PlayStation Network not turning out as I had hoped

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

I bought a PS3 in early December, and so far I'm not impressed with the network. First of all, I tried downloading some demos. The process was a pain because as they download, they sometimes stop, and if I'm not around to tell them to continue, they continue to be stopped. I figure it's just a hickup or something so I keep trying and eventually succeed.

But then I start doing the bigger stuff, like Playstation Home. I was able to get most of the sections downloaded, but after walking around for like 10 minutes or so, the network kicks me out (I don't remember the actual message). I then have to go back in again. It doesn't take as long to go back in as the first time I go in that day, but it still sucks. It keeps going down, so now I don't bother going there anymore

I've also tried watching some of the short videos they have available, but they download very slowly. I'd say about three times as slow as downloading them on my laptop. I think Netflix is going to be out of the question.

Finally, today I decided to download Pac-Man DX. I have a $20 network card and went to the screen where you redeem it. It asks for the "card number," which appears to be an error, since the card number won't fit in the set of three fields that appear on the screen. What they really want to ask for is the "pin" number. Am I the only one who has noticed this discrepancy? Anyway, it's not hard to figure out, so I punch in the Pin, and it confirms the amount. Then it asks if I want to add them to my wallet. I highlight yes and hit X. The highlighting over top of the word Yes blinks for about 10 seconds. Then a message comes up saying "The service is currently undergoing maintenance." I keep trying every minute or so, but can't get past it. A couple of times it has spit me back several menus, which makes me have to enter the code all over again.

With all the trouble I'm having just trying to pay for the game, I fear downloading it is going to be another ordeal. It'll probably be a week before I can play Pac-Man DX.

Anyway, the above reasons are why the Playstation Network is not turning out as I had hoped.

[portnoyd]

PSN turned out not as anyone hoped from day one. You are not alone in the past, nor will you be in the future.

[megasdkirby]

I've never had issues with PSN, besides slow downloads.

But lately, it has sucked balls. Crappy specials, expensive "deals", worthless overall.

"Get the full Back to the Future for $15!"...yet I paid $10 for the complete, physical disc.

PSN is now a joke.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

All of the things that you describe:

Slow download speeds
Downloads stopping
Getting booted from Home
Failure to transmit sale data during check-out/add funds to wallet

are all symptoms of network connection problems.

If you're using your PS3 via Wi-Fi, I wouldn't recommend any wireless network speed below 802.11n. Ensure that you've got a solid connection with at least a NAT TYPE 2 during a connection test.

If you don't have a N router and your connection test doesn't show good speeds via Wi-Fi, run an ethernet cable to your PS3 and you should see all of those issues clear up.

[kupomogli]

Anyway, the above reasons are why the Playstation Network is not turning out as I had hoped.

Your internet connection sucks.

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

All of the things that you describe:

Slow download speeds
Downloads stopping
Getting booted from Home
Failure to transmit sale data during check-out/add funds to wallet

are all symptoms of network connection problems.

If you're using your PS3 via Wi-Fi, I wouldn't recommend any wireless network speed below 802.11n. Ensure that you've got a solid connection with at least a NAT TYPE 2 during a connection test.

If you don't have a N router and your connection test doesn't show good speeds via Wi-Fi, run an ethernet cable to your PS3 and you should see all of those issues clear up.

I'll test the speed in a little bit, but I don't know how my network speed can be the problem when I use my laptop over the same network, and don't have ANY interruptions. And yes, I do may sure my laptop is off when I'm on Playstation Network.

[megasdkirby]

If you don't have a N router and your connection test doesn't show good speeds via Wi-Fi, run an ethernet cable to your PS3 and you should see all of those issues clear up.

And even then, the downloads are slow. I've timed downloads on my Xbox 360 and different PC's and they are much faster than those via PSN.

I have no bandwidth issues with Netflix on the PS3, though.

[hezeuschrist]

You're really going to blame this guys network connection on PSN being shitty?

