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ParagJain

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jul 24, 2011
590
141
Hi -

Not sure why, but when i do a speed check using speedtest application, the internet speed on apple tv is extremely slow (30/40 Mbps).
Standing right next to apple tv, when i run the speedtest app using my iphone or ipad or macbook, its always close to 300 Mbps .. to my expectations.

have tried reset the network by deleting it and adding again. have restarted the modem and typical restarts on the devices that i can do.
the DNS settings are by default..nothing has been changed.

Anything specific that I can check why the speed is too slow ONLY on apple tv ?

thx.
 
Could the TV app be reporting megaBYTES per seconds, and you iPhone app reports megaBITS per second. Then the two devices would be reported about the same speed.
 
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Could the TV app be reporting megaBYTES per seconds, and you iPhone app reports megaBITS per second. Then the two devices would be reported about the same speed.
Nope, its the same unit of measure.
 
Wi-Fi or Ethernet? If using Wi-Fi try Ethernet and see if that’s the same.
Personally unless you’re seeing quality degradation on streams I wouldn’t worry about it, you need a minimum of 25mbps for 4K Streaming so it’s definitely registering there’s more than enough to handle those streams.
 
Are you using a HomePod or Stereo pair as your default output for the ATV? If yes, then from my experience this consumes bandwidth and gives a lower speed test result. But if streaming is good, then, as noted by @-Gonzo-, you are still OK.
 
I measure >200Mbps on my ATV4K using the Speedtest app (WiFi 5GHz connection), which is what I would expect. Perhaps the network interface on your ATV is defective?
 
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I keep my ATV 4K 2017 connected via ethernet and it always has about the same internet speed (220+ Mbits) as my iPhone, iPad, and other devices. I have also used it via 5G Wi-Fi and get the same fast results. OP, maybe there is a bad app on your ATV or something else occurring that isn't normal. Also, if you are using a 2G Wi-Fi connection you can expect slower speeds, often these are much slower than 5G Wi-Fi or ethernet.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions - Ethernet connectivity is not possible as I don't have option to physically move the internet modem close to apple tv. all devices are connected via 5 Ghz only;

check on macbook's network tool and so far seems, that wifi channel seems to be relatively free.

I plan to take it to apple store just to get it checked out, i have tried all known options above + resetting and setting up as new device. Not sure what is the challenge with this device.

Lets see what repair guys have to say about it ..

thanks again to everyone !!
 
Are you using a HomePod or Stereo pair as your default output for the ATV? If yes, then from my experience this consumes bandwidth and gives a lower speed test result. But if streaming is good, then, as noted by @-Gonzo-, you are still OK.
don't have homepod.. my apple tv is connected to TV only and TV is optical out to soundbar.
 
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Double check the server you speed test app is connecting to. Make sure that your phone and ATV are using the same server. Yesterday I ran a speed test on my ATV - it connected to a server that give me download speeds about 1/4 of what I expected. I switched to a different server in in the same city and got speeds consistent with [actually better than] what I am paying for. Turned out the problem was the server, not the ATV.
 
5 GHz can be lousy at traversing solid objects. I'd temporarily move the Apple TV to ensure it isn't in a poor location from the radio perspective. I'd also temporarily try Ethernet just so you can see what your "best case" scenario would be.

Also note that the popular "Speedtest" App isn't a great way to diagnose local network issues, as there are a lot of unhelpful variables on "the far side of the modem". An iperf-style speed test client/server can be more helpful, as it will only be measuring the performance of your local network.
 
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I've had speed issues with my Apple TV 4K and Google mesh WiFi setup. There are many threads out there about a compatibility issue between these two systems!

Do you have Google WiFi? This could be the issue.

I have to reboot my Apple TV every few days to get back to full speed. Speeds tend to get worse the number of times I sleep / wake up my Apple TV.
 
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I've had speed issues with my Apple TV 4K and Google mesh WiFi setup. There are many threads out there about a compatibility issue between these two systems!

Do you have Google WiFi? This could be the issue.

I have to reboot my Apple TV every few days to get back to full speed. Speeds tend to get worse the number of times I sleep / wake up my Apple TV.
Hi, Nope, not using a mesh wifi.

Its connected to service provided Wifi Modem. I have actually gone ahead and factory reset the apple tv and its still the same. and from last 2 days, the only stutter and buffer i am getting is when viewing content on Apple TV's shows.

Netflix, prime video and hotstar seems to be fine from last 2, 3 days.


5 GHz can be lousy at traversing solid objects. I'd temporarily move the Apple TV to ensure it isn't in a poor location from the radio perspective. I'd also temporarily try Ethernet just so you can see what your "best case" scenario would be.
I realize that 5G is not very good when there are hard objects but, both modem and Apple TV is in the same room (living room). One is on the West wall (tv), modem is on the east wall. Approx straight line distance is 26 feet, may be 30.
 
what is a DOCIS modem ?
DOCIS - Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification is an international telecommunications standard that permits the addition of high-bandwidth data transfer to an existing cable television system.

In a nutshell it's a cable modem used by cable internet service providers such as Xfinity. You'll want a DOCIS 3.1 compliant modem if you want the fastest speed. If you rent your modem from the service provider, it's already a 3.1 modem. If you purchase your own modem, you have to make sure it's 3.1 compliant. Some older modems are only 3.0 compliant. Usually the cable service provider warns you if you are using an out-dated modem.

In the grand scheme of things the best setup is an ethernet connection directly from your cable modem or router to your Apple TV. Connect the Apple TV via HDMI to your TV. Anything over the air (i.e. WiFi) is subject to interference. A wired connection is not... assuming the feed coming into the cable modem is good.
 
DOCIS - Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification is an international telecommunications standard that permits the addition of high-bandwidth data transfer to an existing cable television system.

In a nutshell it's a cable modem used by cable internet service providers such as Xfinity. You'll want a DOCIS 3.1 compliant modem if you want the fastest speed. If you rent your modem from the service provider, it's already a 3.1 modem. If you purchase your own modem, you have to make sure it's 3.1 compliant. Some older modems are only 3.0 compliant. Usually the cable service provider warns you if you are using an out-dated modem.

In the grand scheme of things the best setup is an ethernet connection directly from your cable modem or router to your Apple TV. Connect the Apple TV via HDMI to your TV. Anything over the air (i.e. WiFi) is subject to interference. A wired connection is not... assuming the feed coming into the cable modem is good.
Good for me to know, here in India I don't think we have this interface.

thank you !!
 
An iperf-style speed test client/server can be more helpful, as it will only be measuring the performance of your local network.

Network Speed tester is available on the Apple TV (client) and Mac (server). Best place to start is to eliminate internet issues - just test the network speed.

You'll want a DOCIS 3.1 compliant modem if you want the fastest speed.

DOCSIS 4.0 modems are coming. Comcast just announced their new xFi Advanced 6E Gateway, also known internally as the XB8, which supports "muli-gigabit" symmetrical speeds. Unsure about what DOCSIS version it has.

here in India I don't think we have this interface.

It does exist:

 
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