5 Tips to Up Your Internet Game and Ditch Buffering Ahead of Football Season

1. Hardwire your connection

Ethernet connections are more reliable than WiFi for streaming because they eliminate wireless interference and signal drops. Wi-Fi connections are convenient, but they can be prone to dropped or inconsistent signals in your home. If you can, run an Ethernet cable to your TV streaming equipment (whether it’s your TV set, streaming device, or gaming console) to ensure a consistent signal.

2. Upgrade your internet speed

More bandwidth ensures smoother streaming, especially in busy households. Internet speed isn’t everything when it comes to TV streaming performance. But if you’re in a household with a lot of internet users, more download and upload bandwidth will help your TV streaming connection maintain a smooth 4K signal.

We’d recommend an internet plan with download speeds of at least 300 Mbps if you live with more than three heavy internet users. Providers like Xfinity have internet plans with speeds well above 1 Gbps, so you’ll have ample plan options to maximize your home internet and football watching experience.

3. Upgrade your Wi-Fi equipment

Outdated routers and modems can bottleneck your internet performance regardless of your plan speed. Sometimes, your internet problems can be internet hardware problems. If your router and modem are more than a few years old, they can bottleneck your home internet performance and cause device problems downstream.

If you’re unfamiliar with Wi-Fi hardware and don’t want to deal with troubleshooting equipment, consider getting internet gear from your provider. Providers like Xfinity have hardware rental programs that will give subscribers a combo Wi-Fi router and modem for a small monthly fee.

4. Extend Wi-Fi with a mesh network

Mesh networks eliminate dead zones by distributing your WiFi signal across multiple access points. Having problems watching the game on your bedroom TV? Wi-Fi routers are better than ever, but a single router can hit its limits if you live in a larger multi-story home.

Mesh devices like Xfinity’s WiFi Extenders are small nightlight-sized devices that plug into wall outlets and increase your internet network’s range. They’ll ensure that every corner of your home has a consistent Wi-Fi signal and steady streaming performance.

5. Upgrade your streaming device

Newer streaming devices support faster WiFi standards and process video more efficiently. TV streaming devices make it convenient to get your TV online, but like with any device, they can get outdated and underpowered over time.

If your streaming stick is more than a few years old and has buffering problems alongside issues like slow loading speeds, consider upgrading to a more recent model for faster streaming and general performance. These upgraded devices also have support for faster Wi-Fi 7 performance, so you’ll experience smoother streaming if you also have a capable Wi-Fi router.

Still relying on your TV’s built-in apps and frustrated by their performance? Providers like Xfinity offer devices like the Xumo Stream Box, which can speed up performance for live TV and streaming services for eligible customers.

Whether you’re streaming your favorite team or watching football from sunrise to sundown, a proper internet setup is crucial as the right playcall for a successful football weekend. With these tips, you’ll be ready to watch buffer-free football all weekend long.

Key takeaways

Ethernet connections provide more stable streaming than WiFi by eliminating wireless interference.
Households with multiple streamers should have at least 300 Mbps download speeds.
Upgrading routers and streaming devices every 3–5 years ensures compatibility with current WiFi standards.
Mesh networks extend reliable coverage to every room in larger homes.

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Streaming buffering FAQ

What internet speed do I need to stream live football games without buffering?

Most streaming apps require at least 25 Mbps download speeds for a steady 4K signal, but this bandwidth can become stretched if you have multiple internet connections in your home. For most households, we recommend an Xfinity internet connection with at least 300 Mbps download speed for the smoothest football streaming experience.

Why is hardwiring my TV better than using Wi-Fi?

Hardwiring a TV with Ethernet ensures that you have a consistent internet signal that won't be interrupted by Wi-Fi or network problems. This will also maximize reliability and significantly reduce latency.

What causes buffering during live sports?

Buffering during live sports typically results from insufficient bandwidth, WiFi interference, network congestion from multiple devices, outdated equipment, or distance from your router. Live sports streams are particularly demanding because they require consistent real-time data delivery. Xfinity offers good internet reliability.

Does a mesh network reduce buffering?

Yes, mesh networks reduce buffering by eliminating WiFi dead zones and providing consistent signal strength throughout your home. They're especially effective in larger or multi-story homes where a single router can't provide adequate coverage. Xfinity offers mesh accessories.

How often should I upgrade my Wi-Fi router or streaming device?

We generally recommend upgrading your router and streaming device every three to five years to ensure you have the maximum streaming and internet performance for your home. With a router and modem, you'll want to ensure your home is aligned on wireless internet standards like Wi-Fi 7. Streaming device upgrade factors include general slowness, app crashes, and the latest Wi-Fi hardware standards. Xfinity offers hardware upgrade options.