I started Uncharted 2 about 6 months after it came out. It took me two hours to actually start playing, and then for some reason I had no sound. I had to delete all the updates and do it all over again.

And no, my connection is fine. Every update I've ever downloaded over XBL takes seconds, and I've got 60gb of crap from XBL on my system. PSN is definitely the problem.

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

After getting booted back a couple of screens again, I went back and entered the pin, but now it said the number is wrong. I double-checked, and hit enter again, but it still said the number was wrong. I then exited out, went to check my wallet, and the $20 is now there. That's good. I then proceeded to buy Pac-man DX. It gave me two things to download. One said demo, and the other appeared to be the full game. So I told it to download the full game, it immediately said 100% and done. Huh? I went checking around the menus to see if it had appeared, but it's not there.

The journey continues ...

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

Your internet connection sucks.

I'm thinking it's a PS3 issue. I've downloaded things on the 3DS, DS, and Wii, and I don't ever remember things stopping.

[hezeuschrist]

After getting booted back a couple of screens again, I went back and entered the pin, but now it said the number is wrong. I double-checked, and hit enter again, but it still said the number was wrong. I then exited out, went to check my wallet, and the $20 is now there. That's good. I then proceeded to buy Pac-man DX. It gave me two things to download. One said demo, and the other appeared to be the full game. So I told it to download the full game, it immediately said 100% and done. Huh? I went checking around the menus to see if it had appeared, but it's not there.

The journey continues ...

I'm guessing the "Demo" is the actual game, and the "Full Game" just unlocks it from the demo file.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

After getting booted back a couple of screens again, I went back and entered the pin, but now it said the number is wrong. I double-checked, and hit enter again, but it still said the number was wrong. I then exited out, went to check my wallet, and the $20 is now there. That's good. I then proceeded to buy Pac-man DX. It gave me two things to download. One said demo, and the other appeared to be the full game. So I told it to download the full game, it immediately said 100% and done. Huh? I went checking around the menus to see if it had appeared, but it's not there.

The journey continues ...

One is the demo and the other is the full game unlock for the demo. When you see two items like that you need to download them both.

Contrary to what other people are insinuating - I'm not "blaming" your network for anything - if this was any other thread about any other download issue on any other setup people would, you know, attempt to be helpful by trying to diagnose what the problem MIGHT be.

Yes, PSN is slower than XBL when it comes to software download.

XBL system updates, games and game patch downloads are typically very fast.

Just my two cents. And since you seem to have a lot of other helpful responses to work with in here so, you should be fine. Feel free to PM me if you have any other PSN questions. I'm always happy to help.

[Gamevet]

If you're using your PS3 via Wi-Fi, I wouldn't recommend any wireless network speed below 802.11n. Ensure that you've got a solid connection with at least a NAT TYPE 2 during a connection test.

If you don't have a N router and your connection test doesn't show good speeds via Wi-Fi, run an ethernet cable to your PS3 and you should see all of those issues clear up.

I agree!

When my last router fried, it took out the ethernet ports on (2) 360s and my PC motherboard. Luckily my PS3 wasn't connected to the ethernet connection in my livingroom, so I'd decided to use the Wi-Fi from then on. Even though the PS3 was showing a good connection, my download speeds were somewhere around 600 Kbps and took forever. I just recently connected the PS3 back to a wired connection and my download speeds are somewhere between 1.5 to 2 Mbps.

[megasdkirby]

When I had the PS 3 connected wirelessly, it would actually disconnect ALL equipment connected to the router. Even updating the DDWRT firmware did not help matters either. So I connected it via Cat5e and it worked flawlessly.

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

Well, I completed the download and selected the game to install. It also said there was an update (for the game), so I ran that. Like everyone said, you download the demo to download the game, which seems unintuitive. It's also weird how there's nothing on the screen says you have to download the demo first (unless I missed it). I'm sure you PS3 veterans see these things as normal, and hearing all this from a noob is probably driving you nuts. @_@

As for hooking a network cable, I would like to try that, but I don't have a cable long enough to stretch the distance between the router and the PS3. Why should I have to anyway? All my other gaming devices have no problem with the Wifi. Is the Wifi receiver inside the PS3 cheaply made or something?

