Affordable QoS SQM setup for home network
Affordable QoS SQM setup for home network
When downloading or streaming on YouTube, network traffic spikes occur and bandwidth drops sharply. This happens because my home setup uses a basic configuration. I have two routers: one on the ground floor and another on the first floor. The ground router serves as a wireless access point and connects my PC via Ethernet, while the first-floor router links to fiber internet. We’re using a Tenda N301, which is inexpensive. To avoid spikes and maintain performance, I’m considering switching to an Ubiquiti Edgerouter X for QoS and SQM features. However, I’m unsure if my current routers can support SQM. Since only one Ethernet cable reaches the ground floor, I can’t install a separate AP without an external port. I’ve searched Amazon but couldn’t find any APs with Ethernet out in my area. If my existing gear lacks QoS/SQM, is there an affordable way to enable it on the Edgerouter?
Initially, the ER-X's SQM performs exceptionally well based on my observations. Ensure you update the firmware and enable hardware offloading once you've configured it via the wizard. Additionally, your access points don't require SQM if they're directly connected over Ethernet to the ER-X, which will manage the connection as the main router. Most dedicated APs (excluding wireless routers) only have one Ethernet port for direct switch/router links because they aren't designed for chaining. This setup likely prevents performance degradation. I'm certain the Ubiquiti UAP-AC-Pro supports a secondary Ethernet port for other devices, though testing revealed it could cause slowdowns—both for the UAP-AC-Pro and any daisy-chained APs. If you need both wired and wireless options in one area, consider these alternatives:
- Convert an existing wireless router into an AP and set it to AP mode. Give it a fixed internal IP outside the ER-X's DHCP range, using the ER-X's IP as DNS/gateway. Connect via LAN port for Ethernet devices.
- For better value, use an affordable Ubiquiti airCube-AC, which is compact, offers strong coverage, and can be paired with PoE to power its AP.
It seems you're looking for finer management options in a business network. UniFi APs provide basic QoS features via the Controller, though I haven't used them directly at the AP stage since SQM performs adequately at the router.
If the router is the issue, you must also improve the wireless performance on the access points.