A couple of things you can try are lowering the resolution of the stream, either at the source or via the app you're using (if you're using one), and turning off, or snoozing, the Video Data Saver.
You may also want to check your service speed to see if it's adequate. To do so, you can run a few tests at testmy.net, and in the manner stated in these speed testing instructions.
If you mainly use WiFi, you may also want to try streaming on a LAN cable connected device, like a desktop or laptop computer, to see if it's any better in order to determine whether the WiFi itself may be contributing to the issue.
With this said, though speeds may be adequate, streaming may not always work very well with HughesNet, unfortunately. This is especially the case with the recent considerable increase in online traffic due to the pandemic. Congestion as a result of that increased traffic and the high latency inherent to geostationary satellite internet can make streaming more difficult than it would be with a terrestrial internet service (cable, fiber, DSL, etc.). Also, though some streaming services may work, others may not work as well. This is especially the case with Amazon Prime, which seems to be the most problematic.
Lastly, just as a suggestion, you may want to look into PlayOn Cloud. Some of us who have satellite internet use PlayOn Cloud to get around the possible streaming issues, including the buffering. Granted, it's not the same, as it isn't instant or "live" like regular streaming, but it's an option.
You may be getting disconnected for the same reason your videos buffer. Have you tried chatting earlier, say at 9 am? I'm not sure if they're there 24/7, but it may be helpful to chat during times when there's less congestion.
In any case, the official HughesNet reps on this site may be able to check your system to see if it's operating as it's supposed to. They're normally here M-F during business hours, but they're spread pretty thin, so hang in there while they get to you.
mistymoran wrote:
Yes i have tried changing the resolution but even at the lowest resolution it buffers. I do understand that with the pandemic that the congestion is increased and i was not expecting satellite to be as good as say spectrum. However if i cant even get a 5 minute music video to play on low resolution without buffering at least 4 times then there is an issue. I am no stranger to satellite. Most people use satellite in some form. Cell phone service runs of of sattelite and like i said streaming works better off of my cell phone data than my hughesnet service. Im trying to resolve this issue because i want it to work but everytime i think im getting somewhere i get the run around or get "disconnected". If there is indeed a setting that i need to change on my modem then im willing to do that. Im not an unreasonable person, i just dont want to pay for something that doesnt work.
I think a lot depends on the specific area where the subscription is located. Some areas are more congested than others, and this might be the issue in your area, and maybe your mom's location is in a place with less congestion. (EDIT: all this is speculation on my part). Do you have terrestrial-based services in your specific area, like cable or DSL?
mistymoran wrote:
I decided to go with hughesnet because my mom has it and it seemed to work fine there. I was impressed because there isnt even cell phone reception where she lives. She lives 40 minutes from town and i only live 15 minutes from town and my service doesnt even work half as good as hers.
@mistymoran wrote:
Cell phone service runs of of sattelite
Actually, that's a common misconception. Cell phone service never touches a satellite, though satellite phones do. The only part of a cell network that's wireless is from your phone to the cell tower. The rest is on landlines, including to other continents. Most of today's cell phones do connect to GPS satellites for their positioning, though.
The satellite that most people encounter is satellite TV, but even that isn't really a good comparison, as satellite TV is one way and designed around and for a single, primary purpose.
Regarding the streaming, do you primarily stream in the evenings? I ask this because this is the time of day when the traffic is heaviest and streaming can be the most problematic.
Hopefully a rep will have some answers for you.
When you're having issues, you may want to check if there's a specific state code associated with the network at the time. Go to the system control center (http://192.168.0.1/#!/home/status) and see what number is next to State Code. That can help determine if there's a degradation of service for some reason. If the number is 0.0.0, then this means the system is working properly between the satellite and the modem, which leaves whatever's on the other side of the modem (devices, for example), and congestion, traffic, and internet latency as the potential culprits. HughesNet can only help you with issues that happen between the satellite and the modem. If the issue is with devices, with traffic, or with Internet latency, they can't do anything.