste across a mapped drive)  ... this is a magnitude of speed even
worse!!! Now, if you have the audacious need to actually have to copy this
same file out of the intranet across a VPN to a site at the other end of the
Internet... jeez, t this point, you might as well give up the use of your
T1's at either side, and expect to wait 10 times longer than the same copy
across the intranet. Of course, I understand the reason for this, no need to
jump on me... but it all adds up so that this latter "copy" reflecting the
inherent speed problems becomes a real PITA. I, too, would love to know why
this is.

John