@anonFios wrote:As a lot of you who try to stream Netflix in HD during prime time hours know, Verizon is doing their best to tick off their customers by allowing Netflix streams to degrade in quality (primarily the streams coming Cogent).Has anyone figured out a way to get around this issue (you know, besides subscribing to Red Box instant as I'm sure Verizon wants you to do)?If I don't find a way around this issue or if Verizon doesn't fix the problem on their end then I am going to cancel my Fios service.
I've experimented with dropping and rejecting packets from trouble hosts; however, that caused issues with setp top boxes such as the Roku. My only suggestion that doesn't include cancelling - which isn't realistic - is to watch Netflix via proxy or VPN.
I suggest cancelling.
That's what I've tried though I haven't broken down the complete handshake via Wireshark yet.
Any Verizon support techs want to chime in?
@anonFios wrote: Any Verizon support techs want to chime in?
Good luck. At this point, I'm 100% certain Verizon doesn't even require its tech support to have a pulse in order to be hired. My roomba could do a better job 🙂
@Namronorman wrote: ... I'm 100% certain Verizon doesn't even require its tech support to have a pulse in order to be hired. My roomba could do a better job ...
... I'm 100% certain Verizon doesn't even require its tech support to have a pulse in order to be hired. My roomba could do a better job ...
Maybe, but for sure they require candidates to ignore inane comments.
@armond_in_nj wrote: Namronorman wrote: ... I'm 100% certain Verizon doesn't even require its tech support to have a pulse in order to be hired. My roomba could do a better job ... Maybe, but for sure they require candidates to ignore inane comments.
Namronorman wrote: ... I'm 100% certain Verizon doesn't even require its tech support to have a pulse in order to be hired. My roomba could do a better job ...
Thank you for understanding my frustration with the {word filter avoidance} service called FiOS. I appreciate your help! I've had over two dozen tickets opened since February due to various issues including improper installation from an installation tech. I feel that with the issues I've had thus far, I should be more than entitled to make a harmless comment and cancel my service sans ETF.
I have been a customer for over 5 years and this past year has been complete trash in regards to service. I've spent hours upon hours on hold, have had multiple techs come to my house, and have had techs flat out lie to me. Still waiting on a number of promised call backs as well.
A workaround is to get a VPN service and conigure your devices behind a VPN during the times where you need a troubled application. You can find some decent ones for some pretty decent prices out there. Use that until Verizon and Cogent (or some other backbone provider) sort out their differences. As a bonus, VPNs give you security while using Wi-Fi Hotspots or other public Internet connections.
Hi Smith, can you provide any more specifics about the VPN solution? I thought the VPN had to be on both ends of a connection...? Thanks. (My current config is a Roku box hard-wired to the FIOS router.)
The problem here is congestion.
Much of Netflix's traffic runs over Cogent, a backbone provider. Because of a business dispute between Cogent and Verizon, Verizon is letting the exchange points, like New York, Chicago, and San Jose run "Hot" during prime time hours, that is over 50% capacity. This means that traffic, like on the freeway, backs up and slows down.
Since this congestion is way upstream from your house, there really isn't a work around for it.
You can pay for a VPN or Proxy provider, they will receive your Netflix traffic and hopefully route it to you via a backbone that isn't Cogent (no guarantee that is the case), you also don't know how congested the VPN or proxy provider is likely to become.
One option that can help, but not solve the problem is to configure QOS ( Quality of Service ) at home, this will give your netflix traffic the highest priority, and prevent say your daughter's youtube usage to slow it down.
Of course the best solution would be for Verizon to end this dispute and add more capacity at the exchange points, this is most often how this problem is solved.
Any word when this will be fixed?
@ericb wrote: Hi Smith, can you provide any more specifics about the VPN solution? I thought the VPN had to be on both ends of a connection...? Thanks. (My current config is a Roku box hard-wired to the FIOS router.)
That's right. There's not much I can suggest doing for a Roku unless you're able to put it behind a router with VPN support, or can set up a bridge between a PC with a VPN connection and the Roku. It takes a bit of networking knowledge to accomplish.
To also note, trustworthy VPN services on the Internet are pay-to-use services. They don't cost much, but they do offer up information on how to set up the VPN. At least in this case, if you cannot get the Roku behind a VPN, you should have a great viewing experience from a computer/phone.
I'm posting from a phone at the moment, and describing how to accomplish this takes some time, but you should be able to find some guides online on how to do this 🙂
Agreed - just posting to add to the complaints regarding allowing Netflix service to degrade. I will switch to whichever provider offers quality access to Netflix.
Me: After 3 1/2 yrs of no problems my netflix is having trouble streaming during prime time
Verizon: You need a new modem - that's why you can't stream - too much traffic on the I-net
New Modem: Problem not fixed - shows continue to rebuffer
12 calls later - they tell me I have no problem, speed tests during the day show all is well. I tell them the problem is during the hours of 7 -11 pm. Finally got a call telling me we need a field service rep to come out and update the node - please call 1-800-verizon to schedule an appointment - goes right back the customer no service circle. These people are crazy....... Does anyone else have problems streaming (lately) during prime time. 7-11 pm?
Yes, always during prime time Netflix streaming is extremely low res.
Really not sure how to go about raising this issue further than these forums or calling Customer Service.
Comcast just cut a deal with Netflix this past weekend, so Comcast subscribers can finally get a decent picture. If FIOS doesn't in the next month, I will be switching to Comcast for sure! Finally, thanks to the WSJ report last week (but NO thanks to FIOS), this information about how FIOS has been intentionally slowing Netflix for a long time is out there and confirmed. Nowhere left for Verizon to try to hide this from its subscribers and tell us we don't know what we are talking about. What are you going to do Verizon? How many subscribers do you want to lose over this?
I using for now unlocator.com as my DNS provider. They are in beta phase, so it is free (for now).
However, Verizon better shape out quickly, because this is utter disregard for their customers!
