Optimizing NIC Settings

Inside the Network Interface Card (NIC) properties, under Configure → Advanced, you’ll find several options that directly affect how well GigE Vision cameras communicate with the host system. These settings are important for optimizing bandwidth, reducing latency, and preventing dropped frames — especially with high-resolution JAI cameras that stream large amounts of image data in real time. 

For Windows systems, you can easily check the network settings in a terminal window, which makes it easier to share with other agents, by pasting the following command into the terminal (replace the network name):

Get-NetAdapterAdvancedProperty -Name "Camera Network"

JAI technical support will usually ask for this information, so it's handy to keep it ready. 

Flow Control: Off
Flow Control is designed to prevent packet loss by pausing data transmission when buffers fill. However, for dedicated camera networks, this often introduces unwanted delays and jitter. Turning Flow Control Off allows for continuous data flow from the camera to the computer.

Interrupt Moderation Rate: Extreme
A NIC notifies the CPU of incoming data via interrupts. By default, it interrupts every packet, which can overwhelm the CPU at high speeds. Interrupt Moderation reduces CPU load by grouping multiple packets and sending a single interrupt after a short delay

Jumbo Packet: Maximum
Machine vision cameras transmit large image frames that can exceed standard Ethernet packet sizes. Enabling Jumbo Packets and setting the value to the maximum supported size (often 9014 bytes) allows each packet to carry more image data. This reduces the number of packets sent and lowers CPU load. If your NIC shows numeric options, select 9014; otherwise, choose the highest option.

Transmit- and Receive Buffers: Maximum
A larger buffer allocation (for both RX and TX) provides the NIC with additional queue depth to absorb short-term traffic bursts, minimizing packet drops and improving throughput stability—especially under high network load or multi-camera streaming conditions.

MaximumResendGroupSize 
This is not a NIC-level setting but a camera-side control that determines how many missing packets the camera is allowed to resend in a single group. If set too low, the camera must resend packets in many small chunks, increasing latency and overhead; if set too high, large resend bursts can momentarily stress the network. While not tied to NIC configuration, it still plays an important role in maintaining stable, loss-free GigE Vision streaming.

NIC-driver Update
Make sure the NIC driver is up to date. Updated drivers ensure the card runs with the latest performance improvements, bug fixes, and optimized handling of high-bandwidth GigE Vision traffic. To update, open Device Manager → Network adapters → right-click your NIC → Update driver or download the newest driver directly from the manufacturer’s website.

Power Management: Off
This option is found in Device Manager → Network Adapter (or other device) → Properties → Power Management. Unchecking it prevents the computer from turning off the device, ensuring it remains active and responsive.