Streaming on Roku very poor with new Slingshot Orbi router

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › Streaming on Roku very poor with new Slingshot Orbi router

xtempore

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#304541 13-May-2023 15:18

I'd had a few issues over the years with Orcon, so when Slingshot offered me a deal, I jumped on it. Now, I'm regretting that decision.

The new mesh router, an Orbi RBR350, simply doesn't deliver a good enough signal to stream video (Netflix, etc) on the Roku.

I think part of the problem is the auto-switching between 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The Roku is far enough away that the router gives it the 2.4GHz connection, but that seems to be bad for streaming (maybe?)

The old Netcomm NF18ACV never had this problem, but also I could and did select the 5GHz connection.

Slingshot have been NO HELP. They took 5 days just to reply to a request for support, and when they did offered no real help. They got me to run a test and then said the Roku is "not connecting properly". But the Roku was doing just fine on the old router.

I have tried disconnecting and reconnecting the Roku, made sure its software was up to date, and then did a reset. None of that helped.

I also tried setting the 2.4GHz connection to use channel 11 rather than auto, because I saw some suggestion that can help with connection problems. That didn't help either.

Pretty disappointed with Slingshot so far. They were pretty deceptive about the price they were giving me, their support response time has been abysmal, and they refuse to accept any responsibility for the fact that their hardware just isn't up to the task.

I'd love any suggestions for workarounds, because as much as I'd love to just ditch Slingshot I think I'm pretty much stuck with them for 12 months now!

Spyware

3818 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1366

Lifetime subscriber

#3075819 13-May-2023 15:44

Put the old router back then.

The Slingshot and Orcon connections are likely identical and going through the same routers.

Spark Max Fibre using Mikrotik CCR1009-8G-1S-1S+, CRS125-24G-1S, Unifi UAP, U6-Pro, UAP-AC-M-Pro, Apple TV 4K (2022), Apple TV 4K (2017), iPad Air 1st gen, iPad Air 4th gen, iPhone 13, SkyNZ3151 (the white box). If it doesn't move then it's data cabled.

stick

357 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 113

#3075820 13-May-2023 15:46

Spyware:

Put the old router back then.

Orcon usually request their routers to be sent back to them.

Spyware

3818 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1366

Lifetime subscriber

#3075821 13-May-2023 15:51

Buy a Netcomm off trademe, can't be more than a $1, and test your theory.

xtempore

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#3075837 13-May-2023 16:31

Spyware:

Put the old router back then.

The Slingshot and Orcon connections are likely identical and going through the same routers.

I wondered about this option too. Luckily I still have the old one from Orcon. Decided to give it a go, and it works fine. Streaming services working again now.

I should note though that I was wrong about the old connection. The Roku only seems to be able to connect to the 2.4GHz on the Netcomm too. So why is it that the Netcomm can give much faster speeds than the Orbi? I would have thought the newer Orbi would be better if anything.

I think I might just keep the one Orcon sent me. It'll cost me $100 for not returning it, but it solves the problem. And perhaps I can even send the p.o.s. Orbi back to Slingshot and with any luck they'll stop charging me $10/month for a router that's clearly not up to snuff.