Can a TV Distract Your Computer?

This is a great example of the perfect storm of variables coming together to cause performance issues. Watch the video to see how the problem was found.

Tony Fortunato

March 7, 2019

I will start from the beginning. A client was complaining about performance issues. Specifically, the symptom was that a computer seemed to freeze or stutter at random times. During the initial meeting, I found out that this issue has been around since day one and that all the computers are based off a ‘standard image.’

This is when my standard workflow pays off. I treated this like any other troubleshooting engagement.The first step is to get a boot up and login baseline. The boot up and login will identify the protocols in use as well as the servers that the client communicates with. With this information, I may be able to identify some areas for configuration optimization. I used a ProfiShark 1G tap that was USB connected to my computer.

In this case, both login and boot up traces did not reveal any anomalies. Then I captured 5 minutes of packets while the client’s computer was idle. The key here is to close all obvious applications and leave the computer alone. This will identify the protocols and servers the client communicates with during regular operation.

I’m glad I took the 5-minute idle trace because I found a strange conversation between the client’s computer and a Sony Bravia smart TV. After further testing, we were able to correlate this conversation with the computer performance issues eight out of ten times.The other noteworthy point is that within the client packets we saw a reference to Spotify. After further investigation, the client acknowledged that he installed the Spotify client after getting admin access to his computer for a project.

We uninstalled the Spotify software and disconnected the smart TV from the network until that switch port VLAN configuration was modified.

About the Author

Tony Fortunato

Sr Network Performance Specialist

Tony Fortunato is a network performance expert who has been designing, implementing and troubleshooting networks since 1989. His company, The Technology Firm, provides clients of all sizes with services ranging from project management, network design, consulting, troubleshooting, designing custom-designed training courses, and assisting with equipment installation. Tony's experience in networking started with financial trading floor networks and ISPs, where he learned to integrate and support equipment from various vendors. Tony has taught and presented at numerous colleges and universities, public forums and private classes. He blogs frequently at NetworkDataPediaand has a popular YouTube channel.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Stay informed! Sign up to get expert advice and insight delivered direct to your inbox

You May Also Like


More Insights