[nodder]

Summary . .
1. PlusNet is a much better ISP than AOL
2. It's possible to use an old Wireless Access Point instead of Sony's expensive WiFi dongle, to get the TV connected to a wireless LAN (in my case Netgear WG602)

We've had a Sony Bravia KDL-32W5810 for a couple of years. Great TV. One of the features we'd like to use is BBC iPlayer. But it was impossible - it connected OK, but then paused and 'buffered' every 2-10 seconds. Totally unwatchable. This was despite having a wired (ethernet, Cat 5) conenction between router and TV.

I've been fortunate to live near enough to the BT exchange to get approx 6 Mbps download speed, even with AOL. Despite this, BBC iPlayer would not work. I run speed tests using My Broadband Speed - Broadband Speed Tester

I also ran BBC iPlayer checks using this . . BBC iPlayer - Check your connection speed
When I was with AOL, this indicated that I would not be able to get TV feeds (perhaps radio). I never understood how I was getting 6x the required download speed, but couldn't watch TV on iPlayer.

Unrelated to all this, I recently switched ISPs (from AOL to PlusNet). The catalyst for changing ISP was that I'd agreed new contract terms - on the phone - with AOL, but when the e-mail came through from them . . it was twice the price agreed and with other restrictions .

Now when I run the BBC iPlayer diagnostics . .. I get all the green ticks and it tells me my connection is fit for anything.

I wonder if this is anything to do with the dark arts of "traffic shaping" as practiced by AOL

So, the switch to PlusNet takes place. My tested 'headline' download speed stays around 6 Mbps (perhaps a shade faster, but nothing spectacular). But . . amazingly . . BBC iPlayer now works flawlessly, even in 'higher quality' mode. All the time

Spurred on by this great success, I wanted to get rid of ethernet cable snaking across the living room carpet to the TV. I managed to lash up a old Netgear WG602 Wireless Access Point, in client mode, and fix it to the back of the TV. It works perfectly. (And it avoids spending £60 on Sony's own USB WiFi dongle).
Desrcibed here . . .
Sony 32 EX500 USB Wifi Adapter

So, perfect BBC iPlayer, via WiFi. Top marks to PlusNet


Well chuffed + hope these experiences help others.

Nodder