Fixing Network Congestion Issues
How to keep DisplayHUB running smooth and stable on busy networks
Why Congestion Happens
DisplayHUB sends high-quality video streams across your local network. If the network is overloaded—or if Wi-Fi is weak—your displays may show:
- Stuttering or buffering video
- Lag between displays
- Pixelation when the Wi-Fi signal drops
- Delayed remote control actions
These issues are almost always related to network congestion, not DisplayHUB itself. Below are the four most effective ways to eliminate congestion and maintain smooth playback.
Common Symptoms
- Random playback freezes
- Choppy video on some displays
- High latency between encoders and decoders
- Wi-Fi network slowing down for everyone
Solution 1: Use Ethernet Wherever Possible
Nothing beats a hard-wired connection. Ethernet gives your DisplayHUB devices a rock-solid 1 Gbps link.
Benefits of Ethernet
- No interference from walls or appliances
- No slowdowns from crowded Wi-Fi
- Perfect for bars, restaurants, sports venues
If you can plug it in, do it. This solves 90% of congestion problems overnight.
Encoder ──────┐
├──► Gigabit Switch ───► Displays
Decoder ─────┘
Ethernet = Lower Latency + Higher Stability
Solution 2: Use a Wi-Fi 6 USB Dongle
NOTE: These adapters are currently being tested, support is limited.
On Raspberry Pi or other devices with older Wi-Fi chipsets, upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) USB adapter dramatically improves:
- Throughput
- Range
- Interference resistance
- Video stability
Wi-Fi 6 handles crowded networks much better—especially in large venues with many phones connected.
We strongly recommend Wi-Fi 6 if running wireless decoders or if your Pi is far from the access point.
Solution 3: Reduce the Stream Resolution
If your Wi-Fi can’t keep up, reducing the video resolution lowers bandwidth dramatically while still looking crisp on TVs:
Recommended Settings for Busy Wi-Fi
- 1080p → 720p (cuts bandwidth by ~50%)
- 2.5 Mbps bitrate
- 24 FPS
Your encoders and decoders will instantly become more stable. Resolution changes are often unnoticeable at viewing distance.
Solution 4: Add Another Encoder
If you run many displays on a single encoder—especially mixed wireless + hardwired—the encoder may be pushing more traffic than one device can handle.
Splitting your setup across multiple encoders helps reduce:
- Bitrate per device
- Stream load
- Network bursts
- Overall congestion
Ideal layout:
- Encoder #1 → Sports feeds
- Encoder #2 → Advertisements / menu boards
- Encoder #3 → Local channels through HDHomeRun / DirecTV
Encoders: [1] Game Room TVs [2] Bar Screens [3] Patio Displays Load Balancing = Smooth Playback Everywhere
Tips & Troubleshooting
💡 Tips
- Place Wi-Fi access points near the displays
- Use dedicated SSIDs for DisplayHUB devices
- Avoid using DFS channels—some devices momentarily drop
- Prefer 5 GHz or Wi-Fi 6 over 2.4 GHz
🔧 Troubleshooting
- Random freezing? Move decoder closer to access point
- High latency? Switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet
- Multiple TVs stuttering? Reduce resolution or bitrate
- Still overloaded? Add another encoder to balance streams