Anyway Pac-Man DX is pure awesome. There's no other way to describe it. After my first play session I got a couple of trophies, which are the first trophies, ever. I don't care about them, but I'm starting to feel "caught up" with this generation of gaming.

[kupomogli]

As for hooking a network cable, I would like to try that, but I don't have a cable long enough to stretch the distance between the router and the PS3. Why should I have to anyway? All my other gaming devices have no problem with the Wifi. Is the Wifi receiver inside the PS3 cheaply made or something?

Didn't know you were using wireless. Wireless in general sucks compared to a hard line connection, but I'd come to the conclusion that generally the PS3 wireless isn't going to be that good. I have never had a problem running wireless other than the fact that it's much slower when downloading anything to the hard drive than wired. Playing games online wireless is fine but much better running wired.

A friend of mine has two PS3s though. His 60GB PS3 would usually log off when his wife first gets online with her laptop, and for the longest time we thought it was the router. He has a PS3 slim which he got after the Bluray drive on the 60GB stopped working. The slim has no problems at all with his router. When trying to log on with his 60GB which he now uses for digital only, it kicks everything offline.

So I'd say the wireless is probably the issue.

Like Frankie said though. XBL downloads games and updates faster but it's not a massive difference. Same file size on the PS3 takes a couple minutes more and then takes a minute to install the file to the system.

[Gamevet]

Well, I completed the download and selected the game to install. It also said there was an update (for the game), so I ran that. Like everyone said, you download the demo to download the game, which seems unintuitive. It's also weird how there's nothing on the screen says you have to download the demo first (unless I missed it). I'm sure you PS3 veterans see these things as normal, and hearing all this from a noob is probably driving you nuts. @_@


It's been awhile since I've downloaded a title from PSN, but I don't recall having to download the demo to download the whole game. I know with Xbox LIVE, you basically have the full game download in demo mode, but you pay to unlock the rest of the game.

[Lucifersam1]

Agreed....

There are definitely speed/connectivity problems with PS3/PSN. I have an 80GB Motorstorm PS3, and a XBox 360 80 GB. The 360's downloads speeds are exponentially better. I just bought my brother the Uncharted 3 PS3 Bundle for Xmas, and he complained day one about shitty speeds during the speed test. Yet his wireless laptop is right near the PS3 and his speed tests were a lot better on it. I just told him it's par for the course with the PS3.

I've always had connection issues with my PS3; I will admit sometimes it has been my connection, but many times it is PSN just being shitty. I also have some friends who own a PS3 who complain about speed/connectivity issues.

Still, I love my PS3... for better or for worse!



I'm thinking it's a PS3 issue. I've downloaded things on the 3DS, DS, and Wii, and I don't ever remember things stopping.

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

So can I perform a speed test on the PS3 itself? If so, what's the best way to go about it? I'm thinking I can just go to one of the speed test web sites via the PS3 Internet browser.

[MarioMania]

Turn off PS3 Media Server...

I did, and I haven't had any trouble

[Lucifersam1]

If you go to the Settings menu option on the XMB, and then click on Internet Connection Test, it will tell your upload and download speed.


So can I perform a speed test on the PS3 itself? If so, what's the best way to go about it? I'm thinking I can just go to one of the speed test web sites via the PS3 Internet browser.

[Blitzwing256]

of course xbox live is going to be faster, they have what are called payed servers, they have more ability to allow faster download speed. PSN is Free, so theres millions more people downloading the same thing as you. And yeah turning off the media server will help tremendously as well.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

If you go to the Settings menu option on the XMB, and then click on Internet Connection Test, it will tell your upload and download speed.

Thirded on shutting down your media server ... that thing is constantly pinging your computer network looking for media files/folders.

