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Fix bufferbloat on Google Nest Wifi routers

No Smart Queue

No. Google Nest Wifi and Google Wifi have no Smart Queue or speed-limit setting.

The Google Home app lets you set a priority device for a few hours, which lets that device go first on the Wi-Fi. It doesn't stop the line's queue from filling, so lag under load usually stays the same.

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. The closest setting

Priority device (the closest setting)

  1. In the Google Home app, open your Wi-Fi settings and choose Priority device.
  2. Pick your gaming or work device and how long to prioritise it.
  3. Test again. If the lag grade stays at C or worse, the router can't fix it.

3. The numbers to enter

There are no Smart Queue numbers to enter on Nest Wifi. If you add a router that can do Smart Queue, the Smart Queue assistant works out its limits.

Work out my limits

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

Gotchas

  • Priority device helps one device a little for a set time and does nothing for the rest of the home.
  • Adding a router in front can give you double NAT. Use the NAT check afterwards; for games, set the Nest to a mode that doesn't route if yours offers one, or keep it and forward ports on the front router.

No real Smart Queue? Your options

  • Put a Smart Queue router between your modem (or ISP box) and this system. A GL.iNet travel or home router running its built-in OpenWrt, or any router that runs OpenWrt, can do CAKE for well under the price of a new mesh.
  • Or replace the system with a router or mesh that has real Smart Queue (OpenWrt, GL.iNet, UniFi, eero).

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

Test before and after