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Resolved Need WiFi help for my new Smart TV

Discussion in 'Networking (Hardware & Software)' started by Barry, 2018/12/31.

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  1. 2019/01/06
    Barry

    Barry Geek Member Thread Starter

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    I understand what you are saying, but for the one time extra cost of $6, I didn't think it would break the bank, and maybe it will open doors in the future.
     
    Barry,
    #41
  2. 2019/01/07
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    If you get 5-7 mb/sec at TV now then any buffering you get is most probably due to packet loss in the wifi stream from your provider to your house. If they ever switch to 5g then you won't have any problems because 5g can deliver up to about 450 mb/sec.

    5-7 mb/sec is more than enough for stable unbuffered HD TV.

    The way to really test this is to access some of the TV channels through your desktop computer and see if get buffering. For example, you can access HBOGo, Amazon and other streaming channels from your computer. Watch a few movies or shows and see if get buffering. If you do then the problem is your Internet provider, and any changes to your home network won't enhance it.
     
    TonyT,
    #42


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  4. 2019/01/07
    Barry

    Barry Geek Member Thread Starter

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    Samsung says my TV can't handle 5G. They recommend only using 2G WiFi, not 5G. It's interesting to see YouTube videos where people show they have WiFi speeds over 100 Mbps.
    That's a good idea to find the channels that buffer on the TV and see if I can watch them on my computer. I'll have to check into that.
    Online I read "The best Internet speed for HD streaming is 5Mbps, and if you go all the way up to 4K streaming, or ultra HD, your bandwidth should start at 25Mbps." Since I have a 4K UHD TV, maybe the buffering shows are beyond HD.
     
    Barry,
    #43
  5. 2019/01/07
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

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    Is a WiFi connection still an option for you?
     
    Christer,
    #44
  6. 2019/01/07
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    Not all streaming shows are streamed in 4k, most are not. Amazon just started doing some 4k streams. That the TV is capable of 4k only means that it will render shows in 4k IF the stream is 4k. For example, a standard DVD or HD DVD is not 4k so your TV will display the picture at 720p or 1080p. (p = pixels) Your TV has its own software inside that "upscales" these lower quality formats so they look better on your screen. It does the same with lower quality streaming content.

    You may be able to set preferences for the different streaming content providers you have so as to not get 4k streams. Your Internet connection is not capable of handling 4k streams.
     
    TonyT,
    #45
  7. 2019/01/21
    Barry

    Barry Geek Member Thread Starter

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    Here are the results of my test. The speeds are measured on my TV using speedtest.net (3-4 tests run per setup).
    Fastest Internet in my area = 12 Mbps

    wireless connection from TP-Link RE-450 extender to TV
    7.15 Mbps
    5.56 Mbps
    5.52 Mbps

    wired ethernet cable from TP-Link RE-450 extender to TV
    8.5 Mbps
    10.0 Mbps
    8.9 Mbps
    11.0 Mbps

    TP-Link TL-PA9020P KIT on separate circuit breakers
    12.10 Mbps
    11.22 Mbps
    12.09 Mbps
    12.13 Mbps

    TP-Link TL-PA9020P KIT on same circuit breaker
    11.93 Mbps
    11.76 Mbps
    11.91 Mbps
    12.14 Mbps

    As I explained earlier, my inside circuits are run off a 100A line to feed a 100A panel in my garage. Maybe there would be a difference if the circuit breakers were all at my main panel outside, but, as you can see, putting both outlets on the same circuit breaker did not improve my signal. Actually, since I only have 12 Mbps entering my home, I can't see how I could have gotten improvement. The TL-PA9020P KIT is probably overkill for my present system, but I figure I won't have to buy a new powerline if the signal strength is increased in my area.
    The biggest challenge was plugging the PA9020 units into outlets behind heavy furniture.
     
    Last edited: 2019/01/21
    Barry,
    #46
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  8. 2019/01/22
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    Looks like great results.
    You should not get buffering now for normal HD streams.

    If you do get occasional buffering now it will be due to latency on your ISP network. To test for latency use a command prompt and do trace routes to various endpoints. Example command:
    tracert netflix.com or tracert youtube.com

    All responses should be less than 50 milliseconds. Higher responses will show you where the lags are which cause buffering.
     
    Last edited: 2019/01/22
    TonyT,
    #47
  9. 2019/01/22
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

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    Thanks for the feedback, interesting and your tests confirm my logic and experience regarding "circuit breakers".
     
    Christer,
    #48
  10. 2019/01/22
    Barry

    Barry Geek Member Thread Starter

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    All seems to be working fine. I'm still waiting for a response from TP-Link, but I won't hold my breath. Thanks for the feedback.
     
    Barry,
    #49
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