Device for lowering latency through priority settings
Device for lowering latency through priority settings
Point is, I've got a friend who has a connection which is not amazing to say it somehow. We would like to install him a router which provides him an stable connection keeping his latency in games at a rate that makes them playable (~100ms) while his family attempts to watch Netflix or download something. To do so we would need a router which can be configured to provide him the highest priority via MAC or IP via ethernet (he connects via cable not wifi). Do you have any idea of a router which can do something like this (and doesn't cost 300€ ofc 
)? Any help or insight would be amazing! I do know that it is possible for some routers to configure these kind of settings, but I'd rather get your opinions and help than what the internet tells me. After all, this is for a birthday present and we would like to get the most appropriate router. Thanks for all your help in advance comunity!
MaddieColdplay
07-12-2023, 02:19 AM #1Hi guys!! I am an active viewer of Linus' videos and have checked these forums from time to time. Now I have an specific doubt in which maybe you could help me out Point is, I've got a friend who has a connection which is not amazing to say it somehow. We would like to install him a router which provides him an stable connection keeping his latency in games at a rate that makes them playable (~100ms) while his family attempts to watch Netflix or download something. To do so we would need a router which can be configured to provide him the highest priority via MAC or IP via ethernet (he connects via cable not wifi). Do you have any idea of a router which can do something like this (and doesn't cost 300€ ofc )? Any help or insight would be amazing! I do know that it is possible for some routers to configure these kind of settings, but I'd rather get your opinions and help than what the internet tells me. After all, this is for a birthday present and we would like to get the most appropriate router. Thanks for all your help in advance comunity!
NoahWraith
07-12-2023, 11:15 PM #2So what you are looking for is a device with QOS options, AKA Quality of Service. Within your QOS settings you can configure certain devices to take priority over others when active. Most routers used nowadays have this feature built in, just renamed. for example: here's how to set up QOS on any Netgear routers that have Netgear GENIE. https://kb.netgear.com/24266/How-to-enab...GEAR-genie
josiecatz__10
07-13-2023, 01:17 PM #3I previously owned an Asus RT-AC68U with QoS enabled, but I haven't used it personally. It's been set up on a pfSense device.
paintball2
07-13-2023, 03:05 PM #4QoS appears to shift focus from priority-based handling to balanced sharing (still hard to name the exact term). FQ_codel is added to pfSense for this purpose, while CAKE is available on OpenWRT. If you want the best latency performance, aim for a router that runs one of these platforms.
Hey! Great feedback, thanks! I’ll check his current router for QoS features first to see if it fits. If not, I’ll look at what @Alex Atkin UK is mentioning. Do you know any solid routers that support pfSense or OpenWRT? Or should I consider buying a specific model and flashing its OS to one of those? I’m still getting comfortable with this advanced router setup.
PFSense is an open-source router operating system. Many tech enthusiasts opt for custom PC builds tailored to it, typically featuring low-power processors, high IPC CPUs, 2-4 GB of RAM, and minimal storage. You can purchase ready-made router kits from their official site or pre-assembled units available on platforms like eBay. Pre-built options exist from manufacturers such as Netgate, with the SG-1000 priced around $149 USD, offering most home network needs. Older hardware versions are also found on eBay. For downloads, the official PFSense page provides links. OpenWRT is another third-party solution that can be installed on different routers. Supported devices and setup guides are listed at https://openwrt.org/toh/. In short, choose OpenWRT for ease of use or PFSense for extensive customization and performance.
Ulrica_Seven
08-03-2023, 06:10 AM #7Hello, we've chosen the AC68U router from Asus with a strong QoS feature. If the standard setup doesn't meet our needs, we plan to flash it onto OpenWRT as you recommended. I've learned about QoS and bandwidth performance—my friend uses 4G mobile internet, offering roughly 20-25Mbps for both upload and download. Will QoS work well in that scenario? Appreciate your assistance!