Baffling connection problem to LG smart TV

[Ronthechippy]

Here goes......

Internet connection with FTTP. 100Mbps
LG smart TV worked ok with old 80Mbps BT contract (no TV buffering).

Now that Vodafone BB is working well, the connection speed measured on the TV is up to 20Mbps and normally around 8Mbps (TV buffers).

I get the same results when:
Connected by ethernet cable to the Vodafone router.
Connected by ethernet cable from Tp link TL-WR940N access point.
Connected by wireless from the above access point (Wireless speed next to the TV with my phone measures 95Mbps)

To me it looks like there's setting in the Vodafone router that needs fixing to get the TV to shake hands properly with the router.

Any ideas?

Cheers

Ron

[Andy]

Hi @MickPollard 👋 If you can contact us via our social teams on the link here. We will be able to look into this with you and check for any issues that could be affecting you. 

[CrimsonLiar]

@Ronthechippy , so normally changing the DNS servers shouldn't have removed the buffering - only your DNS queries should be hitting the DNS servers, once you have the endpoint your data should be traversing directly!

Unless of course the endpoint/target being supplied by Vodafone and Google DNS is different !  At the moment with the issues related to CityFibre connections that could well be the case.

So @Andy it would be useful if it were possible to log the DNS queries on the router, and then see if those queries route identically via different DNS!

[Ronthechippy]

@CrimsonLiar 

Yea the DNS thing is a bit baffling, it was something I found on the web that was worth a try.

It worked AND when reverting to the "automatic" DNS setting the buffering returned.

Unfortunately Vodafone.....etc.

Cheers

Ron

[Scotty76]

Just to say I had the exact same problems. Ethernet didn't help. As an aside LG only support 100Mbps via wired connection which is a bit rubbish! 

Anyway dug out a Roku 4K stick I have. Works perfectly even in UHD, even at peak times. 

[Scotty76]

Sorry meant to mention iPlayer was the main culprit. Netflix etc works fine. 

[DavidWilman]

I have the same problem on both an LG and Samsung smart TVs which were never a problem before.  Given I am paying for 500mb connection, very annnoyed.

This must be a Vodafone issue.  Interestingly the 8.8.8.8 fix works for the LG - I cannot change it on the Samsung.  Very disappointing given the cost for the additional speed.

[Ronthechippy]

Hi,

Vodafone will tell you that they have checked your line and it's all fine. I suspect they check the line from after their equipment to your router. It should be fine...BUT....this ignores their equipment which all your data has to pass through. My guess is that this is where the congestion/packet loss/speed drop occurs. You may be unlucky to be on one of these lines. Vodafone should listen to their long suffering customers and fix it.

It's sad I know but here is screengrab of BQM overlaid with Speedtest...interesting!

Cheers

Ron

[MRKEVIN]

Thanks Ron.

[MRKEVIN]

Hi Ron. Im having the same problems with my new LG Tv. Ethernet wired direct to router using a Cat 7 cable. Buffer on nearly all channels much worse in the evenings sometimes upto 4 times every 5mins. Tried reset of router. Reset of tv apps. Useless to say the least. 

Kevin.

[Ronthechippy]

Hi Kevin,

You could try changing the DNS server on the TV to Google 8.8.8.8. This did work for me for a short time. I've no idea why though.

You could set up a BQM monitor on the thinkbroadband website. This will show you if there is much in the way of "packet loss" on your line. I found that when there was anything over 20% packet loss there was also a speed drop down to 1mbps at the same time. As I understand it, packet loss should max out at 1 to 2% before degradation of signal occurs.

My guess is that Vodafone's kit down the line isn't up to supplying what they say you should receive and they need to spend some cash to upgrade it. I suspect that there could be a breach of contract issue here.

Have now left Vodafone....life is a lot better!!

Cheers

Ron