Broadband for streaming

Not all broadband is designed to handle the demands of HD, 4K, and future streaming technology. When choosing broadband for streaming, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure you get the best experience:

• Speed and number of devices: The faster your broadband, the better your streaming quality. For HD streaming on a single device, speeds of at least 20-30 Mbps are ideal. For 4K streaming, you'll need 100 Mbps or more. If multiple devices are connected to your network, you'll need faster speeds to maintain smooth performance, especially with several people streaming, gaming, or downloading simultaneously.
• Latency: Low latency is important for a smooth experience, especially when streaming live content like sports or gaming. Full fibre broadband typically offers lower latency compared to traditional copper connections.
• Reliability: Stability is key. Full fibre broadband is more reliable than traditional broadband, ensuring that your connection stays consistent during longer streams or when multiple devices are in use.
• Wi-Fi coverage: Good Wi-Fi coverage is essential to avoid weak signals or buffering in certain areas of your home. You might need mesh routers if you have a larger home.

Yes, using an Ethernet cable will improve streaming, especially when compared to relying solely on Wi-Fi. Here’s how:

• More stable connection: Ethernet provides a direct, wired connection, which is typically more stable and reliable than Wi-Fi. This can reduce buffering, lag, or drops in streaming quality, especially for HD or 4K content.
• Faster speeds: Ethernet cables can support higher speeds than many Wi-Fi connections, ensuring that you get the full potential of your broadband plan, particularly when streaming high-definition or 4K content.
• Lower latency: A wired connection generally offers lower latency compared to Wi-Fi, making it ideal for streaming live content, such as sports or events, without delays.
• Less interference: Ethernet isn’t affected by the interference that can impact Wi-Fi, such as other devices or physical obstructions like thick walls.

Yes, 150 Mbps is fast enough for streaming. It comfortably supports HD streaming and can handle 4K streaming on one or two devices. If multiple people are streaming or engaging in other low-demand activities, 150 Mbps will still provide a stable connection. However, if your household has several devices connected simultaneously or if multiple high-bandwidth tasks are running, you may notice a dip in performance. Learn more about speeds in our broadband speed guide.

If your streaming is slow, there could be several factors causing the issue. Here are the most common reasons:

• Insufficient internet speed: If your broadband speed isn’t fast enough for the quality you’re trying to stream, it can result in buffering or slow loading times.
• Too many devices connected: If multiple devices are using the internet at the same time, especially for high-bandwidth activities like gaming, downloading, or video calling, it can slow down your streaming. The more devices connected, the more your available bandwidth gets divided.
• Wi-Fi interference: Wi-Fi signals can be affected by physical obstructions (walls, floors) or interference from other devices (microwaves, baby monitors, etc.). This can result in slower speeds and affect your streaming quality.
• Router issues: If your router is outdated or not powerful enough to support your needs, it can limit your connection speed. Upgrading to a more powerful router, especially one with Wi-Fi 6, like the GoFibre Advanced Router, can help improve streaming performance.
• Streaming platform issues: Sometimes the problem isn’t on your end. The streaming service itself may be experiencing issues, such as high traffic, technical glitches, or server problems that can cause slow streaming.

To improve your internet for streaming, there are several strategies you can implement:

• Upgrade your broadband plan: Make sure your broadband speed is sufficient for streaming. If you have multiple people streaming or using the internet at once, consider upgrading to a higher-speed plan.
• Use an Ethernet cable: A wired Ethernet connection is often more stable and faster than Wi-Fi. If possible, connect your streaming device directly to the router for the best performance.
• Optimize your Wi-Fi: If you have to rely on Wi-Fi, make sure your router is placed in a central location, free from obstructions. Avoid placing it near other devices that may cause interference (like microwaves or cordless phones). Upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6 router can also improve speeds and stability, especially in homes with many connected devices.
• Limit device usage: Reduce the number of devices using the internet at the same time. Streaming on multiple devices, or engaging in other high-bandwidth activities (like gaming or downloading), can slow down your connection.
• Upgrade your router: An older router may not be able to support higher speeds or modern streaming standards. Upgrading to a dual-band or tri-band router with the latest technology (like Wi-Fi 6) can help improve speed and performance.
• Boost your Wi-Fi: If your streaming device is far from the router, consider using Wi-Fi mesh network systems to improve coverage throughout your home and eliminate dead zones.
• Clear cache or reset your streaming app: Sometimes, the issue can be with the app itself. Try clearing the cache or restarting the app to improve performance.