How to Create a Home Media Streaming Service

"How to Create a Home Media Streaming Service" is inspired by an article I wrote called "Review of the TP-Link Archer C2300 Dual Band MU-MIMO Gigabit Wi-Fi Router". However now, I would like to inform users how I used the Archer C2300 Router to create a home media streaming service. I recommend the TP-Link Archer C2300 Dual Band MU-MIMO Gigabit Wi-Fi Router, because you can access files that are attached to the router, on multiple devices even while connected to other networks, without accessing a host "computer". So there are 3 ways you can accomplish this task using the TP-Link Archer C2300 Dual Band MU-MIMO Gigabit Wi-Fi Router and a media player.

Use an old router on the local area network with no internet access. Yes, no internet access is required. The great thing about this option, is that you can stream media throughout your home with only an external hard drive and NO internet connection. Which means, you can stream home videos, music and pictures on multiple devices (phones, televisions, tablets) in your home. You can also place the router in locations in your home, which are not near your modem or Optical Network Terminal. The issue with this method, is that if devices on other networks want to access the media, then they must connect to the network and it cannot be accessed outside of the LAN unless its connected to the internet. To get started just plug your hard drive into the router, then go into the router's interface to obtain the router's local FTP address. You will need to enter that local FTP address into the VLC Media Player. In the past, most home routers didn't include USB ports, which were specifically for file sharing. However the TP-Link Archer C2300 allows you to attach a network storage device directly to the router. Previously, you needed to use your computer as a file server or connect a storage device to your computer or you needed a remote desktop client1.

(I) FTP

If your device is not on the same network as the local network, then you should choose the FTP option. If your FTP server is not connected to your computer, then in this case, with the TP-Link Archer C2300 Dual Band MU-MIMO Gigabit Wi-Fi Router, you will need to use the username/password of the administrator or the user you have created on the router interface. The FTP option requires: 

a. The IP address of the FTP server, which usually comes from the router interface
b. A username/password from a user of the router

TP Link Router Interface

a. On the router interface click USB Sharing >USB Storage Device and name your server. My server is called mysharename. Notice FTP (Via Internet) does not have an IP address, because my router is not connected to a modem. My FTP server is listed above and so is my local share, "\\mysharename".
b. Make you select the content that you wish to share by checking options under Share Selected Folders.
c. By selecting Advanced, you are able to create server/share usernames & passwords. You are also able to modify permissions.

d. Lastly, open VLC Media Player on your phone or TV, then go to Browse>ellipsis aka the 3 dots in the upper right hand corner>select Add a server favorite. Then you will type your FTP server and router user account name in the ftp:// fields.

(II). SMB / share

In the VLC Media Player , under Local Network storage using Android 10,  the SMB protocol option  allows you to utilize a local user computer account (ex. Windows user account), on the same network as your networking device (ex. a phone). So the device that you are attempting to access, let’s say a computer, must be on the same network as the device you are attempting to access it from, let’s say a phone.

a. In Windows 10 please ensure that you enable network discovery, by going to Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Network and Sharing Center\Advanced sharing settings

b. To access the SMB option click Browse>The SMB folder should automatically appear>You will need to type in the username and password to the computer that you are attempting to access
c. The downside to this option, is that the computer must remain on

How to Create a Home Media Streaming Service: also go to youtu.be/KcibG8vM_ls (Audio Only)

(III) Enable Windows Media Player as a media server

a. In Windows 10 please ensure that you enable media streaming on the local network by going to the Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Network and Sharing Center\Media streaming options

b. Open Windows Media Player and then go to the VLC media player to access the media, which should be listed under Local Network
c. The downside to this option, is that computer must always be on. Windows Media Player does not have to stay open.

(IV) References

1. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/remote/remote-desktop-services/clients/remote-desktop-clients Accessed on 6/20/22
2. https://computertechnicians.com.au/synology-nas-vs-windows-file-server/ Accessed on 12/19/22
3. https://www.vlchelp.com/access-media-upnp-dlna/ Accessed on 12/19/22
4. https://www.videolan.org/, VideoLAN, a project and a non-profit organization, Accessed on 12/19/22

Cellphone Carriers Ending 3G Service

The article called, "The 3G Shutdown: How Will It Affect Your Phone?1" explains, that "...all three major US carriers are shutting down their 3G networks." Carriers did announce the shutdown during the 1st quarter of 2022. In addition, according to FCC.gov, T-Mobile will be the last major networks shutting down its service July 1, 2022. 2 As of 06/28/22 www.t-mobile.com and https://www.verizon.com/only have 4G, 4GLTE, & 5G phones available for purchase. Phasing out 3G cellular service, force a consumer to upgrade their phone. Phones that operate on 2G (40Kbps) and Edge (384Kbps)3 offer speeds that don't allow for optimal streaming services speeds. So most consumers with 3G service or less, should be on their way to their nearest cellular store, to purchase a 4G or better phone. None of the cellular phone companies stated that 2G cellular service would be phased out. More than likely because in rural areas with low signal, 2G would be definitely better than no service at all.

