Can't stream due to constant buffering
Have you tried streaming with a device that is connected directly to the modem with a LAN cable? Also, have you tried lowering the definition? Also, keep in mind that the service is divided between devices actively using the net, so if you have three devices using the net at the same time, the speed will be divided between them, though not necessarily evenly. It all depends on the activities being done.
It's entirely possible that the issue is due to higher congestion during the peak usage hours. This being due to the evening being when most people are online and using the system. If trying a device directly connected to the modem with a LAN cable doesn't make any difference, the next step will be to run a few speed tests.
I'll post the instructions for the speed tests below, but I wanted to mention something about your data. During your first twenty days your service is in what's known as a "relaxed bandwidth" state, meaning that your data allotment is frequently being replenished. HughesNet does this as a courtesy. It is to allow new customers to update/upgrade their devices to current without it affecting what would be their normal monthly data allotment, as doing those things can use a LOT of data, especially if the devices have not been connected in a long time. After those twenty days the data will start being counted normally.
Also, streaming is a very data intensive activity, and a lot of streaming, especially if it's done in HD, will use your data very quickly. According to Netflix, HD streaming can use 3GB or more per hour. Even if you have the largest plan, which is 50GB, that's just over 16 hours of HD streaming and your data would be used up. And that's really only theoretical, as in if your data was solely used for streaming, which is most likely is not the case. Everything you do online will use your data.
Okay, the speed testing instructions. Again, if trying with a device that's directly connected to the modem with a LAN cable doesn't make any difference, please run some speed tests using the following instructions....
To help the HughesNet Customer Service Reps get a head start on your speed concerns, please create a testmy.net account (if you do not already have one) and, while signed into that account, perform 3-5 tests during different parts of the day, then share the account results link with us here.
Most important points to remember during this test:
-do the tests while directly connected to the HughesNet modem with a LAN cable (NO third party Router or Wireless devices can be used)
-disable the WiFi while the speed tests are being performed
-use the manual 25MB size download test file
-If testing upload instead of download, please use the manual 4MB size upload test file
-space each test at least 5 minutes apart
-post your testmy results URL here, it may look something like http://testmy.net/quickstats/yourusername
For a more in depth guide on running the tests, please visit: http://customer.kb.hughesnet.com/Pages/7001.aspx
The Reps are on M-F from approximately 8AM to 5PM Eastern. They will be the ones to address your speed issues, but they will need these tests to do so.If you are unaware of how to disable the WiFi in the HT2000W, please see "How do I manage my built in WiFi modem?" in this PDF. Please be sure to click "Save Settings" after unchecking "SSID Enable" for each of the four tabs individually (2.4Ghz, then 2.4Ghz Guest, then 5Ghz, then 5Ghz Guest).
