bothan
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Why does my iPhone 5s connect poorly with the apple TV?

I pay for 24 Mbps and on wifi consistently get at least 8-20.  I have no problems with videos stopping to buffer on any of my devices INCLUDING the apple TV, EXCEPT when I'm streaming from my phone to the apple TV.  For instance, I have no problems with YouTube videos played from the apple TV itself but if I use  AirPlay from my phone, the videos will stop or take very long to load.  What could be the problem?

 

Also I am curious, does AirPlay send a signal directly from my phone to the Apple TV or does it go through the router?  Thank you for your time!

Apple TV, iOS 8, iPhone 5s AirPlay to Apple TV

Posted on Oct 6, 2014 3:37 PM

by Winston Churchill,Solvedanswer
Winston Churchill Winston Churchill
Level 10 (104,526 points)
Apple TV
A:
I just don't understand why when I use AirPlay I get much more loading problems than when I just use the apple tv by itself or watch the same video on my phone via wifi.

Firstly, you are cutting the amount of data your network can handle in half to begin with by using a repeater.

 

When you play video on your phone (or your Apple TV for that matter) the signal arrives at your router and is passed one way over wifi to your phone (or your Apple TV if that's what you are using). When you are using AirPlay the signal arrives at the router travels to your phone, where Airplay sends it back to your router and on to the Apple TV.

 

Your router is effectively handling the data 3 times and because you are using a repeater it is handling it 6 times.

 

I have to extend my network too, I choose to do so with a cable and a second base station, it's much less prone to problems.

Posted on Oct 7, 2014 2:10 AM

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bothan

Q: Why does my iPhone 5s connect poorly with the apple TV?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Winston Churchill,Helpful

    Winston Churchill Winston Churchill Oct 6, 2014 4:31 PM in response to bothan
    Level 10 (104,526 points)
    Apple TV
    Oct 6, 2014 4:31 PM in response to bothan

    Welcome to the Apple Community.

     

    The wifi signal travels through the router, they use the same channels as the youtube video you are simultaneously downloading.

     

    Intermittent problems are often a result of interference. Interference can be caused by other networks in the neighbourhood or from household electrical items.

     

    You can download and install iStumbler (NetStumbler for windows users) to help you see which channels are used by neighbouring networks so that you can avoid them, but iStumbler will not see household items.

     

    Refer to your router manual for instructions on changing your wifi channel or adjusting your multicast rate.

     

    There are other types of problems that can affect networks, but this is by far the most common, hence worth mentioning first. Networks that have inherent issues can be seen to work differently with different versions of the same software. You might also try moving the Apple TV away from other electrical equipment.

     

    The following article(s) may help you.

     

    Troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks and connections

    Recommended Wi-Fi settings

    Sources of Interference

    Wifi Diagnostic Software (for Mac users)

     

    You may also find some help on this page, where I’ve collected some of the more unusual solutions to network issues.

  • by bothan,

    bothan bothan Oct 6, 2014 5:46 PM in response to Winston Churchill
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 6, 2014 5:46 PM in response to Winston Churchill

    I know there is significant interference as I use inSSIDer.  I live in one of the largest, densest apartment complexes I've ever seen haha.  I use a dual band repeater which gives me a much better signal in the bedroom with the 5 Ghz band but just an ok signal around the apple TV and TV.  Okay being 4-15 Mbps.  I just don't understand why when I use AirPlay I get much more loading problems than when I just use the apple tv by itself or watch the same video on my phone via wifi.  The ladder two methods of viewing the same video result in no problems, the whole video buffers in a matter of about 10-20 seconds for a typical youtube VEVO quality video.  At this point, with my n router and dual band repeater I can go anywhere in the apartment and have no problems playing high quality video or any other internet activity.  The only remaining and puzzeling problem is this iPhone to apple TV issue.  Again there are several 2 Ghz band signals interfering with mine even on the best channel me or the AT&T guy can find.  Thanks for all the links!  I love learning about things that impact my leisure time! haha

  • by Winston Churchill,Solvedanswer

    Winston Churchill Winston Churchill Oct 7, 2014 2:10 AM in response to bothan
    Level 10 (104,526 points)
    Apple TV
    Oct 7, 2014 2:10 AM in response to bothan
    I just don't understand why when I use AirPlay I get much more loading problems than when I just use the apple tv by itself or watch the same video on my phone via wifi.

    Firstly, you are cutting the amount of data your network can handle in half to begin with by using a repeater.

     

    When you play video on your phone (or your Apple TV for that matter) the signal arrives at your router and is passed one way over wifi to your phone (or your Apple TV if that's what you are using). When you are using AirPlay the signal arrives at the router travels to your phone, where Airplay sends it back to your router and on to the Apple TV.

     

    Your router is effectively handling the data 3 times and because you are using a repeater it is handling it 6 times.

     

    I have to extend my network too, I choose to do so with a cable and a second base station, it's much less prone to problems.