Solving playback issues

[theodorecarloss]

Why are the Roku devices that physically plug into my wall, have a hard time connecting to my network and/or even locating my network. 

I have a Roku thumbstick connected to one of my televisions. That works fine and has for years. 

I have a Roku TV, which works fine. I've had no problems in the 18 months that I've owned it. 

I have two Roku Devices that I plug into the wall for power and an HDMI cable connected to the back of the television. I have nothing but problems with these. 

I thought the device was bad, so I purchased a new one, and was told by an employee at Meijer that several people were returning their Roku's claiming that they were no longer working. 

The new one that I purchased is experiencing the same problems (issues locating my network, issues connecting to my network once connected, and then issues with the my download speed, which I'm currently averaging 335 Mbps). 

Is this a common problem or is there a solution to resolve this? 

I just started experiencing this problem within the last six months, and it started, after Roku's network went down a few months ago, and Roku sent out something telling it's users that the problem was resolved and to conduct an update on their devices, which they made available. 

[renojim]

What are the model numbers of the problem devices displayed under Settings->System->About?  Some Roku devices only support 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.  The sticks usually (always?) support 2.4 and 5GHz, so it's possible your devices are using different frequency bands.

[theodorecarloss]

Model: 3920X - Roku Premier 

Software version: 10.5.0 Build 4208-91

There is no IP address listed (just zeros), but there is a Wireless MAC address. 

[MilesT]

I have had the WiFi on an express go bad after a while, and cheaper devices may not have strongest WiFi solution, and will also be affected if e.g. box is on a metal table or in a cabinet.

I also suspect that many of the devices have overheat problems in the design and later OS releases are driving ther hardware harder creating more heat.

[theodorecarloss]

One of them is brand new. Just a couple of weeks old. Won't work for some reason. 

[Strega]

The 3920 is 2.4GHz only. Sticks run both bands.  Probably the TV runs both bands too.

Make sure your router broadcasting 2.4GHz and is set to b/g/n modes.  If that doesn't fix it, experiment with other Wi-Fi channels.  I doubled the throughput of my Rokus by just changing channels.

2.4GHz is also more susceptible to congestion and interference since there is a lot of usage and it penetrates walls well.  (ie: you are competing for signal with neighbors much more on 2.4GHz than on 5Ghz.)

[theodorecarloss]

That does seem logical. I'm going to test it tomorrow by transferring a thumbdrive to that television and will report back.