Fix bufferbloat on your router
Lag that jumps when someone downloads or uploads (bufferbloat) is fixable at home with Smart Queue. Pick your router to see whether it has real Smart Queue, where the setting is and what to enter. Work out your numbers with the Smart Queue assistant.
- OpenWrtReal Smart Queue
Yes. OpenWrt has real Smart Queue with CAKE, the best fix for bufferbloat on a home router.
- GL.iNetReal Smart Queue
Yes. GL.iNet routers run OpenWrt underneath, so they can do real Smart Queue with CAKE.
- ASUSPriority QoS only
Partly. Stock ASUS firmware has Adaptive QoS (priority) and Traditional QoS (speed limits). Asuswrt-Merlin adds CAKE, which is real Smart Queue.
- Ubiquiti UniFiReal Smart Queue
Yes. UniFi gateways have Smart Queues, which is real Smart Queue using fq_codel.
- TP-LinkPriority QoS only
Usually not. TP-Link Archer routers and Deco mesh have QoS that sets device priority and total bandwidth, not real Smart Queue.
- Netgear NighthawkPriority QoS only
Partly. Nighthawk routers have Dynamic QoS or Setup QoS, which prioritise traffic. Netgear doesn't describe it as fq_codel or CAKE, so test before and after.
- eeroAutomatic bufferbloat fix
Yes, automatically. eero's Optimize for Conferencing and Gaming setting is aimed at lag under load, but you can't enter your own limits.
- MikroTikReal Smart Queue
Yes. RouterOS 7 has a CAKE queue type, which is real Smart Queue.
- pfSense and OPNsenseReal Smart Queue
Yes. Both can shape the line with FQ-CoDel limiters, which is real Smart Queue.
- Google Nest WifiNo Smart Queue
No. Google Nest Wifi and Google Wifi have no Smart Queue or speed-limit setting.
- Starlink routerNo Smart Queue
No. The Starlink router has no Smart Queue setting. To shape the line yourself, use bypass mode with your own router.
Router not listed? Look for a setting called SQM, Smart Queue, CAKE or fq_codel. "QoS" that only sets priority helps a little at best. How Smart Queue works.