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Fix bufferbloat on GL.iNet routers

Real Smart Queue

Yes. GL.iNet routers run OpenWrt underneath, so they can do real Smart Queue with CAKE.

The GL.iNet admin panel is a simpler layer on top of OpenWrt. Depending on the model and firmware, Smart Queue is either built into the panel or installed as the OpenWrt SQM package and set up in the advanced (LuCI) interface.

1. Test before you change anything

Run the Lag Check and note the "Lag under load" grade and your download and upload speeds. You'll compare against it afterwards.

2. Where the setting is

Built-in setting

  1. Newer firmware on some models includes a QoS or SQM page in the GL.iNet admin panel. Look under the network settings; the exact menu varies by model and firmware version.
  2. If it offers SQM or CAKE with a download and upload limit, enter your speeds there.
  3. If it only offers device priority or a per-device speed limit, that isn't Smart Queue; use the LuCI steps below instead.

In the advanced (LuCI) interface

  1. In the admin panel, open System → Advanced Settings and follow the link to LuCI. Install LuCI first if it asks you to.
  2. In the admin panel's plug-ins page, or in LuCI under System → Software, install luci-app-sqm.
  3. In LuCI open Network → SQM QoS and follow the OpenWrt steps: your WAN interface, speeds in kbit/s, cake with piece_of_cake.qos.

3. The numbers to enter

LuCI asks for kbit/s (100 Mbps is 100000). Start at about 90% of your measured speed, or use the figures from the Smart Queue assistant.

Work out my limits

The assistant starts at 90% of your measured speed and tells you when to drop to 85% or 80%.

Gotchas

  • Hardware NAT or flow offloading sends traffic around the router's CPU, and with it around Smart Queue. If your grade doesn't improve, look for an acceleration or offloading setting and turn it off. Several GL.iNet models have a hardware or network acceleration switch in the admin panel; turn it off while SQM is on.
  • Smart Queue runs on the router's CPU. Cheap routers often top out somewhere around 300 to 500 Mbps with it on; above that the shaped speed drops well below your limit. On fast plans that can be worth it for lag, or a sign you need stronger hardware.
  • Travel-size models are fine for most lines up to a few hundred Mbps with CAKE. For gigabit plans, pick one of the faster models.

Test after the change. A good setup brings lag under load down to A or B.

Test before and after