I recently moved to a new 2 storey house, and here's my current network layout.

 

- Cable modem is in the living room with a wireless router (DIR-655).

- A main desktop pc is in the 2nd floor with a wireless connection. Most of file transfer from/to unraid server is done here.

- A media player is in the basement along with PS3. All devices in the basement is plugged into a wireless repeater (wired).

- A few wireless devices (tablet, cellphones, laptops) are used.

 

Where should I place the unraid file server to maximize the file transfer rate as well as media streaming to media players? Currently I have connected it to the wireless repeater, but getting very slow file transfer rate.

If at all possible you should run cat6 cable instead of using a wireless link. Wireless is slow on a good day, horrible if you add repeaters and a housefull of contents and interference. Playing media can work ok wirelessly, file transfers really should be done wired if possible.

...a wireless repeater will cut your bandwidth in half....you should use Access-Points to extend your wireless range and connect the APs via wire to a switch.

If you cannot run cables, use powerline adapters (over power or , better over your TV coax cable which is shielded) to reach to your switch.

And if you do run CAT6 between points, you want to pull extra CAT6 cables, since its easier to pull multiple wires at once, plus you'll have future bandwidth capability (point-to-point).  Other if you do hardwire your Ethernet connections you should attempt to "home run" all CAT6 cables so you can place your switch/equipment at the common "home run" location (where all CAT6 cables terminate).  I also have my unRAID server in the basement to take advantage of the cooler ambient temperature (heat dissipation).

Thanks for all the replies. I should have run wires before I moved in, but things didn't work out.

 

If we rule out wiring the house, what would be the 2nd best option for me? Other than replacing the repeater to AP...

MOCA is next best, then powerlines

Ah...MOCA...thanks, I've been searching for that name in the back of my brain ;-)

 

Yes, MOCA is best preferred over powerline, because coax cable is shielded.

Some companies also offer bridges between moca and powerline

 

Note, these devices will form a bridge from your cables (coax) or powerlines.....meaning all devices share the nominal bandwidth.

With powerline you can also increase quality/performance when mounting a phase-coupler in your wiring (normally in your fuse-box

(not an expensive device but work needs to be performed by your electrician).

If your home is a flat in a multi-flat building, consider mounting a bandfilter as well (the devices will build an encrypted network, but signal can traverse your power-meter and reach the next flat).