What is buffering and how to prevent it?

We're here to explain what causes buffering and, more importantly, how to prevent it your streaming experience back on track.

In simple terms, it happens when your  broadband connection can’t keep up with the speed of the data being transferred.

The good news is that full fibre broadband is built for speed, more reliability and should handle pretty much anything you can chuck at it.

But if you still can’t escape the buffer here are the most common reasons for your pain.

Slow Internet Connection

The most common culprit behind buffering is a sluggish internet connection. Check your broadband speed at different times of the day - here's how

Weak Wi-Fi signal

Thick walls, multi-story houses, and even your microwave can interfere with the Wi-Fi signal, causing the dreaded wheel of doom. We recommend that you use an ethernet cable for bandwidth hungry devices and activities such as streaming

Network congestion

Think of bandwidth like a motorway. When it’s rush hour, everyone’s trying to get to work at the same time – and the build-up of traffic makes things slower.  When devices compete for the same connection, speeds become slower and the connection lags more. So, during peak hours when the whole house is home you may find... things …move…sloooower.

Outdated equipment

Using an ancient router or a creaky old device? They might not handle modern streaming demands efficiently. It’s like asking a Fiat Panda to keep up with a Porche.

Check your speed

First things first, make sure you're getting the speeds you’re paying for. Use a broadband speed test to check. If your speed is lacking, consider upgrading your broadband package.

Boost your Wi-Fi signal

• Router Placement : Position your router in a central location, away from obstructions and electronic devices.
• Wi-Fi Extenders : Use Wi-Fi extenders or mesh networks like eero to eliminate dead zones and ensure strong coverage throughout your home.

Negotiate with bandwidth hogs

If everyone in the house is streaming, gaming, and downloading at the same time, it’s a recipe for buffering disaster. Schedule heavy usage activities during off-peak hours.

Update your equipment

Invest in a good-quality router and ensure your streaming devices are up-to-date. Cuckoo customers receive a nifty next generation eero router worth £249.99.

To wire or not to wire?

For a rock-solid connection, use an Ethernet cable. It’s old school, but it eliminates interference and provides the best possible speed. Perfect for smart TVs and gaming consoles.

Pause background activity

Pause or stop large downloads and updates when you’re streaming. This frees up bandwidth, giving your show the best chance to play smoothly. And you probably don't need all those tabs open!

Adjust streaming quality

When all else fails, consider lowering the streaming quality. Many services, like Netflix and YouTube, allow you to adjust the playback quality. Drop it down a notch to reduce buffering if your connection is struggling.

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to uninterrupted streaming bliss. So, grab that popcorn, buckle up and enjoy your favourite shows with no breaks in the action!