Ethernet Device Performance

Stream Packet Size

One way to increase streaming performance is to increase the stream packet size. arv_camera_gv_set_packet_size() and arv_camera_gv_auto_packet_size() allow you to change this parameter. By default, the network adapter of your machine will probably not let you receive packet bigger than 1500 bytes, which is the default Maximum Transfer Unit (MTU). It means if you want to use big packets, you also have to increase the network adapter MTU to a greater walue (8192 bytes being a recommended value). The exact procedure to change the MTU depends on the distribution you are using. Please refer to the administrator manual of your distribution.

On Fedora, MTU can be changed using the network setting panel. Edit the wired network settings. MTU parameter is in the Identity page.

On Debian / Ubuntu you can add a line “mtu 8192” to /etc/network/interfaces under the correct device.

iface ethusb0 inet static
    address 192.168.45.1
    netmask 255.255.255.0
    broadcast 192.168.45.255
    mtu 8192

Please note if your device is not connected directly to the machine, you may also have to tweak the active devices on your network.

Packet Socket Support

Aravis can use packet sockets for the video receiving thread. But this mode requires extended capabilities. If you want to allow your application to use packet socket, you must set the cap_net_raw capability using setcap. For example, the following command gives this capability to the Aravis viewer:

sudo setcap cap_net_raw+ep arv-viewer