Internet linked tv buffering

[#1]

Let us know how things go!  

[#2]

@Steve001 

A few options for you to consider: https://community.plus.net/t5/Tech-Help-Software-Hardware-etc/Distributing-Data-around-Larger-Proper...

Th problem with the Hub auto smart channel select is that it is so location specific, for example, mine only picks up low level neighbour transmissions in the centre of the house. Where I use most mobile devices in the rear my next door neighbours hub is closer than mine, so this can cause me problems with transmissions hardly noticeable by my hub.

Have you considered whether you can install an Ethernet link. Part of my run is down the outside of the house, fixed to the rear of the guttering downpipe.

[#3]

Thanks for your suggestion but I definitely can’t put any cables running in or outside.

[#4]

@Steve001 

Is there a technical reason for not running cables outside?

I ask because you could ask for your OpenReach Master Socket to be relocated downstairs. Don't know the cost but I would expect somewhere between £100 & £150.

Brian

[#5]

Domestic harmony

[#6]

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@Steve001 wrote:
Domestic harmony

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Fair enough.It would also have disrupted WiFi in the routers current location by moving it downstairs. This would also rule out my other suggestion - getting someone in to install Ethernet wall sockets and run cable externally.

Is there any chance in the near future of OpenReach FTTP or one of the Alternative suppliers offering a service? If there is, then it might be worth spendng some money - better WiFi on all floors (domestic harmoney!!!).

Brian

[#7]

@Steve001 

I'm doubtful but you might get enough bandwidth through Powerline devices even though you have different circuits. You could try a pair and return them if they ae not up to the job. Alternatively try a mesh system as multiple units should do the trick. Neither will be as cheap and reliable as doing the job properly but I undestand your problem. I managed to cable my house over several years when redecoration was going on anyway. Even then I had to find some tortuous routes to hide cable. However, bear in mind that you can use up to 100m of thin, flexible, cat5e cable between nodes and still get 1000Mb/s through it..

Domestic harmony is funny stuff, we never seem to have enough!

[#8]

Thank you for all the suggestions.
So I have managed to log in to my router.
It shows
Channel selection - automatic (smart wireless) for both 2.4 and 5 GHz.
It also shows I have:
On 5GHz -2 laptops and 2 phones.
On 2.4 GHz - Ring doorbell, printer, another phone - and the tv.
Is there a way to move the tv to the 5GHz?

And also:
If I do decide to try to improve the quality of the network:
I doubt Powerline devices will work.
What about a more powerful modem/router?
Or mesh system (as I have read on one of the quoted links) would be better?

[#9]

@Steve001 

A Plusnet Hub 2 or BT Smarthub has better wireless performance than your Hub One and might be worth a try. You can’t get a Plusnet Hub 2  unless your contract is up for renewal but the original BT Smarthubs (sometimes called Smarthub 6) go for little money on auction sites. You will find setting instructions and other information pinned to the top of the Router board. 
The easiest way to set devices to use either the 2.4 or 5GHz  band is to split them, see https://community.plus.net/t5/My-Router/2-4ghz-and-or-5ghz-best-practice/m-p/1351966#M840 Once you have split them you need to go to each device available wireless networks settings where you find that you now have two separate SSIDs, one for each band. The password is the same for both. Use the best. Note that you cannot split the bands on a Plusnet Hub 2 or the BT Smarthub 2.

To find the best channel to use download a WiFi sniffer app on a phone, I recommend WiFi Analyzer, which runs on Android phones. Check for the quietest channel at both the hub location and where you mainly use your devices then manually select a channel that has the lowest neighbour’s emissions at both locations.

[#10]

Moderators Note

This topic has been moved from Broadband 

[#11]

I think I’ll have a go at splitting the channels 🙄
I’m 14 months into my 24 month contract so I suppose I won’t qualify for a Hub2 🙁
If the channel split doesn’t work then it looks like I will have to check out a Smarthub 6.
Not a mesh then?

[#12]

@Steve001  Let me put it this way, a Smarthub 6 is much cheaper and if it doesn't work you can always flog it again.

Mesh systems will do the job but be aware that unless you install an Ethernet backhaul (and buy a mesh that can use this feature) you are still depending on having a wireless connection between the satellites, so it depends on the distance between units and hence the number that you require.

[#13]

The Smarthub 6 does sound like a good option.
Just one other question - they’re locked to BT/Plusnet. If I decide to move to a different provider at the end of my current deal is there a comparable modem/router that is not BT branded?
I looked at TP link on Amazon but the variety of different options is confusing to be honest.
Looking to spend no more than about £50 - £70 or thereabouts.

[#14]

@Steve001 

It is important you choose one which supports ADSL and VDSL as referred to in this link.

https://www.tp-link.com/uk/home-networking/dsl-modem-router/ 

Most of the devices will also work as a Wireless Access Point and Router, so come the day you switch to FTTP you can carry on using it

Some also support OneMesh which can be handy for wireless distribution, this uses a wireless inter connection between router and OneMesh repeater.

HTH

[#15]

Jumping in with both feet here could I question the TV itself? I have a modern Sony Bravia in my kitchen that I have connected in all possible forms and it still refuses to run any of its built in apps with any watchable consistency. Connect a Roku Express and it blazes away. My other tactic was to use a tablet or smartphone as the source and stream it to the TV.

See if iPlayer or amazon Prime work on another device close to the TV.  Another useful check is the Netgear Wifi checker app which will indicate how much the signal fades in relation to the router. My other wifi cure (in this case for a bedroom) was a £20 Netgear range extender bought on the spur of the moment when passing Argos. It turned out to be even better than expected but I do not really need wifi in the greenhouse down the garden as well!.