Wi-Fi & connectivity

[RHMoon]

So it seems I'm the latest in a long line, but with some differences.

Basically, my 3920x Premier lost network connection today, while streaming a show. It is now completely unable to see the wifi network it was connected to just two hours ago, or any others either. Again, the device sees *no wifi networks at all*, not mine, not my neighbors'. It used to be able to see just as many as my phone or laptop could, IIRC

I have restarted the device, I have restarted the wifi router, I have verified that the network is up and running and connectable by other devices. As far as I can tell, no updates were made to the router between this morning (when the Roku connected fine) and when the Roku lost connection.

As for the reason I made this post, instead of posting in one of the existing threads: I am not an Xfinity or Comcast customer. I'm getting my internet from Spectrum, and was experiencing no issues prior to today's drop.

The Spectrum router is 2.4GHz, but I only have the ability to select g/n, *not* b/g/n, in its settings. If this is a recent change to the router's firmware, I have no information about it happening. AFAIK, the router is working the same as it was yesterday, when there was no issue with connection.

Important info:

3920x - Roku Premier
Serial: YH009A461795
ID:K43079461795
OS: 10.0.0 build 4201-91

Steps I took: restarting everything, multiple times.

When I started seeing it: Today just after noon

My ISP is Spectrum,
Router info: Sagemcom Fast5280, model RAC2V2S
Broadcasting 2.4GHz, wireless mode 802.11g/n mixed, bandwidth auto-select


Thanks.

[RHMoon]

Uhh, just going to say that I'm going to be deleting this question, as the problem fixed itself while I was writing it.

Seriously. After three hours of nothing working, I just now looked up and the premier is reconnected to the network like nothing had happened.

edit: and now it's dropped again.

[AvsGunnar]

@RHMoon 

It is quite probable that you may be experiencing some interference or congestion on the network.  Can't discount that maybe the ISP (Spectrum) is just having issues today as well if this isn't a regular occurence.

I just tried pinging the Spectrum DNS servers (71.10.216.1 and 71.10.216.2) and received intermittent Timeout Errors so I think this could be part of your problem today. (at least accessing streaming content).  Post back if you see other DNS servers being used rather than these. 

If you are familiar with your router, you can try changing your primary DNS to Google public DNS 8.8.8.8 and the secondary DNS to 8.8.4.4 (or just change primary and leave Spectrum as secondary).

For your Wireless Settings, try manually assigning a channel (1, 6, or 11) as opposed to Auto.  Lower the Bandwidth or Channel Width to 20mhz as opposed to Auto as well.  These two settings alone can help mitigate some network interference and congestion.

Post back with an update or if you need more help.

[RHMoon]

I don't think it's the DNS, as I'm not having any issues with streaming or other activities on other devices. IOW, phone, desktop, laptop, etc, all connect to the internet without issue. I'm not even getting the timeout issue you saw, and I'm connecting to 71.10.216 1 and 2.

I've now seen multiple instances of the Roku "finding" the wifi network it has been connected to for months, seeming to have a stable connection, and then dropping the network entirely upon my checking the connection. It then is unable to find *any* networks at all.

I'll see if the other suggestions help. Thanks.

edit: limiting the bandwidth and manually selecting the channels did not solve the problem. No effect.

[RHMoon]

So, just to reiterate, the issue is that the Roku is not connecting to any networks at all. Not even *seeing* any networks at all.

Did a full factory reset on the router. No change.

Limited the bandwidth and channel. No change.

Moved everything as close together as could be. No change.

Went into the secret screen on the Roku, saw it was running a bit warm (86f). Cooled it down to 70f. Did everything again. No change.

Did a full factory reset on the Roku. No change. Still does not see that any wifi networks exist, at all.

Beginning to think that the wifi antenna on this thing has gone belly up.

[AvsGunnar]

@RHMoon 

Had to edit my longer posting as saw your updated posting with current details as I was responding.

It is possible that the 3920 wireless NIC/antenna then may be starting to wear out. (Indicative especially when "no" networks are shown as available."  I have the 3921 and haven't had any connection problems (although does tend to run very warm, nearing hot).  Other than seeing if any nearby devices may be causing interference on the network or knocking the Premiere offline, it may just be a failing device, unfortunately. 

The only other thing I would try/verify is perhaps a power issue.  Try using a new power adapter/cell phone adapter plugged into the wall (or use the power adapter if currently plugged into TV USB power port.)  An underpowered or problematic powered Roku will experience random issues. 

It is likely though that you have a failed device.  Wish I could give you a more positive response.

[renojim]

My 3920 is by far the worst Roku I've ever owned (and I've owned a good many different models).  You'll see plenty of people with the same "no networks show up" problem as well as overheating problems.  I'd suggest taking a hammer to it and going out and getting one of the models that are on sale this time of the year unless it's still under warranty.

[AvsGunnar]

@renojim 

Was going to flag you to this posting originally to get your opinion on the 3920.   I was hoping this was one of the few that could be saved.

[RHMoon]

@AvsGunnar  @renojim 

Thanks for the feedback, friends. It does indeed appear that the wifi antenna is dead-dead-deadski. I'm going to go ahead and replace it.

Oh well. I like the Roku well enough, and enjoy fixing things, but this was apparently destined to be dissatisfying.