I have a home internet connection advertised at around 100 Mbps and mobile data that can reach roughly 800 Mbps. Despite those speeds, YouTube and other streaming services play for only a few seconds before freezing, then repeat the cycle. The same thing happens when I connect my TV through a phone hotspot. What should I check to figure out whether the problem is packet loss, Wi-Fi interference, router hardware, cellular throttling, or something else?
3 Answers
Raw download speed does not guarantee a stable connection. Packet loss, high latency, or jitter can cause constant buffering even when a speed test shows a good Mbps result. Run a test that measures latency, jitter, and packet loss while nothing else is using the network. If packet loss appears, check the router, cables, Wi-Fi signal, and possibly the provider’s outside line.
If the home connection is delivered through cellular 4G or 5G equipment, unstable signal quality or incorrect network settings can cause this behavior. Try testing near a window or in a different location, confirm that the router has a strong signal, and check for data-priority or throttling limits. If the connection remains unstable, the provider may need to investigate it or a wired ISP may be a better option.
A 100 Mbps connection should normally be enough for several HD streams, so the advertised speed probably is not the main issue. Try connecting a device directly to the router with Ethernet. If streaming works normally over Ethernet, investigate Wi-Fi congestion, interference, distance, walls, or too many connected devices. If it still freezes, check the router and modem or contact the provider.
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