Streaming sticks and boxes and your Wi-Fi

Where buffering complaints usually start.

What this kit needs from a network

Small Wi-Fi client, often tucked behind the TV inside a metal shadow.

Bands: Both bands on current models; older sticks are 2.4 GHz only.
How it's found on the network: Needs local discovery for casting and remote apps.
Background discovery traffic: Significant for casting.
Guest networks: Casting breaks.
Separate IoT network (VLAN): Keep with the household phones.

• Use the HDMI extension cable in the box — it moves the stick out from behind the screen and fixes a surprising number of complaints.
• Stand next to your router while you set it up, then move the gadget to where it lives.
• Put your phone on the 2.4 GHz network name for the setup, or use one name for both bands so the phone can follow.
• If your router splits bands into two names, turn the 5 GHz one off for five minutes rather than fighting it.
• Turn mobile data off on your phone during setup — some apps quietly use it and never find the gadget.

Apple TV 4K 88/100
One of the best-behaved devices on a home network, with an Ethernet port as a safety net.
Most common complaint: AirPlay doesn't appear on the iPhone, or drops out halfway through.
Sky Glass / Sky Stream 62/100
Everything arrives over the internet, so a weak signal in the lounge shows up instantly as a frozen picture.
Most common complaint: Picture freezes or drops quality during live TV in the evening.
Chromecast / Google TV 64/100
Simple to use, but it sits behind the TV where the signal is weakest and depends on your phone finding it.
Most common complaint: The cast button vanishes from the phone even though the TV is switched on and online.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 72/100
Tucked behind the TV in the worst possible spot for a signal, which is why it buffers when phones in the room don't.
Most common complaint: Constant buffering or "home is currently unavailable" in the evening.

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