Mac OS 9 Lives

Mac OS 9 Discussion => Hardware => Topic started by: gryffinwings on August 14, 2023, 10:00:43 AM

Title: Power Mac G4 - Slow Download speeds over gigabit ethernet.
Post by: gryffinwings on August 14, 2023, 10:00:43 AM
Hi guys, been a while, I just recently picked up a Power Mac G4 DP 800 MHz Quicksilver, I installed Mac OS 9.2.2 because I wanted classic compatibility with games. For browser duties, I am using the last version of Classilla, which works fine. The download speeds are a bit slow.

The Power Mac G4 I have is equipped with gigabit ethernet, which is what it's using for gaining access to the internet, currently I am getting speeds of 174.4KB/sec, which depending on the size of the download can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hours. I have tested the same download on my Windows 11 machine and it has the same file in less than a minute.

So what do I do? Is this a limitation of OS 9.2.2? or is there some way to make the speeds faster?
Title: Re: Power Mac G4 - Slow Download speeds over gigabit ethernet.
Post by: robespierre on August 14, 2023, 10:14:33 AM
Did you try using a program that is lighter than Classzilla, such as Fetch or Transit (FTP)?
Title: Re: Power Mac G4 - Slow Download speeds over gigabit ethernet.
Post by: gryffinwings on August 14, 2023, 03:19:20 PM
Did you try using a program that is lighter than Classzilla, such as Fetch or Transit (FTP)?

I've tried fetch, but I don't have a full understanding of it, it's been a super long time since I've used FTP, is there a tutorial or youtube video on using it in that you could recommend?
Title: Re: Power Mac G4 - Slow Download speeds over gigabit ethernet.
Post by: IIO on August 14, 2023, 07:18:33 PM
do not underestimate the influence of the cable quality. most people tend to forget how old their old ethernet cables are. if you house is connected with 250-1000 and you are still using the cable from the PM 6100 which is qualified for 100 or 140, you´re well advised to replace it with CAT7 cable. ;)
Title: Re: Power Mac G4 - Slow Download speeds over gigabit ethernet.
Post by: gryffinwings on August 14, 2023, 08:36:35 PM
do not underestimate the influence of the cable quality. most people tend to forget how old their old ethernet cables are. if you house is connected with 250-1000 and you are still using the cable from the PM 6100 which is qualified for 100 or 140, you´re well advised to replace it with CAT7 cable. ;)

I'm not sure if that is the problem, most of the ethernet cable I have is CAT 5e or better and pretty short to the router and modem, and from the modem, it's all fiber.
Title: Re: Power Mac G4 - Slow Download speeds over gigabit ethernet.
Post by: ovalking on August 15, 2023, 01:13:42 AM
I've come across very little software for networking measures.
One easy check is in Apple System Profiler. In the System Profile tab there is Network Overview where you can see the Ethernet speed and duplex status.
Your router may also provide some info.

For a practical test, Classilla and the internet is an unreliable combination.
Testing should take place on your LAN. I suggest you set one machine up as an FTP server, and the other as a client. Then test between them, in both directions.

Note your cable must have 4 pairs for gigabit compatibility.