If you’re like myself and millions of other gamers, you probably use your gaming console not only for playing, but for other media. With options like Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Sling, why wouldn’t you? The problem is, there are so many other wireless devices in our homes that can interfere and degrade our streaming capabilities. But fear not, there are a few ways to improve your streaming experience without buying a new router.
There are a few things you will want to do first in order to see what action needs to be taken. Assuming you’re connected to the Internet just fine, you will want to run a speed test to get a precise baseline. Hit the Menu button on your controller:
1. Select Settings .
2. Select Network .
3. Select Detailed Network Statistics .
Your Download speed, Upload speed, and Ping should be noted as these metrics will let you know if you’re getting the minimum “certified” XBOX experience. Those minimum numbers for HD streaming should read: 3.5MB/s for download speed and less than 150miliseconds for Ping. If your minimums DO NOT meet these specs, it is recommended to call your ISP.
If your connection speeds are up to par, we can move on and determine whether you have a wired connection via Ethernet cable or a wireless connection.
Step One : While wired connections are preferred for reliability, sometimes that’s not an option. To test your cable, XBOX recommends unplugging your current Ethernet cable and replacing it with a different one.
To run a performance test:
1. Press the Menu button on the Xbox One controller.
2. Select Settings .
3. Select Network .
4. On the Network Settings screen, select Test network connection on the right side of the screen.
If you don’t receive an error, then the old cable was the culprit to the problem.
For those with a wireless connection, there are a few more possible steps to cure your streaming ailments, which you can read through in the next few steps.
Step Two : The next step for wireless users is to disconnect any third party wireless headphones from your XBOX, which may seem a bit strange, but some of these devices can create performance problems. In order to single out whether or not the headphones could be causing a slowdown:
1. Press the Menu button on the controller.
2. Select Settings .
3. Select Network .
4. Select Detailed network statistics .
Use your baseline numbers as you normally would to compare your tests to see if there is any improvement in performance.
Step Three : It’s now time to turn our attention to other wireless interference, including Active Interference, Passive Interference, and Line of Sight.
Active Interference can be caused by other electronic devices that are broadcasting a wireless signal, including headphones, speakers, ovens, etc.
Passive Interference is caused when physical objects hinder how the signal is received on your XBOX. Walls, appliances, and furniture, can impact how well your signal is received. You can fix line-of-sight interference by moving your router around to improve signal strength.
To run a test and note any improvements:
1. Press the Menu button on the controller.
2. Select Settings .
3. Select Network .
4. Select Detailed network statistics .
Step Four : A quick power cycling of the XBOX and wireless equipment can also make an improvement and be tested using the method above.
Step Five : The last step involves changing the channel on your router, which is a bit different than changing the channel on your TV.
A wireless router that broadcasts on different channels and interference from other wireless networks and devices can cause problems. By changing to a less crowded channel, this allows you to improve performance. Wireless routers typically have a width of 20MHz or 40MHz, but the XBOX prefers the 20MHz channel.
Each router has its own procedures to change channels and you are encouraged to take a look at XBOX’s forums on your specific router.
After switching to the appropriate channel, check for an increase in performance by running the same test we did before.
1. Press the Menu button on the controller.
2. Select Settings .
3. Select Network .
4. Select Detailed network statistics .
Source: support.xbox.com
By Aaron LaBarbera
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