How to Reduce Bufferbloat
Fix lag when downloading: SQM, fq_codel, upload limits, and router settings to reduce bufferbloat.
Bufferbloat spikes latency when your link is full. Fixing it improves gaming and calls even when speed tests show high Mbps.
Enable SQM or cake/fq_codel on routers that support it (OpenWrt, pfSense, some consumer mesh systems). Set the bandwidth limit slightly below your real max upload and download.
If you can't change router firmware, cap per-device upload in router settings or pause cloud backups during calls. Verify improvements with a full SpeedIP test that includes bufferbloat grading.
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Tests your device → SpeedIP server. Other speed tests use different servers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What router settings help bufferbloat?▾
SQM with cake or fq_codel is the gold standard. Avoid 'buffering' modes that maximize throughput at the cost of latency.
Will a new modem fix bufferbloat?▾
Sometimes, if the modem's queue is the bottleneck. Often the router is the culprit—try SQM there first.