Wi-Fi & connectivity

[ramair02]

My TCL Roku TV (55S535) shows "Good" network connection and download speed of 37mbps. When I run Ookla speeedtest on my phone and stand right next to the TV, the speeds are 526mbps down / 394mbps up. 

Both devices are connected to the same network and have 5ghz connection. My home internet setup is an Orbi RBK50 mesh system. I have FiOS gigabit internet. This tv is 10 feet from the RBR50 main router. 

This causes issues when trying to direct play high bitrate movies & tv shows. Why is there such a stark difference in speed between the Roku TV and other wifi connected devices in my home?

Edit: From reading other threads:
- I have also tried various wireless channels with the same results.
- I connected to my phone's WiFi Hotspot and the Roku tested at 82mbps. WTH!?

- I have tried network connection reset from the advanced system settings menu

[ramair02]

I did some testing on my Roku devices around the house and they all have this same issue. I have tested the connection speed through the Roku Settings. I have also tested the speed on my Android phone using Ookla Speed Test standing next to each device.

Here are the results:

- Basement Roku TV: 37 mbps, Phone Speed Test: 526mbps

- Living Room Roku Ultra: 48mbps, Phone Speed Test: 364mbps

- Bedroom Roku TV: 22mbps, Phone Speed Test: 482mbps

[renojim]

You're never going to see those speeds on a Roku.  What you're getting is plenty good for Internet streaming.  If you're not having any issues there's really no reason to check the speed.

[ramair02]

Thank you for your reply.

I am having issues though. High bitrate 1080p and 4k files (which I stream through my Plex server) often have bitrates of 30mbp+ with spikes that can require double that amount. When I try to play high bitrate files on Roku, I often get the "server not fast enough" type error. I know it is not my Plex rig because I'm trying to direct play (not transcode) and my CPU & RAM are at low utilization when I get these errors. 

I'm not expecting 500mbps from my Roku devices, but I do expect to get around 100 or more. They are Wireless ac after all, right?

[atc98092]

Sometimes the speed over WiFi is impaired by other wireless signals in the area. I'd first suggest trying a different channel. Since you mentioned .11ac, I'm assuming you're connected via 5 GHz. Make sure the channel number you select is below 49 or above 148. Roku devices don't work on DFS channels. 

[ramair02]

Yes, I'm connected to 5ghz. I've tried different wireless channels. I'm on 48 now. Was on 36 earlier today. Similar speeds regardless.

What makes me believe this is a Roku issue is the tested Ookla Speed Tests when standing next to each Roku vs. the speed tests from Roku itself. Drastically different by hundreds of megabytes.

[renojim]

I don't think the Roku Internet speed test really tells you anything about the speed you can get from your local server.  I don't know if Rokus support all possible channel widths, but have you experimented with that setting on your router?

[ramair02]

Thanks for the thought.

I have 20/40 MHz coexistence disabled in my router settings, but that setting only affects 2.4 GHz. There are no channel width settings for 5 GHz

[Redmont3]

Yes I just tried a Roku support chat to fix this same issue. I get 60mbps on my iPad standing next to my Roku Streming stick plus and on 5 tests of my Roku connection I get between 2 and 14 mbps. I don’t want to adjust any settings on my router because all other wifi devices in the house work fine when we use them. There does not seem to be any answer 

[ramair02]

Agreed. I also tried to fix through Roku Support, but they told me it is an ISP issue and I should contact them. It clearly is not an ISP issue. Every other device in my home get great speeds. This is becoming more clear that it is a Roku issue.