How to diagnose streaming problems caused by your home network

DVR_Dan

DVR_Dan

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Apr 3, 2015
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A methodical approach to identifying whether buffering and freezing are caused by your home network or by the streaming service itself.
 
First test: run a speed test from the device with the issue, not your laptop. The device speed matters.
 
For Android TV, install the Speedtest app from Google Play. For MAG, use a browser-based test.
 
Test both download and ping. Ping above 50ms to a local server indicates a routing issue.
 
Second test: try a wired connection. If buffering stops, the problem is your Wi-Fi.
 
Third test: test at different times of day. Evening-only buffering usually means ISP congestion.
 
If speed drops in the evening but your plan is not heavily used, contact your ISP about congestion.
 
Packet loss is more damaging than low bandwidth for streaming. A 1% loss can cause constant rebuffering.
 
Ping a reliable server like 8.8.8.8 a hundred times and check for failed replies in the output.
 
In Windows: ping -n 100 8.8.8.8 and look at the loss percentage at the end.
 
Fourth test: swap the ethernet cable. A faulty cable can cause intermittent packet loss.
 
I spent two weeks blaming my provider before discovering a damaged wall plate was causing loss.
 
Fifth: check for Wi-Fi interference from neighboring networks using a Wi-Fi analyzer.
 
If all home network tests pass, the issue is between your ISP and the streaming servers.
 
A traceroute will show where the latency or packet loss is occurring in the path.
 
Useful info. Systematic troubleshooting saves hours of frustration blaming the wrong thing.
 
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