Wi-Fi & connectivity

[RoamingRobert]

Been battling this for DAYS.... seems like an incompatibility issue with the Roku OS and my router that runs openwrt.... this device works fine with my other router at home (a modern wifi6 router (for example)...... spent over 7 hours yesterday doing tests/resets/you name it..... NOT computer illiterate..... done every type of reset I’ve seen online.... tested out two Roku express units both updated... same result.... always excellent wife but speed is “<1mbps”..... been reading about MANY many people with the same issue and have not found ‘one’ “solution” published that fixes this issue.... I have tried all channels for 2.4ghz, played with the power settings on my router, all kinds of things... tested out a Fire Stick on the same network (works FINE!!!).... factory reset, reinstalled update.... you name it... sooooo looks like software (ugh!!!)

[AvsGunnar]

Thinking you meant the new Express 4k 3940.  If so, you should be able to connect this model to either 2.4 ghz or 5ghz. (dual band device).  The older Express models were solely 2.4ghz.

I use DDWRT rather than OpenWrt, so not sure if applicable to all routers and firmware versions, but OpenWrt has a  few specific automatic settings conditionally based on its protocol settings. One such is having Legacy B support Enabled.  If you are trying to use the Express 3940 on the 2.4 ghz band, try changing Wireless Settings to g/n protocol (mode), setting bandwidth to 20mhz, and experiment with different channels as you are doing.  Additionally, in Wireless Settings, look for Legacy Support option, and set to Disable if present.  If you don't have any older laptops, you can also try using N-only rather than g/n (just have to experiment here and adjust if you find your are losing device access).  Remember to restart your router and Roku after saving any changes in router. 

Otherwise, try connecting your Express 3940 to your 5ghz network, taking into account that Roku will only recognize channels 36-48 on lower band and 149-161 on upper band.  If your router is set to other channels than these, the Roku will not see your network.

Other than the new Express 4k models 3940 and 3941, no other Express models will see or use the 5ghz band.

 Post back with any updates or if you need more help.  Specifically, verify Roku model number and also provide router model with OpenWrt firmware build.  I also routinely factory reset routers and clear NVRAM when troubleshooting.  Sometimes easier than chasing down individual settings and provides picture of what router is initially seeing re: network configuration.  Especially an older router previously configured for running devices that may no longer be present on network.

Edited... See you have a tag of Express 3930.  If this is your model, then disregard the above regarding 5 ghz connection, the 3930 will only operate on the 2.4ghz band.

[RoamingRobert]

Yea... it’s the 3930...2.4ghz model.... is there any way to edit a tile on this board???

[RoamingRobert]

OutdoorRouter EZR33 

Has 2.4ghz WiFi output only

Openwrt 

Latest firmware EV3121

Set to ‘n’, tried ALL channels 

Works well with Amazon Fire Sick by the way... 

I even erased all the settings on the router and started fresh... still no luck after a factory reset....(not fun)

[AvsGunnar]

I will see if I see anything else this evening re: this router.  Could be this router just doesn't like the Roku, (or vice-versa) especially if the Roku device is operating properly on your other routers.  Other things you can try if so determined would be alternate DNS servers and again verifying that Legacy Support is indeed disabled. Really the two "speed" influencers off top of my head. 

Just offhand, is there a reason you are not using the routers that do work with the Roku?

[renojim]

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@RoamingRobert wrote:

Yea... it’s the 3930...2.4ghz model.... is there any way to edit a tile on this board???

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Edit your first post - click on the 3 dots in the upper right corner of your post.  You can then edit the title of that post which is the title of the thread.

[RoamingRobert]

I will play with DNS servers later today and see if that does anything.... I mentioned earlier B9but do not see it posted here) .... I'm using my own router at home... the T-Mobile Home internet service and the roku devices are using the RV park internet that runs off the OutdoorRouter EZR33 (https://ezr33.outdoorrouter.com) I have been running some test both at the clubhouse and with an identical unit I borrowed  here at my house where I am very close to one of the park routers.... signal here is very high but the roku refuses to download faster than '<1mbps' ..... but when I test out a similar kind of device by Amazon - the fire Stick..... that downloads at 21mbps typically (using a couple of different tools available for fire stick) 

I will try out a number of DNS on the router.....  let me know if you have any new ideas....thanks

[RoamingRobert]

Do you or anyone else happen to know if the streaming stick has a better radio inside that might have less issues with 2.4ghz (yea.... I know it's a dual band unit but I cannot use 5ghz here with the park internet)  Just throwing that out there.......

[AvsGunnar]

I am kind of thinking after looking at the Outdoor Router that it is likely to be strength of signal issue with the Roku trying to receive the Outdoor Router Signal.  This router seems equipped with MIMO and so does the Firestick which probably explains why you are getting a much better connection. (both are using built-in antenna boosters).  The Roku 3930 has pretty standard antenna (maybe even considered weak) depending who you ask. (not MIMO enabled).

I think you would probably find that if you first connected a bridged router (sometimes difficult configuring wireless bridged routers), and then connected the Roku to that bridged router, you would achieve a good connection. (router basically amplified extender/antenna booster).  You can also look at portable Wifi Bridge/Extenders such as these (easier to use as designed for such purposes).. https://www.amazon.com/portable-wifi-extender/s?k=portable+wifi+extender.

Regarding your Roku Stick question, you may have better luck since the power cable of the Roku Stick is an antenna booster which should bolster signal strength theoretically.  How much...can't say.  You can also try the newer Roku Express 3940 and 3941 which do contain MIMO technology so "should" get the results you are seeing from firestick.  I think this is the route I would go, put any new money towards a newer Roku device than the extender if all your other wireless devices are working properly both at home and when using the Outdoor Router.  Other than the Express 4k models, the 4800 Ultra and 9102R Streambar also have MIMO technology for higher upgrade/more expensive.

I don't think you will find a resolution within the settings of the router.  I think it is a strength issue.  Especially since both of your tested Express devices yielded same results (same hardware limitation).  If you want to test the wifi strength of your Roku Express, using your remote.....

press Home 5x, then Up, Down, Up, Down, Up (arrows)

The above should give you your antenna strengths and an RSSI (radio/antenna signal)  Noise  and SNR (Signal to Noise ratio...what Roku is showing as calculated Strength).   If you end up with a low RSSI, either weak antenna strength or too much noise/interference in signal.   You can actually do these tests both at your house and at park and compare results (would also compare reading between both Express devices.)

Post back with any results or if you need further help.  Curious to see if this is indeed issue.  If not, back to the original....this router and Roku just don't like each other. 

[0001]

why can't you people speak in layman's language. My new Roku will not allow me to open anything. When I click on Netflix I receive an error message 2009. My router is a new ATT router provided by them. Everything I try to open gets an error message. I connected reconnected, set reset. What is wrong with this thing?