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Fix bufferbloat on Starlink router routers

No Smart Queue

No. The Starlink router has no Smart Queue setting. To shape the line yourself, use bypass mode with your own router.

Starlink's speed changes from minute to minute as satellites move, which makes fixed limits harder: set them too high and they don't help, too low and you lose speed. Starlink has been working on lag under load on its side, so test first; you may not need anything.

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

Use your own router

  1. Connect your own Smart Queue router by Ethernet. Some Starlink routers need the Starlink Ethernet adapter for this.
  2. In the Starlink app, go to Settings → Router and turn on Bypass mode (Bypass Starlink Wi-Fi). This turns off the Starlink Wi-Fi, and you need a factory reset to undo it.
  3. Set up Smart Queue on your own router with limits at about 80 to 85% of your typical speed, then test at a few times of day.

3. The numbers to enter

Use your typical speed, not the best one. Run the Lag Check at a few times of day and take a figure near the lower end. On OpenWrt, cake-autorate adjusts the limits automatically and suits a line whose speed changes.

Work out my limits

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

Gotchas

  • Starlink's speed and latency swing with satellite handovers, so a few spikes remain even with a good setup. That part isn't fixable at home.
  • Starlink uses CGNAT on most plans, so strict NAT in games is common with or without your own router.

No real Smart Queue? Your options

  • An OpenWrt or GL.iNet router in bypass mode with CAKE, or cake-autorate for a varying line.
  • Test before changing anything; if your lag under load grade is already A or B, leave it.

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

Test before and after