General VPN/Set Up Advice

[micrai4]

Hi all,

I am sorry if any of this has been covered in detail, I have had a look and didnt see any specific answers for my needs.

Currently I use a Formuler Z11 Pro Max and have Surfshark installed which I commonly/always use when streaming. The issue is that when it is enabled it cuts my speeds from 500/600 down to 100 (or the odd time even less). I have tried different servers and protocols but the speeds dont seem to improve - this is also the same with other providers that I have had a trial with.

I wouldnt say my watching experience is bad, but it seems to be that all freezing/issues are from my side and not from my providers. I have tried both VPN on the device and a VPN router (which was piggybacking off the main router) but neither drastically improved the performance.

Basically any tips to improve or change my set up would be really really appreciated as I am not sure if the issues are the vpn, the device itself or the ISP.

(It is worth mentioning that my wife is sick of me changing the setup around the house so big equipment changes might not be possible (yet!))

Thanks all.

 

[Aristotle]

That is a big decrease in speed.
I haven’t used Surfshark but have used PIA for many years and never had such a big drop in speed like you are experiencing.
Hopefully someone who uses Surfshark can comment.

 

[micrai4]

That is a big decrease in speed.
I haven’t used Surfshark but have used PIA for many years and never had such a big drop in speed like you are experiencing.
Hopefully someone who uses Surfshark can comment.

I agree, I am not sure the exact reason but when connected to the VPN router I was up at 400 or so.

 

[Fast Show]

Hi all,

I am sorry if any of this has been covered in detail, I have had a look and didnt see any specific answers for my needs.

Currently I use a Formuler Z11 Pro Max and have Surfshark installed which I commonly/always use when streaming. The issue is that when it is enabled it cuts my speeds from 500/600 down to 100 (or the odd time even less). I have tried different servers and protocols but the speeds dont seem to improve - this is also the same with other providers that I have had a trial with.

I wouldnt say my watching experience is bad, but it seems to be that all freezing/issues are from my side and not from my providers. I have tried both VPN on the device and a VPN router (which was piggybacking off the main router) but neither drastically improved the performance.

Basically any tips to improve or change my set up would be really really appreciated as I am not sure if the issues are the vpn, the device itself or the ISP.

(It is worth mentioning that my wife is sick of me changing the setup around the house so big equipment changes might not be possible (yet!))

Thanks all.

Did you tried to tell your provider that active the vpn on his panel in your line

 

[Aristotle]

Did you tried to tell your provider that active the vpn on his panel in your line

I think they mean that their speed is drastically decreased when using their VPN.
I would imagine they mean in general no matter what they were connecting to.

 

[micrai4]

Did you tried to tell your provider that active the vpn on his panel in your line

The speed is not connected to the provider, the speed has a big decrease in general (testing device speeds using different speed tests). But in general, my old provider specifically suggested the use of VPNs.

 

[scoob197]

Are you making sure your VPN is connected to a UK server? You will have better success with speeds that way
EDIT: Assuming that's where you are from of course

 

[micrai4]

Are you making sure your VPN is connected to a UK server? You will have better success with speeds that way
EDIT: Assuming that's where you are from of course

Hi mate, thanks for suggestion. I usually go with fastest location (which is UK based) but I do try others such as Ireland, Belgium, Holland etc.

For example now, I am at 550 without the VPN, and 60 with, I have tried all specific UK servers and Belgium.

Seems crazy to take such a hit!

Edit: it gets more confusing. My WiFi connected formuler is getting double the speeds of my Ethernet connected formuler (both on the same SF server)

 

[scoob197]

Hi mate, thanks for suggestion. I usually go with fastest location (which is UK based) but I do try others such as Ireland, Belgium, Holland etc.

For example now, I am at 550 without the VPN, and 60 with, I have tried all specific UK servers and Belgium.

Seems crazy to take such a hit!

Could you reduce the deficit by hard wiring your connection (assuming you are WIFI)

 

[micrai4]

Could you reduce the deficit by hard wiring your connection (assuming you are WIFI)

Your suggestions are spot on. I made an edit to my previous message.

My main formular is Ethernet connected and getting 60, my WiFi connected formuler is getting 120.

It makes no sense

 

[scoob197]

Your suggestions are spot on. I made an edit to my previous message.

My main formular is Ethernet connected and getting 60, my WiFi connected formuler is getting 120.

It makes no sense

Have you tried swapping the setup as part of your problem solving?
Try them one at a time, wired & WIFI. When you try WIFI test with the device next to the router.
Try another internet cable?
Try another WIFI channel?

 

[Aristotle]

Have you tried swapping the setup as part of your problem solving?
Try them one at a time, wired & WIFI. When you try WIFI test with the device next to the router.
Try another internet cable?
Try another WIFI channel?

Try speed test from this link and run the complete test.
Me personally I would try another VPN if I had such a decrease in speed.
Internet Speed Test - Measure Network Performance | Cloudflare

 

[micrai4]

Have you tried swapping the setup as part of your problem solving?
Try them one at a time, wired & WIFI. When you try WIFI test with the device next to the router.
Try another internet cable?
Try another WIFI channel?

This is definitely something I will look to do tomorrow.

Try speed test from this link and run the complete test.
Me personally I would try another VPN if I had such a decrease in speed.
Internet Speed Test - Measure Network Performance | Cloudflare

Did the test with/without using the vpn and the results arent great!
What VPN do you use? I have tried a number of the big names but issue still seems to be there. 130 seems to be my max while connected to an app version.

 

[Aristotle]

This is definitely something I will look to do tomorrow.


Did the test with/without using the vpn and the results arent great!
What VPN do you use? I have tried a number of the big names but issue still seems to be there. 130 seems to be my max while connected to an app version.

