How to Set Up SQM (Cake / FQ‑Codel)
Follow the steps for your platform. After each change, re-run the test to verify improvement under load.
OpenWrt (LuCI)
- Update to a current OpenWrt build.
- Install packages:
luci-app-sqmandsqm-scripts. - Go to Network → SQM QoS. Enable on your WAN interface.
- Queue discipline: cake. Queue setup script: piece_of_cake.qos.
- Set Download/Upload to ~90–95% of your measured line rates.
- Save & Apply, then test again under load.
AsusWRT‑Merlin
- Update to latest Merlin firmware for your model.
- Adaptive QoS → QoS: choose Traditional QoS or CAKE if available.
- Set your uplink/downlink to 90–95% of real speeds.
- Optional: prioritize gaming/VoIP device via Device Priority.
- Apply settings and re‑test with concurrent download/upload.
Ubiquiti (UniFi)
- Update Network Application / Gateway firmware.
- Enable Smart Queues (or Internet QoS depending on version).
- Set bandwidth limits slightly below your plan’s measured throughput.
- Verify gateway CPU can shape at line rate; adjust if needed.
- Re‑run the test during a download or cloud backup.
MikroTik (RouterOS)
- Update to a recent RouterOS version.
- Use fq_codel queues (v7) or Cake if supported for your device.
- Shape WAN at 90–95% of measured rates; prioritize UDP/VoIP if needed.
- Monitor CPU and queue stats; re‑test with our tool.
How to pick shaper rates
- Measure speeds with nothing else running.
- Set SQM download/upload to ~90–95% of those results.
- If latency still spikes, lower in 1–2% steps until stable.