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Netflix streaming problems since Friday evening (2nd May)

gree0115
Rising Star
Posts: 60
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Registered: ‎06-08-2010

Netflix streaming problems since Friday evening (2nd May)

We've been having problems with Netflix since Friday evening. We have Plusnet unlimited fibre which averages a 20Mb/s download speed and a static IP address as we use a smartDNS for Netflix US. We use Netflix predominantly on our LG Smart TV. We usually get a "super HD" picture, but since Friday evening it hasn't been showing in HD, is a very grainy SD picture, and keeps stopping and buffering/reloading. We have never had any problems before and have used it for over a year now.
We also have Amazon Instant Video on the TV as well, this is working fine, we are getting an HD 1080p image with no problems, so it can't be local network congestion as this would affect the Amazon feed as well.
Are Plusnet throttling Netflix?
26 REPLIES 26
AndyH
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Posts: 6,824
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Registered: ‎27-10-2012

Re: Netflix streaming problems since Friday evening (2nd May)

Any ideas which Netflix server you're connecting to?
Devonian
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Posts: 1,854
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Registered: ‎01-05-2011

Re: Netflix streaming problems since Friday evening (2nd May)

I read some where that Netflix are cracking down on DNS.
I wonder if this has anything to do with it?
gree0115
Rising Star
Posts: 60
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Registered: ‎06-08-2010

Re: Netflix streaming problems since Friday evening (2nd May)

I forgot to add that it's doing the same with UK Netflix too. So I don't think it's related to the smartDNS. We use a paid smartDNS and Netflix don't actually object to using these services, they don't lock you to your own country, if you're say travelling to the States your UK account works with US content, much the same as using a smartDNS.
Devonian
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Re: Netflix streaming problems since Friday evening (2nd May)

ok.
I have just had Netflix on, and it's running fine for me, so it's not Netflix.
wo0x
Grafter
Posts: 323
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Registered: ‎31-05-2013

Re: Netflix streaming problems since Friday evening (2nd May)

I have had trouble with it the last few nights. Far from constant, I've watched several episodes of House today without issues, but at night (after midnight) it takes a few attempts to even get it to play.
AndyH
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Registered: ‎27-10-2012

Re: Netflix streaming problems since Friday evening (2nd May)

Quote from: David
Netflix don't actually object to using these services, they don't lock you to your own country

Actually, they do object because certain US content will be licensed to the US only.
Quote from: Devonian
I have just had Netflix on, and it's running fine for me, so it's not Netflix.

Netflix has dozens of servers, located all over the place. Their CDN partners have 'hubs' pretty much everywhere. It could be a certain CDN server or route to it that might be at fault.
gree0115
Rising Star
Posts: 60
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Registered: ‎06-08-2010

Re: Netflix streaming problems since Friday evening (2nd May)

The service we use strongdns.com supports many US and UK sites and actively advertises it. If it were not officially allowed I don't think they would be promoting the company names on their website.
Devonian
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Posts: 1,854
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Re: Netflix streaming problems since Friday evening (2nd May)

I wonder if it's a format issue?
I used to have problems when I used it through Xbox, but now I have a smart tv, I've not had a problem.
Just a thought.
AndyH
Grafter
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Registered: ‎27-10-2012

Re: Netflix streaming problems since Friday evening (2nd May)

Trust me, it's not officially allowed. There is content available on Netflix US that is not licensed for the UK and vice-versa.
Coming back to your streaming problems - can you try Netflix on a PC/Mac to rule out an issue with the TV or app?
burundi
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Registered: ‎07-05-2014

Re: Netflix streaming problems since Friday evening (2nd May)

I am also having Netflix issues.  I am on unltd Fibre which syncs at around 40mbps/8mbps.
Previously I was with BE, when they were bought out by Sky I decided to move to another provider and choose Plusnet.  My old connection with BE/SKY was ADSL2+ and synced around 12/1mbps and I could stream Netflix and iPlayer with no issues, recently (over the last 2 months) I've noticed streaming issues with iPlayer, over the last couple of days I've also noticed issues with Netflix which has previously been fine, I wouldn't say this has been exclusively at peak times either, the kids were watching something via Netflix at around 7.30 this morning and it was pausing every couple of minutes.  Last night I was watching Hancock and it was fine until around 10.30pm when it started stuttering.
Nothing else has changed on my home network recently and web browsing, my work vpn and my wifes work vpn all seem to be fine.  I use the UK Netflix I haven't made any DNS changes to try to get it to connect to the US version.
The TV is connected via CAT6 to the Network switch which is then directly connected to the Plusnet router.
I reset everything this morning and the issues persisted in Netflix.
Pettitto
Plusnet Alumni (retired)
Plusnet Alumni (retired)
Posts: 6,346
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Registered: ‎26-11-2011

Re: Netflix streaming problems since Friday evening (2nd May)

Would you be able to set up a TBB Graph http://community.plus.net/forum/index.php/topic,106312.0.html
It'll allow us to spot any abnormalities on your line, such as Packet Loss.
burundi
Dabbler
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Registered: ‎07-05-2014

Re: Netflix streaming problems since Friday evening (2nd May)

Certainly, do I need to sign up to Think Broadband and set up up some sort of graphing with them and then past the link in here?
Pettitto
Plusnet Alumni (retired)
Plusnet Alumni (retired)
Posts: 6,346
Fixes: 5
Registered: ‎26-11-2011

Re: Netflix streaming problems since Friday evening (2nd May)

That's right, if you can post the link of the Live Graph then we can keep tabs on it and see how your line performs.
If you're using a Technicolor Router that we provide you'll need to set it to allow pings:

1. Open an Internet browser and browse to:
2. http://192.168.1.254/
3. Click Toolbox on the left menu.
4. From the Toolbox menu select Firewall.
5. Under the heading Pick a task >> Click 'Allow Ping' on your WAN interface
6. Click Enable
7. Click OK
That should do the trick.
burundi
Dabbler
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Registered: ‎07-05-2014

Re: Netflix streaming problems since Friday evening (2nd May)

I've setup the graphing with TBB and enabled the PING response on the WAN interface of the router.
The code for the live graph is:
<a title="Broadband Ping" href="http://www.thinkbroadband.com/ping/share/5d8f9efd8a896e8ab0cf122ecb6b080f.html"><img alt="My Broadband Ping - Plusnet Fibre Graph" src="http://www.thinkbroadband.com/ping/share-large/5d8f9efd8a896e8ab0cf122ecb6b080f.png" /></a>

My Broadband Ping
Thanks.