On the connection test look for UpnP to be "yes" and your NAT type to be 2.

Failure on both/either of those is going to severely stifle your PSN connectivity/speed.

In most cases a soft modem/router re-boot typically fixes any UpnP error and in some cases will clear up a NAT issue.

You'll want to re-run your PS3's internet connection setup after re-booting modem/router.

[Lucifersam1]

I have Playstation+, by your logic I should have the right to use paid servers so my my bits move faster than non-subscribers. Clearly you have a good point about the paid server issue, but then it would seem that Sony should have preferred servers if it comes down to money...




of course xbox live is going to be faster, they have what are called payed servers, they have more ability to allow faster download speed. PSN is Free, so theres millions more people downloading the same thing as you. And yeah turning off the media server will help tremendously as well.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I have Playstation+, by your logic I should have the right to use paid servers so my my bits move faster than non-subscribers. Clearly you have a good point about the paid server issue, but then it would seem that Sony should have preferred servers if it comes down to money...

Playstation+ isn't about network/server speed, it's more of a discount/reward program. Where you pay in on XBL to play online a well as ensure the functionality, speed and stability of the servers, on PSN the yearly $50 gets you weekly free game content, weekly discount content, cloud storage for game saves and early access to betas.

Since online play is free for all, it would be unfair in online multiplayer if there was a paid tier where those users had faster network speeds, as there's already a sizable natural/organic divide between users with bad/capped network speeds and/or limited home network hardware and users with faster setups and better bandwidth.

[Lucifersam1]

You make very good points! In regard to one of your earlier posts, I need to check my media server settings. I think it is turned off, but perhaps not... hopefully that will help me and the others.


Playstation+ isn't about network/server speed, it's more of a discount/reward program. Where you pay in on XBL to play online a well as ensure the functionality, speed and stability of the servers, on PSN the yearly $50 gets you weekly free game content, weekly discount content, cloud storage for game saves and early access to betas.

Since online play is free for all, it would be unfair in online multiplayer if there was a paid tier where those users had faster network speeds, as there's already a sizable natural/organic divide between users with bad/capped network speeds and/or limited home network hardware and users with faster setups and better bandwidth.

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

Thirded on shutting down your media server ... that thing is constantly pinging your computer network looking for media files/folders.

On the connection test look for UpnP to be "yes" and your NAT type to be 2.

Failure on both/either of those is going to severely stifle your PSN connectivity/speed.

In most cases a soft modem/router re-boot typically fixes any UpnP error and in some cases will clear up a NAT issue.

You'll want to re-run your PS3's internet connection setup after re-booting modem/router.

Okay, I turned off the media server thingy. I then downloaded the Fat Princess demo, and it seemed to go pretty fast. That other stuff you suggest sounds technical, but I'll look for it.

[G-Boobie]

All of the things that you describe:

Slow download speeds
Downloads stopping
Getting booted from Home
Failure to transmit sale data during check-out/add funds to wallet

are all symptoms of network connection problems.

If you're using your PS3 via Wi-Fi, I wouldn't recommend any wireless network speed below 802.11n. Ensure that you've got a solid connection with at least a NAT TYPE 2 during a connection test.

If you don't have a N router and your connection test doesn't show good speeds via Wi-Fi, run an ethernet cable to your PS3 and you should see all of those issues clear up.

No matter what your settings and equipment, PSN is slow and awkward over wireless internet compared to XBL and computers. I can download all 16 gigs of the Witcher 2 from Steam in about three hours: a 550 MB patch for BlazBlue Continuum Shift on PSN took almost as long. No matter how you slice it, that sucks.

You should probably just stick the CAT5 cable in your PS3, OP. It's much better.

