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Apple TV 4K, ethernet is slower than wifi?!?

M

mikosk

macrumors regular
Original poster
Sep 20, 2013
192
115
I've had the AppleTV 4K for about 5 months without any issues. A few weeks ago I noticed buffering issues on Netflix, which never happened before. It's odd because Netflix usually works well even on slow connections. So I ran a speedtest and i was getting 1-2mbps on a WIRED connection. I have the 200 speed package from Time Warner and this was never an issue before.

So I switched to Wifi and speeds are up in the 40 range, a huge improvement and I eliminated the buffer.

Now I prefer wired ethernet when possible for speed, performance, etc. So I got a brand new CAT7 cable, called apple support, reset my Apple TV, all the things you would expect. I even got Apple to switch out the box since maybe the ethernet port failed.

So I get the new box yesterday, set it up with a wired connection, speedtest, same crappy results. 1-2mbps.

The only thing I can think is that it was the TVOS upgrade in Feb? It all worked well when I got it and that was the only thing that changed, I haven't switched modems, routers, etc.

Anyone know of any software issues causing the ethernet connection to drag?
 
Did you try to reset your router/switch? I had a Linksys that slowed down over time but perked right back up after a reset.
 
Does your Ethernet run have a switch/hub between the ATV and your router? If so, what’s it rated at? And are the ports auto-sensing? Is the ‘high speed’ light lit on the port? (If 100mb or faster).

Everything else failing, somehow get the ATV next to the router and use a 6’ cable and test. Eliminate your long run.
 
Here's my set-up. Zoom Cable Modem--->Netgear R7000 Router--->Apple TV. All connections are on 3' or 6' wire, all devices are literally right next to each other. My ATV is connected directly to the router, no switch in-between.

I do have QOS turned on to prioritize traffic to the ATV. I am fairly certain it is some conflict of software between my ATV and Router.
 
mikosk said:
Here's my set-up. Zoom Cable Modem--->Netgear R7000 Router--->Apple TV. All connections are on 3' or 6' wire, all devices are literally right next to each other. My ATV is connected directly to the router, no switch in-between.

I do have QOS turned on to prioritize traffic to the ATV. I am fairly certain it is some conflict of software between my ATV and Router.
Click to expand...

Dunno if this thread will help or not...

https://community.netgear.com/t5/Ni...ow-in-wired-ethernet-speed-latest/td-p/967808

Apparently they're indicating turn QOS off on wired devices, and make sure you have Cat-6 cabling -vs- Cat-5. I'm guessing the router is finicky. Dunno. I use a Ubiquiti system and get full speed on wire and wireless. Let us know.
 
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Try connecting a computer to the same router port that the ATV is currently connected to and run a benchmark (e.g. via speedtest.net).

My ATV4K is also connected via Ethernet and I have no issues, so I don't think there is a general problem with the ATV.
 
Because of this thread I downloaded Speedtest and ran it on my ATV4K. I am getting my full 60 download speed, and this is with a long ethernet run and going through a gigabit switch.

Good luck diagnosing the problem, I'm sure it's frustrating.
 
As kissfan suggested, it was the stupid QoS. I disabled it on my router and that cleared up everything, not only on the wired but also the wireless connections. Amazing that something that is supposed to manage traffic caused all the issues. I put in the Cloudflare DNS address as well for even faster performance. Now getting 130mbps down over wired. Appreciate the help!

This also solved my Xbox One speed issues as well.
 
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I have a similar issue with my Apple 4K.

Getting 93mbps on wired but get 300 on Wi-Fi.

it’s so strange getting lower on Ethernet when other devices connected to the same cable (like a laptop) are getting the full 300.

would love any suggestions
 
Maca9 said:
I have a similar issue with my Apple 4K.

Getting 93mbps on wired but get 300 on Wi-Fi.

it’s so strange getting lower on Ethernet when other devices connected to the same cable (like a laptop) are getting the full 300.

would love any suggestions
Click to expand...
Sounds like you may have a cat 5 cable, use cat 6 for best throughput.
 
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