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Solved
R7000 works well - Netflix still hangs
- I purchased an R7000 router with a CM500 cable modem combo two days ago to replace an old Motorola one and improve my Netflix network connection to my late model Samsung Smart TV. Installed both with no problems, next to computer. Cannot move the modem and router to another "more central" location.
- When I created the network on my Mac, I clicked on the NETGEAR94 band choice, entered the supplied Password, and it showed me that the NETGEAR94-5G choice was also automatically accepted.
- Set up the antennas as suggested. Computer and TV speed have improved greatly with the cable modem. Checked network strength on my iPad in all rooms - very strong! Now music radio on iPad stronger than ever without cutting out! I don’t believe I should need bigger antennas for the router.
- However, when bringing up a Netflix show on the TV, the same old thing happens: the show hangs and won’t restart until I power down the router, then plug it in again. That’s what I did with the old router-modem!
- Besides the TV and a DVD player in the bedroom, which is 30 feet away from my office computer with the router next to it, I will add soon a receiver in the living room, also 30 feet away. And my iPad is on. That’s it. I don’t believe I would need a MOCA or other range extender for my small apartment.
- So I figured that maybe I needed to set the network to the NETGEAR94-5G band choice for a wider band, but it won’t let me because it’s already set up. Shouldn't the router then automatically switch to 5G when needed? Is that what is causing the Netflix hangup? Does my TV choose between bands? Do I need to reset a different network password for 5G band?
- I am using TiVo to handle my TV. My Mac is 8 years old, and works now faster, but I’m replacing it next week.
- I don’t know what firmware it came with - do I need to add some new firmware - some people have experienced problems with updates? Do I need to change channels in the internet settings? Is there a website to help me choose the best channel for my setup? Do I need to install the Netgear genie on my iPad to help out? How do I do that, if necessary?
- Happy with my buy, but do need help with Netflix. Thanks so much for your help.
Thank you ntwrks and The Ether for your prompt and helpful advice. Upon returning home, I've had to deal with a failing computer and had to get a new Mac and transfer all my apps and files and deal with programs that won't say hello to me until I stroke their ego - will any of us live long enough to get a brain transplant that "thinks tech repairs and computer program reinstallments instead of having to deal with well-meaning but badly trained associates"?
Back to my issue, got the Samsumg TV a few months ago, so that was not an immediate factor, although it may have been a factor demanding more effort from my previous Arris router-modem; I was running everything on TiVo and had no problems with an earlier version of it and a 14 year old Sony TV. Problems started with the TiVo Roamio and the Samsung TV, still on an OTA connection. I will install the Netgear Genie when I get a chance, but meantime I did change the channel to 9, and Holy Mackerel: so far I've had no Netflix interruption for several days! Will also check your other suggestions if necessary.
I'm aware that there are bigger problems in this world than a Netflix transmission interruption, but my wife and I are grateful to the both of you and the entire community of "life users" for helping us take care of this one "life nuisance". "May you thrive and multiply!"
Ronny
6 Replies
You should look at the manual for your tv. Worst case, you may have to use an Ethernet cable.. 5ghz has better throughput but shorter range. Set up antennae's in a W pattern. \|/ 2.4ghz use channel 1,6,or 11 (leat congested) - don't leave on auto. 5ghz, typically the higher channels are better..
"I clicked on the NETGEAR94 band choice, entered the supplied Password, and it showed me that the NETGEAR94-5G choice was also automatically accepted."
I hope you have changed the default wifi passphrase and router default passwords. Using default passwords will usually result in having your router/network hacked..
Thank you so much for your prompt reply. I'm away for a few days, so I'll follow your advice when I return by midweek.
The R7000 is a simultaneous, dual-band router, so both bands will be active by default. You didn't specify the model of your Samsung TV, but you will have to look up the specifications to determine whether it can connect to the 5 GHz band.
Are you using the Netflix app included with the TV or are you running it on the Tivo? I have a 6 year old Samsung Smart TV and the Netflix app on it just sucks. Netflix runs fine on my Amazon Fire TV. I think my TV isn't powerful enough to handle an HD video stream.
There are several options for finding the least congested Wi-Fi channel. You can install the Netgear Genie program onto your desktop and display the channels in use around you. I'm not sure if the iPad version can do the same. There are free programs, like Vistumbler and Acrylic Wi-Fi, that can display Wi-Fi network usage. Even Apple's Airport Utility has a simple Wi-Fi scanner that you could use in a pinch. Read how to use it here.
Thank you for your help. I intend to try your suggestions by midweek when I return home.
Thank you ntwrks and The Ether for your prompt and helpful advice. Upon returning home, I've had to deal with a failing computer and had to get a new Mac and transfer all my apps and files and deal with programs that won't say hello to me until I stroke their ego - will any of us live long enough to get a brain transplant that "thinks tech repairs and computer program reinstallments instead of having to deal with well-meaning but badly trained associates"?
Back to my issue, got the Samsumg TV a few months ago, so that was not an immediate factor, although it may have been a factor demanding more effort from my previous Arris router-modem; I was running everything on TiVo and had no problems with an earlier version of it and a 14 year old Sony TV. Problems started with the TiVo Roamio and the Samsung TV, still on an OTA connection. I will install the Netgear Genie when I get a chance, but meantime I did change the channel to 9, and Holy Mackerel: so far I've had no Netflix interruption for several days! Will also check your other suggestions if necessary.
I'm aware that there are bigger problems in this world than a Netflix transmission interruption, but my wife and I are grateful to the both of you and the entire community of "life users" for helping us take care of this one "life nuisance". "May you thrive and multiply!"
Ronny