[The 1 2 P]

Anyone who's dealt with downloading stuff on PSN is aware of it's slow speeds. But despite that I have never had any disconnect problems when playing online multiplayer over my wireless network for any of the games I've played. The only problem I can think of(besides slow speeds and lots of updates before being able to get into an actual game) was when I was trying to play Dead Nation online and couldn't get into a game. It might have just been that nobody else was on when I tried to play but this was alittle bit after the free games were released as compensation so I'm sure there had to of been other people playing it for a few weeks/months. But that was the only time it happened.

[Leo_A]

of course xbox live is going to be faster, they have what are called payed servers, they have more ability to allow faster download speed. PSN is Free, so theres millions more people downloading the same thing as you. And yeah turning off the media server will help tremendously as well.

In regards to downloading things, Xbox Live is every bit as free as PSN is. You don't have to pay to be able to download things like patches, to have the ability to purchase DLC, etc.

Plus, the primary thing you're paying for is online multiplayer. All Xbox Live essentially does is matchmaking. The vast majority of Xbox Live multiplayer is done via player hosted servers beyond a 3rd party or two, like EA, that uses publisher ran dedicated servers. Microsoft doesn't host the servers we're playing on when we're actually in a game, they're handling other functions like matchmaking, communications, download hosting, etc.

Not a valid reason in the slightest.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

No matter what your settings and equipment, PSN is slow and awkward over wireless internet compared to XBL and computers. I can download all 16 gigs of the Witcher 2 from Steam in about three hours: a 550 MB patch for BlazBlue Continuum Shift on PSN took almost as long. No matter how you slice it, that sucks.

You should probably just stick the CAT5 cable in your PS3, OP. It's much better.

Downloads are slow on the PSN all around, especially so on WiFi, but there are things that the end user should do to ensure that they're getting an optimal UL/DL stream to/from the PSN.

Even when hard-wired to the internet, UpnP and NAT connections can get funky and need a reboot now and again.

Again, I'm not making excuses for the network speed, I'm just trying to provide some sound advice about how to get the most out of a PSN connection.

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

Thanks for all the help guys. By the way, Frankie, your profile info on the left probably sets a record for the highest number of obscure references. :)

[Lothars]

You're really going to blame this guys network connection on PSN being shitty?

I started Uncharted 2 about 6 months after it came out. It took me two hours to actually start playing, and then for some reason I had no sound. I had to delete all the updates and do it all over again.

And no, my connection is fine. Every update I've ever downloaded over XBL takes seconds, and I've got 60gb of crap from XBL on my system. PSN is definitely the problem.
I don't think PSN is the problem though, It seems to me that PSN is more picky on how the connection is setup or so becuase I download just as fast on PSN as I do on Live, I would recommend to check your network settings. verify your upload and download on the ps3.


I have Playstation+, by your logic I should have the right to use paid servers so my my bits move faster than non-subscribers. Clearly you have a good point about the paid server issue, but then it would seem that Sony should have preferred servers if it comes down to money...
I don't know why your having issues with speeds on PSN but I don't think it's a difference between paid servers or not paid servers, I think it's really how people have there connections setup with the PS3.

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

Well, I ran the connection test lots of times while trying different things. On all of them, it said the UPnP said "Not Available." Also, during each test, the fields beside both "Download" and "Upload" speed say Failed for a couple of seconds, but eventually they get populated with numbers. Also during each test I got the error code 80029020 at the bottom, along with "A connection error has occurred."

When I first ran the test, without changing anything, I got speeds around 380 kbps for download, and 190 for upload.

I tried the test several times with the Media Server disabled and enabled, but it never made a huge difference in the numbers.

So then I moved the wireless router closer to my TV, all of a sudden, the numbers became 590 and 270.

Then I tried using a network cord, but after setting it up and running the check, the numbers didn't change that much.

So then I put the router back where it was to start (other side of the room), set the PS3 back to wireless, then ran another check. For some reason, the numbers matched what it was when it was closer to the TV: 617, 291.