Do you mean the test is not great on Ethernet and WiFi?
When I do the test without VPN and Ethernet I nearly max my 250mb connection out.
With VPN I get about 140mb.
I use PIA VPN and lose about 35-40% of my download speed.
Hopefully someone can tell you what they are experiencing using Surfshark.
130 is plenty for streaming iptv.
I always use a Ethernet connection to stop any possible WiFi interference.
Not always possible for some though.

 

[kinganon22]

Use speedtest.net or a google speedtest to determine the ping. The download speed is not relevant here being so high. You can get away with 25mb down just fine with 1080p 60fps streams.
One of the most unfun things is determining the cause of these issues because of all the variables in different setups/networks..I'd first suggest you start from the top with process of elimination....

I had originally typed you out a paragraph, but I feel it's not necessary. Get another big name vpn provider, mullvad, nord - then compare tests.
Almost all offer a 30 day money back guarantee anyway, so you wouldn't have to keep it or lose out.

 

[Aristotle]

Use speedtest.net or a google speedtest to determine the ping. The download speed is not relevant here being so high. You can get away with 25mb down just fine with 1080p 60fps streams.
One of the most unfun things is determining the cause of these issues because of all the variables in different setups/networks..I'd first suggest you start from the top with process of elimination....

I had originally typed you out a paragraph, but I feel it's not necessary. Get another big name vpn provider, mullvad, nord - then compare tests.
Almost all offer a 30 day money back guarantee anyway, so you wouldn't have to keep it or lose out.

That’s what I gave them this link for testing their network.
Internet Speed Test - Measure Network Performance | Cloudflare
Gives you a bit more information than other speed tests.
But OP didn’t post their results just said aren’t great.
Latency is definitely a big factor.

 

[micrai4]

Use speedtest.net or a google speedtest to determine the ping. The download speed is not relevant here being so high. You can get away with 25mb down just fine with 1080p 60fps streams.
One of the most unfun things is determining the cause of these issues because of all the variables in different setups/networks..I'd first suggest you start from the top with process of elimination....

I had originally typed you out a paragraph, but I feel it's not necessary. Get another big name vpn provider, mullvad, nord - then compare tests.
Almost all offer a 30 day money back guarantee anyway, so you wouldn't have to keep it or lose out.

I am starting to realise its not fun trying to diagnose. I have used some of the other big names and saw similar speeds but will look at trying them again for clarity, thanks for the advice mate.

That’s what I gave them this link for testing their network.
Internet Speed Test - Measure Network Performance | Cloudflare
Gives you a bit more information than other speed tests.
But OP didn’t post their results just said aren’t great.
Latency is definitely a big factor.

I will get back to you on this, been crazy busy. From memory the speed said good for straming, great for gaming and live calling but can post specifics when I have time to do the test on both devices. Thanks again.

Edit:
The ethernet connected device with a VPN (UK based) - 47.9 D, 24.6 U, 28.4 Latency, 10.2 Jitter, 0.1% Packet.
Without a VPN - 18.4 D, 61 U, 11.8 Latency, 0 Jitter, 0% Packet.

Wifi Connected device with a VPN - 9.7 D, 40.3 U, 8.4 Latency, 1.63 Jitter, 0% Packet.
Without a VPN - 15.9 D, 61.7 U, 14.0 Latency, 2.0 Jitter, 0% Packet.

 

[Aristotle]

I am starting to realise its not fun trying to diagnose. I have used some of the other big names and saw similar speeds but will look at trying them again for clarity, thanks for the advice mate.



I will get back to you on this, been crazy busy. From memory the speed said good for straming, great for gaming and live calling but can post specifics when I have time to do the test on both devices. Thanks again.

Edit:
The ethernet connected device with a VPN (UK based) - 47.9 D, 24.6 U, 28.4 Latency, 10.2 Jitter, 0.1% Packet.
Without a VPN - 18.4 D, 61 U, 11.8 Latency, 0 Jitter, 0% Packet.

Wifi Connected device with a VPN - 9.7 D, 40.3 U, 8.4 Latency, 1.63 Jitter, 0% Packet.
Without a VPN - 15.9 D, 61.7 U, 14.0 Latency, 2.0 Jitter, 0% Packet.

Your latency looks ok but your download speed are shocking for
a 500mb connection if they are correct.
Who is your isp and have you shut all your equipment down for a few minutes before testing.
Also what speeds and you seeing on other devices eg phones pc etc.

 

[micrai4]

Your latency looks ok but your download speed are shocking for
a 500mb connection if they are correct.
Who is your isp and have you shut all your equipment down for a few minutes before testing.
Also what speeds and you seeing on other devices eg phones pc etc.

I am with vodafone which I have read can cause issues with IPTV etc, I havent shut down everything but can definitely do this before retesting.
On my laptop device I am getting 420 today with VPN connected. My phone is at 470 with the VPN.

It is worth noting that analiti is now saying I am getting 130 consistently on both devices so I am not sure what to believe!

I am assuming this is more likely an issue with connection drops rather than actual speed?

 

[Aristotle]

I am with vodafone which I have read can cause issues with IPTV etc, I havent shut down everything but can definitely do this before retesting.
On my laptop device I am getting 420 today with VPN connected. My phone is at 470 with the VPN.

It is worth noting that analiti is now saying I am getting 130 consistently on both devices so I am not sure what to believe!

I am assuming this is more likely an issue with connection drops rather than actual speed?

Yes you will get different test results from using different speed test and also at different times of the day.
If you have tested several different providers and you are getting the same issue, it’s more likely your end.
Try some different apps if you haven’t tried already but I do prefer Ethernet connection if possible to rule out Wi-Fi interference.
Hope you get to the bottom of it.