Internet connection issues when using Apple TV.

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Level 1

18 points

Internet connection issues when using Apple TV.

I have a very bizarre problem and don't even know where to start. Over the last two weeks or so, everytime I use my Apple TV Gen 3, the internet connection to both of our two iPhone 6/6 plus's starts having issues but our MacBooks (2015) are fine. When the apple TV isn't running, I am getting about 31 mbps download speed through the SpeedTest.net app on the iPhones but once we turn it on the connection seems to cycle on and off. When I open up airport utility it shows a green dot next to the airport but a yellow dot next to the internet globe. The yellow dot cycles to green periodically as if its automatically resetting or something. Using Airport Utility on the Macbook during the same period, it shows green all around with no issues on the same airport express. When I test the speed from the speediest.net with the apple TV running it has about 49 mbps download speed. The actually wifi connection never drops just the internet. We also have a gen 4 Apple TV and when its running (gen 3 turned off) we have no issues. I have attempted to reset both the cable modem and the airport router.

Mac Pro (Late 2013), OS X El Capitan (10.11.3), 3.5 GHz 6-Core; 16 GB Ram; Dual D500

Posted on Feb 24, 2016 11:53 PM

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Answer 1

Feb 25, 2016 12:27 AM in response to JasonA.

What cable modem??

What version is the airport router?

How is it setup?

A couple of screenshots will help.

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Answer 2

JasonA. Author

Level 1

18 points

Feb 25, 2016 8:55 AM in response to LaPastenague

I will get all of that posted as soon as I get home this evening. Thank you.

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Answer 3

JasonA. Author

Level 1

18 points

Feb 25, 2016 10:44 PM in response to LaPastenague

The modem is a Hitron CDA3, the Airport is plugged directly into the modem and then the cable cable box is hard wired into the Airport. Everything else is wireless. The Airport is an express and the only thing I could find for version is 7.6.5. Not sure if that is a firmware version or the hardware version.

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Answer 4

Feb 26, 2016 1:42 PM in response to JasonA.

Sorry for long delay..

There is nothing I can see that is wrong in the setup.

Your Express is the latest version and 7.6.5 is the latest firmware.

I can only say that apple routers are having issues with some cable modems.. but if you keep watching the airport utility and it is showing unchanged Internet then it is unlikely to be the problem.

However I will say you are overloading the Express.. It is not intended to do main router functionality except for very light configuration .. one computer perhaps and an ipad.. iphone.

You have multiple computers and Apple TV and it simply is unsuited to handling so many clients. They are not intended as main router with a full home network of many devices.. especially when you start streaming to the TV.

I would get a much better router.. and use the express in its normal wireless extender or airplay role.

An apple airport extreme is hugely more powerful router.. but you can spend a lot less if you do go for other brands.. I would stick to apple though in your setup as you seem to have a pure apple household.

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Answer 5

JasonA. Author

Level 1

18 points

Feb 26, 2016 4:14 PM in response to LaPastenague

So my ISP says that the modem is not providing DHCP however when I connect to it using the default IP address of Hitron modems I get the picture bellow. Where it says DHCP: Success, does that mean that the modem is providing DHCP to my network or is that saying that the modem is receiving DHCP from the ISP? The tech for the ISP also had me do a speed test and it was 33Mbps and my package is 50Mbps. She seemed concerned with the drop even though it was over wifi not hardwired. Is a 40% drop concerning over an airport? She thinks that either the airport has an issue and is limiting the speed or the modem is limiting the speed. Idk any thoughts?

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Answer 6

Feb 26, 2016 5:27 PM in response to JasonA.

The setup of this modem is correct.. it is a pure modem not a router..

DHCP is how your first client gets its IP address.. that client is the Airport Express.. You posted me the screenshot which shows exactly what I was expecting.

Screen+Shot+2016-02-25+at+9.33.39+PM.png

(Not sure I can link to your picture but lets see.)

That is your DHCP success.

The tech for the ISP also had me do a speed test and it was 33Mbps and my package is 50Mbps. She seemed concerned with the drop even though it was over wifi not hardwired. Is a 40% drop concerning over an airport?

I would always do the test with a laptop hard wired to the router or even direct to the modem.. I would not be at all surprised at 50% drop in speed over wireless from Express.. as already stated.. it is no powerhouse router.

From the size of it toy comes to mind.. Fisher Price router.

She thinks that either the airport has an issue and is limiting the speed or the modem is limiting the speed. Idk any thoughts?

I think she is right in thinking the issue is your Express.. I really doubt the cable router would have problems.. it is not that fast as cable now does much higher speed than 50Mbps. You might have issues in your area.. but that is neither modem or router problem.. and the only way to find it.. plug by ethernet directly to the modem.. power cycle the modem.. you need it off for say 5min min.. maybe more.

Then power up the modem followed by the laptop.. and test the speed.. if the laptop has no ethernet buy the Thunderbolt -Ethernet adapter.. well worthwhile to escape the vagaries of wireless.

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