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Choosing a channel and band for streaming TV
I'm using the R7000 router with Spectrum's streaming service on my Samsung smart TV. I connect to the router through a powerline adapter, and I use the 5GH band. The channel is set to 153, which I guess is the default as I didn't choose it. Of all the channels that I access, only Spectrum's service gives me problems. Channels cut out and buffer routinely, or go into buffering before they load. Spectrum tells me repeatedly to reset my modem and router, which accomplishes nothing.
Lately, they suggested that I change my channel to 1, 6, or 11. As I'm using high band, those channels are unavailable. If I switch to low band, my router channel setting is set to Auto. I guess the first question is, should I switch the network to the 2.4GHz band? If so, should I set the channel to a specific one as Spectrum suggested? As every streaming service works great with my present setings, I'd hate to screw up my other channels. I attached a screenshot of my settings. Thanks.
The reason they recommend it is because most tier 1 techs from spectrum/comcast/cox are just regular people with some basic training/troubleshooting. I know some pretty techologically smart people who don't know much about networking/wireless. the more you learn, the more you find out you don't know about networking. Half the time, I feel like a dumb*** compared to many of the members on here.
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5ghz is much much faster than 2.4ghz and doesn't suffer from the same interference that 2.4ghz does. I'd stick with the 5ghz.
You said you're using powerline. For the tv?
What firmware is on the router?
Thanks very much! Yes, I'm using powerline for my TV. I added it based on Community suggestions, as I was having problems streaming video from Amazon, Netflix, etc. The unit is a PLW1000. Powerline fixed everything, and I've remained on 5GHz as well. My router firmware is V1.0.9.88_10.2.88. The router states that the firmware is current.
I realize that some devices do not support 5GHz. My download speed is >100Mbps. I didn't advise Specrum which band I was using, but Channels 1, 6, & 11 are on low band. My guess is that, if I tell them I'm on 5GHz, they'll tell me to use 2.4GHz, just to avoid acknowledging that the problem is Spectrum. Regarding channels, do you know why my channel is set to 153? Would there be a reason to change the channel? As you suggested, I'm not inclined to switch to 2.4GHz plus override the Auto channel select just to appease Spectrum, though their service is miserable. AFAIK, I can't use 1-6-11 on 5GHz.
correct. Channels 1-11 are 2.4ghz.
The higher channels are 5ghz and are much higher throughput.
with your tv, if its on poweline, disconnect the 5ghz connection.