1.https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/the-3g-shutdown-how-will-it-affect-your-phone
2. https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/plan-ahead-phase-out-3g-cellular-networks-and-service
3.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2G#:~:text=With%20General%20Packet%20Radio%20Service%20%28GPRS%29%2C%202G%20offers,transfer%20speed%20of%20384%20kbit%2Fs%20%2848%20kB%2Fs%29.%20

Is 5G Home, Mobile Internet Worth It?

A top reason consumers browse the internet, is to stream media. Whether it’s to view YouTube videos or to stream a movie, today's consumers are acquiring their entertainment online. Most media requires only minimal download speeds to stream. If a consumer were to choose broadband, LTE, or 5 GHz, all would meet the minimum requirements, for standard streaming. For example, Hulu.com requires a minimum download speed of 3.0 Mbps for general content, 8.0 Mbps for live content and 16Mbps for 4k Content.⁵ Because 4K media consumers may experience video quality loss on wireless because of throughput and wireless signal degradation, they may want to consider a premium subscription. I personally was able to receive a speed of 200-350 Mbps down, with an excellent signal strength, when I tested 5G Mobile downloads speeds. I would definitely be interested in a long term, mobile internet plan.

Most home internet providers offer download speeds starting at 200Mbps -1Gbps⁴. That throughput is more than the average user needs. Based on FCC government reports measuring broadband performance "...download time decreases as download speed increases, from about 9.8 seconds at 1.5 Mbps download speed to about 1.5 seconds for 25 Mbps download speed.  Subscribers to service tiers exceeding 25 Mbps experience slightly smaller webpage download times decreasing to 1 – 1.25 seconds at 150 Mbps.  Beyond 150 Mbps, the webpage download times decrease only by minor amounts. "² Based on 5G sub-6GHz network connectivity, 5Ghz download speeds are 80-360Mbps.⁴ So as far as practical speed goes, there is not a huge difference in speed between cable broadband and 5Ghz broadband. In turn, a home user would fair just as well if they subscribed to either service based on download speeds. I believe that a small home office user would even be able to subscribe mobile internet services with a standard speed package and receive quality service.

Verizon Home Internet plans starting at $25.00 per month when combined with select Verizon 5G Mobile phone plans and Auto Pay⁴. Or $50.00 per month as a standalone product, equivalent to Spectrum's broadband internet which is $49.99 per month¹. So if you are able to bundle services with your mobile carrier your, then you may be in for some savings. Otherwise rates for broadband, LTE, or 5 GHz are fairly equal. Although the availability of mobile broadband services vary. It is worthwhile to try the service if its available in your area.

 

 

References

¹http://www.spectrum.com, JAN 22 22, $49.99 Offer for 12 months, includes: Speeds up to 200 Mbps, FREE Internet modem No data caps, FREE unlimited access to nationwide out-of-home Wi-Fi and FREE antivirus software.

²https://www.fcc.gov, JAN  04 21, "Measuring Fixed Broadband - Tenth Report:A Report on Consumer Fixed Broadband Performance in the United States", https://www.fcc.gov/reports-research/reports/measuring-broadband-america/measuring-fixed-broadband-tenth-report#_Toc43144657

³www.motorola.com, JAN 16 22.

⁴www.verizon.com, JAN 16 22, https://www.verizon.com/5g/home/#plans includes: 5Ghz Speeds: 30-300 Mbps & LTE Speeds 25-50Mbps, FREE WI-FI 6 router, No data caps, FREE unlimited access to nationwide Wi-Fi.

⁵https://help.hulu.com/s/article/speed-recommendations, JAN 16 22. 

Review of the Kangaroo Security Photo Doorbell Camera +Chime

Please be aware that the Kangaroo Doorbell Camera is NOT a livestream, security camera. You cannot see live video on demand. It operates more like a standard doorbell, with short video clips and snapshot alerts. If someone moves toward the doorbell within a reasonable distance, then you will be notified in the app, via a soundless, short video clip or notification. If someone rings the Kanagroo Doorbell Camera you will receive a photo notification via the app, or a sound notification via the included plug-in receiver.

The app is user friendly. Without a subscription recorded media is only available for 24 hours. Plan prices vary and some even include insurance. I utilize the device more like a sensor than a camera.  If you look on the market for a sensor, which connects to WIFI, they cost just as much as a standard outdoor video camera. I purchased this device to receive notifications, if any movement occurred in a particular area of my home. I do not use this product as a doorbell, but it is great as a sensor. I would definitely recommend this product. 

Pros
Includes door chime
If someone rings the doorbell, it automatically takes a picture
Video is of good quality
Kangaroo offers stolen package insurance

Cons
No live view
No microphone
No night vision (if no surrounding light)
The video record length is too short

Cyber Power Battery Backup 850VA vs 650VA

This post will compare features of the Cyber Power Battery Backup with Surge Protection Model SX65OU 350 watts VERSUS the Cyber Power Battery Backup with Surge Protection Model EC850LCD EC Series 850 Watts.

