Why is my Sky Stream Netflix speed test so Poor ?

[Syadmin99]

I am currently using my second Sky Stream puck, and unfortunately, both devices have exhibited the same recurring issue. Infrequently—but consistently—the picture and sound will cut out entirely for a few seconds. This occurs randomly and has been noticeable across all streaming sources I’ve used on the puck.

To mitigate potential network issues, I installed a hardwired connection using Powerline adapters from my internet router to the puck. When testing the network speed via my laptop connected through the same RJ45 cable, I consistently achieve speeds over 100 Mbps. However, when that same cable is plugged into the puck, Netflix's internal test results show speeds between 40–50 Mbps, often dipping into the low 40s.

For reference, I have BT full fibre broadband with 900+ Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload speeds. Other devices on the same network perform without issue:

My Sky Glass TV (connected wirelessly) streams perfectly.

Apple TV (wireless) streams flawlessly.

My LG TV, which the puck connects to via HDMI, also streams without issue using its built-in apps—including the Apple TV app, which regularly fails when accessed via the Sky Stream puck.

I’ve followed all recommended troubleshooting steps found on the community forums, including:

Rebooting the puck

Disconnecting and reconnecting power and HDMI cables

Trying alternative HDMI ports and cables

None of these actions have resolved the issue.

Given that two pucks have now demonstrated the same problem in an otherwise stable and high-performance network environment, I suspect there may be a device-specific issue or firmware problem at play.

[Nigelb1972]

Is your puck connected via WiFi ethernet?

[lettice]

As you are using an ethernet connection, make sure your puck is using the following recommended settings set in the Puck Settings>
Turn wifi OFF under Network if connected via ethernet.
Set Network standby mode to ON and Overnight power saving to OFF.

Once you make those changes, do a Puck settings restart, to make sure the option is set correctly;

Go to Settings>Systems Management>Resets & Updates

Select Restart device
Your Sky Stream puck will perform a reboot. It will take a few minutes to complete

[TimmyBGood]

@Syadmin99 

Note that Stream pucks are built with a 100Mbs ethernet chipset, not gigabit ethernet.

[Syadmin99]

My Puck is connected to Ethernet. WiFi on the puck is turned off puck was restarted when I changed from wifi to wired.

[Syadmin99]

Already done this.

[Jporch316]

@Syadmin99 

Do you have a BT router ? Are you using some kind of network switch between your router and the puck?

what kind of ethernet cable are you using ? 

What happens when you connect via wifi ?

[Syadmin99]

Network router is Pfsense. All traffic allowed for Sky Glass and Sky Stream. Switch is Netgear 5 port Gigabit . Cable is CAT 5e. WiFi access point is Ubiquity U7-Pro. Connecting wirelessly returns Netflix tests 40-50 Mbps. 

[Jporch316]

---

@Syadmin99 wrote:

Network router is Pfsense. All traffic allowed for Sky Glass and Sky Stream. Switch is Netgear 5 port Gigabit . Cable is CAT 5e. WiFi access point is Ubiquity U7-Pro. Connecting wirelessly returns Netflix tests 40-50 Mbps. 

---

Seen lots of threads where switches have proved problematic with stream. You ll probably find a performance improvement if you remove the switch from the stream infrastructure. If possible cable directly to the router or use powerline adapters if the distance is too far 

[Syadmin99]

I have already run a test with a CAT 6 cable directly from my router to the puck. This has not provided any significant improvement. All other devices including wireless function as expected via the switch.