Has your internet connection been getting disrupted a lot lately because you don’t have seamless streaming? Is your movie on Disney+ buffering? Interruption during Netflix streaming? Is video quality in Amazon Prime Video getting quite blurry? These issues are pretty common, and your home internet mostly causes them.
What makes it worse is multiple people using the same network for their online activities like Zoom meetings, downloading the latest updates to DoTA2, or simply streaming TikTok videos.
That doesn’t mean you should move back to switching on the TV and tuning in to TV channels because at least the picture quality is quite good there. No, we have got something better. We have narrowed down some tips that you can try so that you can receive the fastest possible network connection on your devices. This will mean fewer connection issues and a better video quality stream, regardless of VPN, or your internet provider.
Read on to find out how to get seamless streaming of Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming platforms on your devices.
Upgrade Internet Speed
The first one is the most obvious, but it can save you a lot of trouble.
Generally, streaming Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, etc. requires the desired Mbps for smooth streaming. A minimum download speed of 3-5 Mbps should get you SD streaming, while 10 Mbps for HD. But a whopping 15-18 Mbps should get you to stream 4K video quality.
These Mbps seem doable but you need to keep in mind that there will be other devices connected to the same home network, with their other online activities such as web browsing, checking emails, downloading files, attending videoconferencing, etc. All these online activities also have their own Mbps that you will need to fulfill. Combining all of them together with the ones required for streaming should roughly get you the needed internet speed you should have for your home network.
In case you have already subscribed to a high-speed internet plan but are not getting that fast a connection, make sure to ring up the Xfinity phone number or that of whichever internet service provider you are subscribed to in order to complain about the issue as soon as possible.
Upgrade Hardware
The Wi-Fi router that your internet service provider provides to you should work for your devices since they are the most compatible and allow you to enjoy the full online experience.
But there is an alternative. You also have the option to get your own third-party router. Why don’t you go for a good router with exceptional capabilities? With an upgraded and better router, you will most likely get better range and receive better signals on your devices throughout your home.
If your home is particularly large, then it would be a good idea to get a Wi-Fi extender. This device is placed at a distance from the main router, just within the range, and can create a whole new wireless range so that the devices, that are outside the main router’s range, can still receive signals.
Go Wired for Seamless Streaming
While Wi-Fi connections are convenient because they allow you to move around with your devices, it is still less reliable than a wired connection. There is a lot of disruption around your home that can hinder wireless signals being transferred such as walls through which signals are harder to get through, waves transmitting from devices like baby monitors, microwave ovens, etc., neighbors’ networks, and whatnot.
But when you connect your laptop, TV, consoles, etc. to the modem/router with the help of an Ethernet wire, it can create a dedicated line that is free from any interference. Some devices don’t work with Ethernet because they don’t have ports, but they can be connected with the help of USB adapters.
Change the Position of Your Router
This doesn’t sound like such a big deal, but trust us, where you place the router in your home matters a lot in regard to the signals you receive on your devices.
If the router is placed on or near the ground, then the signals being transferred are limited. Because Wi-Fi signals need to go through walls, hence, the router is placed higher up means that there are fewer walls between the router and the receiver.
An ideal scenario would be if the receiver was in direct line of sight with the router, but that’s not always possible. Hence, the trick is to limit the number of obstructions between the router and receivers.
Disconnect Some Devices from Wi-Fi
There might be too many devices connected to the internet, the devices in your home that aren’t even being used. Disconnect all of them, maybe up your signal and even protect yourself in one go.
The same goes for the number of apps on your devices. Some of the apps, that you haven’t even used in ages, must be taking up a lot of bandwidth of your internet connection. Delete these apps or restrict them from being connected to the home network.
Final Thoughts for Your Seamless Streaming
Some of the tips mentioned above should help you resolve your streaming issue. With a faster internet connection and upgraded hardware, you will be able to stream Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, or whatever your favorite streaming platform is.