FAQ
TL;DR: Your Samsung K5600’s Ethernet is likely 100 Mb, and UHD streams need only ~20 Mb/s; "max 20 Mbps" is normal. [Elektroda, sanfran, post #16808400]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps TV owners fix "why is my TV only 35 Mb/s on cable?" issues without replacing good hardware.
Quick-Facts
- Typical smart TVs use 10/100 Ethernet; real throughput can be below 100 Mb/s. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16807122]
- UHD streaming from services like Netflix is around 20 Mb/s, so 35 Mb/s is ample. [Elektroda, sanfran, post #16808400]
- OP measured ~35 Mb/s on the TV vs ~200 Mb/s on a PC, same router. [Elektroda, laudy1, post #16806962]
- Cable quality, RJ45 termination, length, and nearby power supplies can cut speed. [Elektroda, lukaszd82, post #16807304]
- Firmware matters; check and confirm you’re on the latest TV software. [Elektroda, laudy1, post #16810115]
Quick Facts
- Typical smart TVs use 10/100 Ethernet; real throughput can be below 100 Mb/s. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16807122]
- UHD streaming from services like Netflix is around 20 Mb/s, so 35 Mb/s is ample. [Elektroda, sanfran, post #16808400]
- OP measured ~35 Mb/s on the TV vs ~200 Mb/s on a PC, same router. [Elektroda, laudy1, post #16806962]
- Cable quality, RJ45 termination, length, and nearby power supplies can cut speed. [Elektroda, lukaszd82, post #16807304]
- Firmware matters; check and confirm you’re on the latest TV software. [Elektroda, laudy1, post #16810115]
Why does my TV show ~35 Mb/s over cable when my PC gets ~200 Mb/s?
Your TV likely has a 10/100 Ethernet port, not gigabit. Real-world 100 Mb links often deliver less than the theoretical maximum due to device architecture and software. So, 35 Mb/s on a TV while a PC hits 200 Mb/s on the same router is expected. Update the TV firmware and retest. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16807122]
Does the Samsung K5600 have gigabit Ethernet?
No. Forum experience indicates many TVs, including Samsung models, use Fast Ethernet (10/100). Manufacturers rarely publish NIC models, and 100 Mb ports seldom sustain full line rate in apps. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16807122]
Is 35 Mb/s enough for Netflix UHD or IPTV?
Yes. UHD streams from major services use about 20 Mb/s. That leaves headroom for app overhead and brief bitrate spikes. "Max 20 Mbps" is common guidance for UHD. [Elektroda, sanfran, post #16808400]
How can I test network speed accurately on a TV?
Run multiple tests on different sites or apps. One site may misreport speeds on embedded TV browsers. Compare results after each change you make. This isolates server or app issues from your network. [Elektroda, bogiebog, post #16807262]
What quick physical checks should I do on the Ethernet link?
Use the exact same cable that delivered 200 Mb/s to your PC. Reseat both RJ45 ends several times. Inspect connectors for poor crimping. Keep the cable away from switching power supplies and power cords to reduce interference. [Elektroda, lukaszd82, post #16807304]
Could background updates make my TV’s speed test look slow?
Yes. TVs may contact vendor servers or fetch updates silently, reducing test bandwidth. Rerun tests after a minute, then after a reboot. Disable auto-updates during troubleshooting if possible. [Elektroda, lukaszd82, post #16807321]
Should I update the TV firmware to improve throughput?
Yes. Install the latest software, then retest. Vendors sometimes improve network stacks in updates. The OP confirmed running the latest after checking, which is a necessary step. [Elektroda, laudy1, post #16810115]
Why doesn’t a 100 Mb port reach 100 Mb/s in real apps?
Fast Ethernet is the link limit, but TV processors, memory paths, and app overhead reduce throughput. Expect figures well under 100 Mb/s in browser-based tests and streaming apps. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16807122]
What is IPTV (and Enigma files) in this context?
IPTV delivers TV over IP networks; Enigma files are channel or stream lists from Enigma-based set‑top boxes. These streams usually fit under UHD bitrate needs, so a stable 35 Mb/s link is generally sufficient. [Elektroda, laudy1, post #16808721]
Can the TV’s internal design bottleneck the network speed?
Yes. "TVs are optimized for your needs," not for high-throughput memory-to-network transfers. This architecture can limit sustained speeds despite a healthy link. [Elektroda, sanfran, post #16808817]
How do I run a fast 3‑step diagnostic on this setup?
- Reseat the Ethernet cable at the router and TV several times.
- Update the TV software, then reboot and retest.
- Repeat the test after waiting, as TVs may contact background servers.
[Elektroda, lukaszd82, post #16807321]
Does my TP‑Link AC1750 router cause the 35 Mb/s cap?
Unlikely. The router supports higher speeds. The TV’s Fast Ethernet and software are the limiting factors. Focus on cable integrity, firmware, and background tasks first. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16807122]
Is 75 Mb/s the real ceiling for some TVs?
Yes, some users observe around 75 Mb/s as a practical ceiling on TV Ethernet. This reflects app and system overhead more than link limits. That is still ample for UHD streaming. [Elektroda, lukaszd82, post #16807321]
Are single-site speed tests on TV reliable?
Treat them as rough indicators only. Test across multiple sites, then compare with a known-good device on the same cable. Consistency across sites is more trustworthy. [Elektroda, bogiebog, post #16807262]
What is 10/100 Ethernet?
It’s Fast Ethernet supporting 10 or 100 Mb/s link rates. Many TVs use this, not 1 Gb/s. Real streaming throughput can be lower than the negotiated link speed. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16807122]
