Replaced the cable so that shouldn't be of concern now. I need to check the netgear switch - I know it is Gigabit but not sure if it is a smart switch. I am betting not since it has been up there for a while. I am going to just bypass it and see how that works.

I have had 2 different routers (previous Netgear 9700) and it ripped no faster than my current unit and when I used the cisco direct connected to restore the back up it blazed right along. Maybe some setting in the router is an issue?

I do have the wireless off on the MBP as I was aware of that issue.

And here I have been living with 15 minute + rips forever. Ugh.

I really appreciate the input. Updates to follow


Ensemble