AirPlay Troubleshooting

by: Tesserax

Last modified: Apr 14, 2016 12:42 PM

0 1816 Last modified Apr 14, 2016 12:42 PM

AirPlay Troubleshooting - Dropped Streams / Streaming Performance

A dropped stream typically indicates that iTunes host and the AirPlay "speaker" (AirPort Express, Apple TV, or 3rd-party AirPlay device) cannot maintain their communication link for AirPlay. This link is reconfirmed periodically. A weak or interrupted Wi-Fi signal can cause this linkage communication not to happen.

On the other hand, poor audio quality while streaming (no drop-outs), is almost always caused by insufficient bandwidth between the AirPlay host and the speaker.

Start by verifying that Wi-Fi interference is not the issue. Even if you don't have neighbors I would still check for other Wi-Fi networks operating in the area. Also, things like portable phones, baby monitors, microwave ovens, & even building construction materials used can all be culprits.

To get started, use the Mac's built-in Network Diagnostics to determine if there are other nearby Wi-Fi networks present. (Note: The following is based on a Mac running OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) or later.)

Determine if there are other Wi-Fi networks present.

Option (or right)- click the Wi-Fi icon on the OS X menu bar, and then, select Open Wireless Diagnostics…
Do NOT click on Continue. Instead go to the Wireless Diagnostics' menu bar and select Window > Scan > Scan Now.
Let the scan run for at least 2-5 minutes.
The result of the scan will provide you with a listing of Wi-Fi networks that are operating nearby that the Mac's AirPort card can detect. Note those especially with a high (least negative) RSSI value and what channel(s) they are operating on. These are wireless networks that may be affecting yours. (Note: Remember, even if there are no other networks present, Wi-Fi interference can still be an issue.)
Close the Scan window.

Check that your Mac's built-in AirPort card is functioning properly.

On the Wireless Diagnostics' Introduction window, click Continue.
Enter your Mac's Administrator credentials, and then, click OK.
Wait for the results.
If the result is: "Your Wi-Fi connection appears to be working as expected," then click on Start Over. This would indicate that your Mac's internal card is functioning properly and has established a connection to the wireless network.

If you get any other results, then the AirPort card will need to be further investigated … a separate troubleshooting topic.

Find the instantaneous Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) value.

When back to the Introduction window, do NOT click on Continue. Instead go to the Wireless Diagnostics' menu bar and select Window > Info
Note the values for:
RSSI
Noise
Calculate the SNR value. SNR (dB) = RSSI (dBm) - Noise (dBm).
If this value is less than 25 dB, we will want to continue with the dynamic SNR readings section below. If it is at or above this value, then the wireless network signal quality may not be the issue.
Close the Info window.

Review dynamic SNR readings.

On the Wireless Diagnostic's menu bar, select Window > Performance.
Review the Quality trend line. This will provide you with a real-time indication of the quality of your current wireless network connection.
The Quality graph represents the SNR value over time. For best streaming performance you will want the SNR value to stay above 25 dB. (Note: Even if the trend line hovers above 25 dB, something else to look for is peaks/valleys in this trend line. It should remain fairly flat. Numerous peaks/valleys indicates a disrupted signal.)