I powered a: small lamp, TV, notebook, router, digital phone and 1 tablet for 2.5 hours using the CPBB 850 Watts during a power outage and experienced no problems. Two hours is above the indicated average usage information. Although the device states that the average runtime is 52 minutes, it truly depends the amount of power drawn. I used the CPBB 350 Watts during a power outage and I was able to power 3 Amazon Fire HD-10 tablets (only to 40%), 2 cell phones (100%), a router/modem, a small lamp and an Amazon Echo Show 5 for 2 hours. The CPBB 850 Watts has a significant watt advantage over the 350 Watts. 

In addition, I highly recommend that you disable the sound alerts on the surge protector, via the PC app. If you do not disable the alerts, the device will make sounds all of the time, even when there is no outage.

They are both great products but the CPBB 850 Watts is superior. My advice, go bigger.

Review of the TP-Link Archer C2300 Dual Band MU-MIMO Gigabit Wi-Fi Router

Pros

1. Security features available to configure using router interface
2. Easy Setup
3. Gigabit LAN, keeps up with current available speeds, perfect for a home office
4. USB port for FTP network directly connected to router
5. FTP option plays video and audio very well. Which allows you to stream media (movies, music, podcasts) that you have connected to the routers USB port. I tested it on a Firestick, tablet and a phone and it works great.
6. Fast data speeds
7. Set end device optimization priority
8. Power & WIFI On/Off buttons
9. Is compatible with Charter cable modems

Cons

1. It doesnt have a stand and takes up significant space to lay the device flat
2. The power cord is short
3. Only 4 ethernet ports, which is standard but I'd prefer 6
   

• To access the FTP files: I used the VLC media player which I installed on my phone, computer and tablet. The audio quality was clear, it could have been better, but it was reasonable. The video quality was exceptional. The router allows you to access the files on the local network and via the internet.

1. In VLC you can Select New Stream and type in the IP address of the FTP server or local network. Or you can also search for the share folder under Local Network in the VLC app on your personal device(s) to access the files. 

• Recommend the product: Yes! I really like the end user device optimization priority option, which enables a user to allow certain devices to maintain optimal data speeds over others. Which is a plus, especially if there are multiple devices in the home. Last but not least, which I believe is the best feature of all, is the USB port, which allows you to access your media from any device, anywhere. - Incentive Post

Ring Solar Panel Not Charging the Ring Camera

The Ring Solar Panel was not supplying a significant charge to the connected Ring Stick Up Cam Battery HD, 3rd Generation. Some days the charge would increase by 5%. On most days the charge did not increase at all. So, I swapped the battery and made sure the cables were snug, but that did not make a difference. Next, I contacted Ring customer service and they informed me that the Ring Solar Panel was not meant to provide a full charge to any device. After making some changes to the device settings, I have determined that the solar panel is capable of providing a full charge. In my case, I made several setting changes, in order to receive a consistent, full-charge from the solar panel.

I. Description of the Ring Solar Panel from Ring:

a. A few hours of direct sunlight a day will charge your Ring camera. 

b. The description also states, "Requires several hours of direct sunlight every day. Ability to recharge varies based on device settings, motion notifications"

Ring Stick Up Cam Battery HD

Ring Solar Panel

II. Changes I made in the Ring App to increase the Solar Panel charge

a. Device Settings > Video Settings > Video Recording Length> 20s. This was a significant change, approximately a 50% increase. I believe the positive effect was due in part because I am on a busy street and receive frequent alerts. So decreasing the length of the video, equals less battery usage.

b. Power Settings > Motion Frequency > Frequently, which produced mild results

c. Power Settings > Advance Motion Detection, turned on, which trims empty footage, mild results

d. Device Settings > Snapshot Capture > Every 1 Hour, which produced mild results

III. Since making the setting changes, the Ring battery level has been consistently at 98%-100%

Quarantine Home-Office Hacks: Episode 1

Some of you settled on taking a monitor home to work. I decided not to. Because to me, it meant more wires and less space. I have a Toshiba ThinkPad, running Windows 10, which has one HDMI port. I also have a LED TV which doubles as a monitor. So I decided to connect my laptop to my monitor. The benefit of my setup, is that it allows me to use both my laptop and TV monitor as screens.

I also sometimes prefer to avoid physically touching the laptop. To do that I use a mouse which I connect to the laptop, then I use the On-Screen Keyboard option on the laptop. The On-Screen Keyboard works for me because I do not type much. To find your On-Screen Keyboard, just type either  "osk" or On-screen Keyboard in the Search menu. To close your laptop lid and use your additional monitor as a screen, go to Settings>System>Power & then select the option to do nothing when the laptop lids closes.

I prefer the Extend option because it allows me to utilize more desktop space. I am able to recreate the affect of having multiple screens by selecting the Extend option. My second choice would be Duplicate. I do not use the Duplicate option often, because I prefer the affect of more space, not a replica used space. To me, the Duplicate option would be best for someone who wants to project their PC onto a bigger screen.

How to Extend Your Laptop Screen to Your TV Monitor using Windows 10

1. Plug a HDMI cable from your laptop to your TV Monitor (use a cable that is compatible with your devices)

2. Using your laptop, navigate to the taskbar, then click on the notification bar then select Project

3. Select Extend 

4. You should now see a display on both screens