Network Troubles

[ShaunB-91]

Evening everyone,

Well I'm still trying to sort out my problem of Netflix buffering/not playing back in HD. I've just tried changing Wi-Fi channels, originally set to auto I set it to 1 only for me to then notice another network on Sky was covering it and channels 2 and 3 with me, I've just changed it to 6 (only 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) are free from other networks and although it seems quicker it's still not playing in HD.

Is there anything else I could try, I'm thinking maybe I need cable down and fire the fibre optic into the Apple TV instead, problem is I need my router upstairs for my PS4/PC. What do I need to buy to have another router or something downstairs so I can use Ethernet cables. I really don't know what needs to be done.

Still, what really bugs me is I'm sure my old router used to be upstairs when we originally had Netflix and it was lighting fast and HD. I bought a £20 Wi-Fi booster from Sky which didn't solve my problem so I'll be sending that back.

 

[yassarikhan786]

Have you tried Poweline adapters? These won't work if they are not on the same circuit in your house.

Another option would be to use a WiFi to Ethernet bridge/adapter.

 

[ShaunB-91]

Have you tried Poweline adapters? These won't work if they are not on the same circuit in your house.

Another option would be to use a WiFi to Ethernet bridge/adapter.

I've not tried them no, a Wi-Fi to Ethernet adapter, hmm that sounds like the 'Wi-Fi Booster I have', it has one Ethernet port on the back but I didn't try it since I figured it would just be sending the same crappy Wi-Fi down into the Apple TV.

Would it be better than wireless?

After changing it to channel six, Netflix did seem faster when I tried it and didn't buffer at all, it was also good quality apart from dropping down a couple of times to very low quality. I'd say the best I got was HQ but not HD. I'm thinking of getting a switch and then I can have Ethernet ports downstairs for anything I might need them for?

 

[barnsley]

They are much better than wireless. They work as well as wired.

 

[yassarikhan786]

It's not really a WiFi booster as doesn't make the signal any stronger. The adapter should give you a more stable connection (speaking from personal experience), which should in theory improve Netflix' performance.

Another option (as you mentioned in the OP) is to use a solid wired connection. In your case not very feasible, given the distance between your router and the Apple TV.

If your Apple TV supports wireless AC, it may be a good idea to invest in an AC router, due to the 5GHz band being more reliable. I use an Asus RT-AC66U and the 5Ghz AC signal is sooo much better. The only downside that I've encountered is the range. If you do decide on purchasing a wireless AC router you may need to position the router at a more optimum position for your Apple TV. But first, try the adapter.

 

[ShaunB-91]

If I buy an adapter and it doesn't work I can't return it unless its faulty can I?

Wired would be the best option because I can connect it to Apple TV, the PS3 even though I don't really use it now and if I decided to get Sky back then connect that too for the on-demand store.

I'll have a look at the router, but it seems range is the issue already, the signal just isn't strong enough for streaming downstairs. My parents watched Netflix last night and said it was crap quality and buffered a few times, so what seemed to be fine on Saturday, turned to shit again on Sunday.

 

[yassarikhan786]

If you buy an adapter from Amazon, you should be able to return it within (I think) 28 days, if it doesn't make a lick of difference.

You could try Home Plugs. Or are they not an option?

 

[ShaunB-91]

I've just had a quick look on whats available on OCUK, I looked at those powerline adapters but you said something about being on the same circuit, I have no idea what is wired up were for the house I'd have to ask my Dad, so I take it you can't just plug it in anywhere?

All I know is downstairs isn't on the same as upstairs. :S

The boosters I' am really unsure about because the Sky one didn't help at all. The wireless for everything else other than streaming seems fine downstairs so I'm really not sure why the Wi-Fi isn't doing it's job for Netflix. I had a look at switches but they are ugly as, I can't have one of those sat with the Sky, PS3 and Apple TV.

I could get a new router but again with the Wi-Fi I'm not so sure if it would help, I don't really know what to do at this point for the best.

 

[Whiskers]

From what I've read about powerline adaptors as long as all the circuits go to the same consumer unit, which they should, they will work anywhere in the house.

 

[yassarikhan786]

I've just had a quick look on whats available on OCUK, I looked at those powerline adapters but you said something about being on the same circuit, I have no idea what is wired up were for the house I'd have to ask my Dad, so I take it you can't just plug it in anywhere?

All I know is downstairs isn't on the same as upstairs. :S

The boosters I' am really unsure about because the Sky one didn't help at all. The wireless for everything else other than streaming seems fine downstairs so I'm really not sure why the Wi-Fi isn't doing it's job for Netflix. I had a look at switches but they are ugly as, I can't have one of those sat with the Sky, PS3 and Apple TV.

I could get a new router but again with the Wi-Fi I'm not so sure if it would help, I don't really know what to do at this point for the best.

You'd have to run a wire down to your T.V I think. All of the other solutions may not be that viable. Ask your dad about the circuitry in your house and maybe try some Powerline adapters if the circuitry is right.

 

[ShaunB-91]

I wonder what the quality would be like if I was able to get a super long Ethernet cable and run it from up to down, I guess it might be the cheapest way to try first so long as I can hide the cable.

 

[yassarikhan786]

I wonder what the quality would be like if I was able to get a super long Ethernet cable and run it from up to down, I guess it might be the cheapest way to try first so long as I can hide the cable.

If the cable's under 100m (which it should be), the quality shouldn't be affected. You might need to invest in an Ethernet cable crimping tool if you want to route the cable through walls/other obstructions.

 

[ShaunB-91]

Just remembered about this, well Netflix was playing up still and looked like a video tape so I've gone back with Lovefilm (Amazon) for Blu-ray, not worth the bloody hassle getting Netflix to work.

Cheers for all your help though people.