Jitter on 5th Gen Airport Extreme

[Jozone]

Has anyone else encountered reliability issues with 5th Gen Airport Extremes? I've been suspicious of it crapping out for a while (this generation is known for a 'buzzing' noise on idle fresh out of the packaging). Im out of warranty and about to throw this thing out the window (and am even considering switching to a non-apple router for the first time in about 10 years). Do these results via iperf sound reasonable? The typical issue I am encountering -- across all devices -- is unreliable voice/video calling (packet loss/drops). Sustained download speeds are still fine, but my understanding is that getting Jitter under control is paramount for reliable VoIP/Video.

 

[Altemose]

@Jozone Is the AirPort your only router on the network? Is the AirPort in DHCP & NAT mode or is it in bridge mode.

 

[sevoneone]

Was this test run LAN (local) to LAN? or LAN to WAN (internet)? If the later, I would make sure that it is not your modem/uplink equipment to your ISP first. I've had a couple cable modems die like this on me, cruising along fine and then gradually start dropping packets until it becomes a PITA problem.

Also, I am assuming this test was done over a wired connection and not wireless.

 

[Jozone]

Hi Guys - thanks for the responses!

• this was run LAN to LAN (hardwired 2010 Mac Mini, to 2012 rMBP connected via Wireless).
• The VoIP/Video Call issues all occur via wireless traffic.
• I am using an Arris SB6183 (purchased standalone modem) on Cox.
• AE 5th gen is the only router on network, latest firmware, running NAT/DHCP

 

[Altemose]

@Jozone Try running the test again between two different clients and compare the results. If that proves to have a better test, then try checking for jitter over WAN.

 

[Les Kern]

Had this issue until I found a line was crossing a high voltage conduit. The interference was spectacular. Couldn't even hear the tone.