Streaming video causes entire network to stutter - not bandwidth issue

[L1FE]

Have a random video stuttering problem. While streaming video through my Plex media server over a hardwired connection, my entire network just grinds to a stop for a few seconds. It happens intermittently, and seemingly during random intervals. Network usually picks back up after 5-10 seconds.

I am 99% sure that it's not outbound internet connection, since internal network traffic also halts. I'm also not coming close to the max 75 Mbps of my FiOS plan. I have done heavy downloading that does saturate my internet connection, sometimes for days at a time, and I have never had this type of issue where it shuts down my entire network.

My network layout is pretty much FiOS router (bridge mode) -> RV320 Router -> SG300-20 Managed Switch + D-Link DIR-868L for wireless. Wondering what I can do to debug what's going on.

 

[ylin0811]

Are you streaming the video locally or over the Internet? If the stream is done locally, check the switch for any port/duplex mismatch or errors. What type of switch is this? cut through or store and forward?

If the steam is done over the Internet, do a ping to the local gateway and observe the round trip time. If it is above 1ms, chances are there is something going on on the router itself.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

The managed switch support snmp?

If so, you can get port bandwidth utilization and cpu stats from it.

Dunno the specs on your router - is it kinda wimpy? Otherwise, I suppose it's possible the d-link is misconfigured and interfering with stuff somehow.

 

[nerp]

One part of the internal network seems to be choking when you start the stream. Maybe the router needs a firmware update or one of the switches is on the fritz. Your symptoms remind me of what happens when someone is using an ancient router from 10 years ago and trying to run a modern home network with multiple family members and access points. They can choke, badly.

 

[Bryf50]

Get that Fios router after your RV320.

ONT Ethernet to RV320 to Fios Router as Moca bridge to Coax. Then everything else connected to RV320.