Router causing buffering issues?

Happy_Girl_2

Since I installed a new router a few months ago, I have had issues with buffering when watching videos. There is currently a desktop pc wired to the router, with 2 laptops, iphone and a Wii all using wireless access. All of the machines have the same problem

Youtube/iplayer will load, play normally for 30 seconds or so, then start buffering and ever resume playback! It's very frustrating!

The router is a Belkin £40 job, but would buying a more expensive router solve this problem? Broadband is x20 via VM, so could it be possible that the router can't cope with the speed the cable is trying to push the broadwidth through at?

I know router prices vary enormously, so was wondering if buying a higher grade of router would sort the issue out?

aliEnRIK

So this is the 1st wireless router youve used?
Wireless is never as good as wired.
Have you tried JUST your pc with nothing else connected? Have you tried a laptop with nothing else connected? (This will determine if its just wireless or the router in general)
How far from the components is the router?

Hammyman

No, the router isn't the problem. Buying a more expensive one won't cure the issue.

Happy_Girl_2

aliEnRIK wrote: »

So this is the 1st wireless router youve used?
Wireless is never as good as wired.
Have you tried JUST your pc with nothing else connected? Have you tried a laptop with nothing else connected? (This will determine if its just wireless or the router in general)
How far from the components is the router?

99% of the time, it is only the wired pc running from the router as all the laptops and Wii are powered down. I haven't tried it with just a laptop, This is the first router I've tried using, and also when the laptop is being used it is generally only 5 metres or so away, as it will be my bf sitting on the sofa at the other end of the room. It makes no difference whether he is in the same room or next door. The wii is also in this room

aliEnRIK

Just to make sure its definitely the router, plug the modem direct into the desktop and clarify it is the router at fault

thor

I agree it is probably not a router issue. You can tell for sure the next time it happens by connecting your modem directly back to your desktop again and seeing if it is still having trouble buffering.
If it is the router then turn off wireless in the router configuration to eliminate that as the cause.
I think the fault is more likely to lie with the browser. Does it occur in IE, firefox, opera etc? Maybe try changing their settings?

Happy_Girl_2

I'm running Chrome but I've installed the IE extension, and disabled the ad blocker, and seem to have a resolution (or sorts!)

Videos used to start buffering after about 30 seconds, but I've managed to watch one for 50 seconds this morning, and when it started buffering switched it from SD to HD and it continued until the end (3 minute video)

It's not ideal but at least they can been seen to the end now. Will have to try it with iplayer later

But thanks for all your input guys