How to Stop VideoStream Buffering
If you are experiencing constant buffering when watching streamed video from the Internet with any streaming device, don't automatically accept that your Internet provider is at fault.
You may be experiencing video stream buffering which often can make watching a movie or TV show streamed from the Internet unbearable.
Buffering is when a video constantly is interrupted and pauses for several seconds and then resumes playing once again.
Several factors can contribute to this condition and there are several easy solutions that can give you a much better Streaming TV experience that may help eliminate buffering for good.
1
GIGABIT ETHERNET CONNECTION
An Ethernet connection from your Router to your media streamer is the number one arch enemy of buffering.
Nothing can stop buffering in its tracks like a stable Internet connection to your media streamer.
WiFi is great and all but it is still affected by many factors beyond our control. After all, a wireless connection still relies on radio waves to transfer a signal from your Router to your media streaming devices.
Some things that can affect your WiFi signal are:
1. Congestion - Over congested WiFi Channels with too many neighbors all using the same channel at one time. Switching to a different channel can sometimes help improve your connection and transfer speed.
2. Distance - If your Router is too far from your media streamer it will receive a weaker WiFi signal. This can significantly degrade performance which can be seen as buffering and sluggish performance.
3. Old Equipment - Newer media streamers and Routers take advantage of newer faster WiFi standards like Dual-Band and Tri-Band technology.
To eliminate all these and take them completely out of the equation run a Cat 6 Ethernet wire from your Router to your media Streamer.
Unfortunately, not all media streamers and Streaming Sticks include an Ethernet port.
The higher-end models from Roku like the Ultra, The Apple TV 4K and Nvidia SHIELD all still do and they also support Dual-Band WiFi as well.
ETHERNET CABLE SPECS
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Category 7 Cable | 10,000 Mbps up to 100 Meters (330 ft.) 40,000 Mbps up to 50 Meters 100,000 Mbps up to 15 Meters |
| Category 6 Cable | 10,000 Mbps up to 37-55 Meters |
| Category 5E Cable | 1000 Mbps up to 100 Meters (330 ft.) |
| Category 5 Cable | 100 Mbps at 100 Meters (330 ft.) |
Cat 7 Ethernet is the latest and fastest standard. While it can support phenomenal speeds, most devices built today do not yet support anything past Gigabit Ethernet speeds which is 1000 Mbps.
This can easily be achieved by using Cat 6 or Cat 5e Cable.
In order to achieve these speeds, you will need not only need Gigabit-capable Cat 6 or Cat 5e wiring, you will also need a Gigabit Router, a Gigabit Switch if used and a media streamer that also comes with a Gigabit Ethernet port.
The top of the line Roku Ultra only supports 10/100 Ethernet. The New 5th Generation Apple TV 4K supports Gigabit Ethernet, and the Nvidia SHIELD also supports Gigabit Ethernet.
FireTV and Sticks don't support Ethernet and can greatly benefit from an Ethernet connection to help with slow video stream performance when playing videos.
This device can greatly improve your Fire TV streaming experience by using the USB port to let you stream much faster over Ethernet.
This can easily be achieved by using Cat 6 or Cat 5e Cable.
In order to achieve these speeds, you will need not only need Gigabit-capable Cat 6 or Cat 5e wiring, you will also need a Gigabit Router, a Gigabit Switch if used and a media streamer that also comes with a Gigabit Ethernet port.
The top of the line Roku Ultra only supports 10/100 Ethernet. The New 5th Generation Apple TV 4K supports Gigabit Ethernet, and the Nvidia SHIELD also supports Gigabit Ethernet.
FireTV and Sticks don't support Ethernet and can greatly benefit from an Ethernet connection to help with slow video stream performance when playing videos.
This device can greatly improve your Fire TV streaming experience by using the USB port to let you stream much faster over Ethernet.
2
POWERLINE ETHERNET
A Powerline Ethernet adapter works great if you live someplace where running Ethernet wires through your walls, floors or ceiling from your Router to your media streamers is not an option or is just too much trouble.
These adapters are sold in pairs and use the AC electrical wiring to transmit the signal throughout your home.
They plug into an electrical outlet at each point and then from there you can plug an Ethernet wire into your Router and media streamer to the Powerline devices.
Many have used this simple solution with much success and they will still give you a much more stable path than WiFi alone in most cases.
These adapters are sold in pairs and use the AC electrical wiring to transmit the signal throughout your home.
They plug into an electrical outlet at each point and then from there you can plug an Ethernet wire into your Router and media streamer to the Powerline devices.
Many have used this simple solution with much success and they will still give you a much more stable path than WiFi alone in most cases.
POWERLINE SPECS
| Specs | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TP-LINK AV-1200 | Single Ethernet Port up to 1200 Mbps | |||
| TP-Link AV1000 | Single Ethernet Port up to 1000 Mbps | |||
| ||||
|
While there are several different brands, the TP-Link AV1200 offer exceptional speed up to 2000 Mbps. So, you will want to be sure to use Cat 5e or Cat 6 or faster Ethernet Cables.
They have both single and dual port models which can support two devices from your Router.
You can even support more devices by buying and using a simple Ethernet Switch.
They have both single and dual port models which can support two devices from your Router.
You can even support more devices by buying and using a simple Ethernet Switch.
3
FASTER ROUTER
Your final option if you need to stick to WiFi especially if your Router is older is to upgrade it to a new faster AC model.
Most media streamers today support the AC standard which can give you much fast speeds than the older standards.
Newer Routers also come with more antennas for better coverage and if your house has multiple floors, you can even extend the signal using this WiFi over Coax which can sometimes even beat a Mesh WiFi Range Extender.
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Use of third-party trademarks on this site is not intended to imply endorsement nor affiliation with respective trademark owners.
We are Not Affiliated with or Endorsed by Roku®, Apple, Google or Other Companies we may write about.