Basically, all the things I tried didn't make a difference, but somehow the connection randomly became faster.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Well, I ran the connection test lots of times while trying different things. On all of them, it said the UPnP said "Not Available." Also, during each test, the fields beside both "Download" and "Upload" speed say Failed for a couple of seconds, but eventually they get populated with numbers. Also during each test I got the error code 80029020 at the bottom, along with "A connection error has occurred."

When I first ran the test, without changing anything, I got speeds around 380 kbps for download, and 190 for upload.

I tried the test several times with the Media Server disabled and enabled, but it never made a huge difference in the numbers.

So then I moved the wireless router closer to my TV, all of a sudden, the numbers became 590 and 270.

Then I tried using a network cord, but after setting it up and running the check, the numbers didn't change that much.

So then I put the router back where it was to start (other side of the room), set the PS3 back to wireless, then ran another check. For some reason, the numbers matched what it was when it was closer to the TV: 617, 291.

Basically, all the things I tried didn't make a difference, but somehow the connection randomly became faster.

That error code is the PS3 not being able to get a stable (or any) IP address from your network.

While I certainly can't wrap my head around what exactly happened, in the process of moving the router around I assume you un-plugged it. The reboots may have cleared up some data collisions or other settings that got funky. Never a terrible idea to reboot your network if it's had up-time of weeks or months on end.

Network connectivity can be a bit of voodoo sometimes/in general, where I've got devices that will connect and transmit data rock solid 100% of the time, and other hardware that is flaky depending on where I am in the house or what I'm doing.

I've found PS3 to be in the latter category, but with high-speed router, wired connection, optimal settings, and a clear data stream (no data collisions, etc.) I don't typically have any issues with speed and connectivity these days.

You also may want to try hard powering down the PS3 (unplugging it) to make sure that everything is clear with the wi-fi on that as well.

[ProgrammingAce]

I like the part where frankie complains that other people aren't giving good information, then pretends he knows what he's talking about. Networking isn't "voodo" and you can't just make up terms that already have a meaning (protip: you can't have data collisions on anything resembling a modern network)

If you're getting an error code of "80029020" with a network cable plugged in, either your PS3, network cable, or router is broken and needs to be serviced. The easy way to rule out the router is to hook the PS3 straight up to your modem.

If you're only getting "80029020" while on wifi, you're most likely having signal problems. Moving the console may help (as you've already seen), but you should probably consider finding a way to use a wired network connection

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Yeah.

While my description of the error code comes directly from Sony's knowledge base, contrary to your indication that I claim to be an authority/expert - if you pay attention, you'll see that I openly acknowledge that the intricacies of networking are a bit of a mystery to me and I only ever speculate on what the issue might be.

Glad my presence provided the impetus for a pro to participate in the discussion.

So, now that you've clarified that data collisions are technically impossible on a modern network, what happens when a modern router hangs up or crashes? If it's not a "data collision" (based on the aforementioned impossibility of that) what is it and what would be the appropriate terminology for that?

[megasdkirby]

Could be an unstable firmware (probably got corrupted somehow), or even overheating. These issues cause my crappy D-Link 615 router to go nuts and freeze for no issue, particularly when it gets very hot (my room without AC is a furnace).

Or it's my router telling me to GTFO of the internet and have a life. :D

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

If you're getting an error code of "80029020" with a network cable plugged in, either your PS3, network cable, or router is broken and needs to be serviced. The easy way to rule out the router is to hook the PS3 straight up to your modem.


I'm getting the error while it's wired and with WI-Fi. Maybe I should see about getting the PS3 serviced.


Could be an unstable firmware (probably got corrupted somehow), or even overheating. These issues cause my crappy D-Link 615 router to go nuts and freeze for no issue, particularly when it gets very hot (my room without AC is a furnace).

My router works fine for all my other devices, and it never feels hot. I don't think the PS3 is overheating either. The fans have space and I keep the unit turned off when not in use. We like to keep the house cool as well. As far as firmware, who knows, but this is a brand new PS3, and I have run all the updates that were offered.

[kupomogli]

Have you tried running directly from the modem to the PS3?