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Wi Fi Streaming ~ How to Improve?

peterbarker
Grafter
Posts: 78
Registered: ‎08-02-2008

Wi Fi Streaming ~ How to Improve?

I am on Plusnet Fibre, using the router supplied by Plusnet Fibre Broadband; i.e. Netgear WNR 1000 V3 
My PC is a different room from the router.
I stream media wirelessly within my house using Windows Media Player and via the router, but occasionally streaming stalls and can be difficult to restart.  I wonder whether this is because my WiFi signal is attenuated by the internal walls or interference from other WiFi in my neighbourhood.  I have done what I can to ensure that my WiFi signal is maximised according to Plusnet Support Pages and have even tried a range extender.
I have looked at the other nearby WiFi signals, using inSSIDer or Meraki.  Most of the time my WiFi is a lot stronger within my premises than other nearby signals.  However, there are times when they suddenly peak and for brief periods appear stronger than my own.  However, I have been unable to definitely link breaks in my streaming to when these other signals peak.  Usually inSSIDer shows my PC to router signal between -50 to -60 dBm amplitude.  According to Meraki it is about 90%.  I don't whether these measurements indicate a strong signal?
However, I see that Netgear produce other routers which appear to offer better performance that the WNR 1000 V3.  Would it be a possibility for me to invest in a more powerful router to give me more reliable WiFI.
Any advice appreciated.  Thanks.
6 REPLIES 6
Strat
Community Veteran
Posts: 31,320
Thanks: 1,609
Fixes: 565
Registered: ‎14-04-2007

Re: Wi Fi Streaming ~ How to Improve?

Have you considered homeplugs like these for example?
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Gus
Aspiring Pro
Posts: 3,236
Thanks: 26
Fixes: 3
Registered: ‎31-07-2007

Re: Wi Fi Streaming ~ How to Improve?

Try use a different wifi channel to the ones your neighbours are using, inssider shows you which they are on
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peterbarker
Grafter
Posts: 78
Registered: ‎08-02-2008

Re: Wi Fi Streaming ~ How to Improve?

Thanks for suggestions.
Channel 6 seems to be the most popular one around here.  I have tried using empty channels but not 100% successful results.  Since then I have managed to improve my signal a bit, but maybe Power Line Transmission as suggested, would resolve the issue completely?
tijara33
Pro
Posts: 1,360
Thanks: 50
Fixes: 6
Registered: ‎22-06-2012

Re: Wi Fi Streaming ~ How to Improve?

Either use the plugs or invest in a decent router with a 5Ghz channel as well as the 2.4 Ghz on your PN router. My ASUS RT-N56U has vastly improved my wireless experience.
adamwalker
Plusnet Help Team
Plusnet Help Team
Posts: 16,874
Thanks: 882
Fixes: 221
Registered: ‎27-04-2007

Re: Wi Fi Streaming ~ How to Improve?

Channels 6 or 11 tend to be the best, however I'd advise using inSSIDer to find the best one: http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider/
If this post resolved your issue please click the 'This fixed my problem' button
 Adam Walker
 Plusnet Help Team
peterbarker
Grafter
Posts: 78
Registered: ‎08-02-2008

Re: Wi Fi Streaming ~ How to Improve?

Thank you for advice and comments about my WiFi streaming problem.  I have been using inSSIDer and Meraki, to monitor local activity.  I have tried switching channels.  Unfortunately, although my WiFi streaming from Windows Media Player to my Panasonic Blu-Ray Player runs very well most of the time, it is still "stalls" from time to time, particularly during the evenings.  By "stalling" I mean stops altogether, not just a bit of buffering.  Can be restarted only by a reboot of the streaming PC.
I have tried a Netgear WR3500RP Extender, but with indifferent results.  I think that my home is the wrong layout to get much benefit from an extender.
So I am focussing on a new router: ASUS RT-66NU, often discussed in these forums.  I have also thought about a Netgear N900, because my Plusnet fibre is currrently delivered through a Netgear N150 (supplied by Plusnet).
I wonder if anyone has an opinion regarding which is best between these routers?