SQM Algorithm Rankings (Use the best one if you can.)
1. Cake (Best. Works over WiFi as well. Requires good router hardware.)
2. fq_codel (Good. Does not as work well over WiFi)
3. SFQ (Decent. Significantly better than not having SQM.)
1. StopLagging Routers (~$100): Starting with a shameless plug. The first option is to buy my routers pre-flashed with openWrt and SQM installed. This is about $100 and setup is very minimal. I did most of the difficult work already so it’s easy for you to set up.
Difficulty: Very Easy
SQM Algorithm: Cake (fq_codel also available)
Max Bandwidth: 250Mbps
2. OpenWrt Firmware: This option is for those who have routers with openWrt pre-installed or those who have flashed openWrt on their own routers.
Difficulty: Easy (openWrt preinstalled). Hard (having to install openWrt)
SQM Algorithm: Cake (fq_codel also available)
Max Bandwidth: Depends on your hardware.
3. IQrouter V3 ($139): These guys were also listed on bufferbloat.net. IQRouter has minimum setup and automatically measures and optimize your network so you don’t have to adjust the Max Download / Upload.
Difficulty: Very Easy
SQM Algorithm: Cake
Max Bandwidth: ~300Mbps
4. GL.iNet Routers (OpenWrt Preloaded): GL-BL1300 ($80) and AR750S-EXT ($84) are a few examples that work with this.
Difficulty: Easy
SQM Algorithm: Cake (fq_codel also available)
Max Bandwidth: Depends on your hardware. BL1300 is a Quad-Core IPQ4028. While AR750S is a single core QCA9563, @775MHz. Pick the BL1300 if you’re using it at home. AR750S is more of a for travel product.
5. TM-AC1900 (~$40): A tedious method requiring two firmware flashes, but also most economical if you can get one for $40. Can support higher bandwidth’s with NAT Acceleration set on Auto.
Difficulty: Very Hard (2 Firmware Flashes)
SQM Algorithm: fq_codel
Max Bandwidth: ~430Mbps w/ NAT Acceleration On, otherwise ~280Mbps.
6. DD-WRT Firmware: For those that have their router flashed with dd-wrt firmware.
Difficulty: Easy (ddwrt preinstalled). Hard (having to install ddwrt)
SQM Algorithm: fq_codel
Max Bandwidth: Depends on your hardware.
7. Ubiquiti ER-X + Ubiquiti UAP AC-Lite (~$130): For those that have Ubiquiti hardware or what to buy Ubiquiti hardware. I personally use an ER-X with openWrt (you can just use stock firmware to solve bufferbloat as well).
Difficulty: Medium
SQM Algorithm: fq_codel
Max Bandwidth: ~247Mbps
8. Tomato Firmware: For those that have tomato firmware on their routers. This firmware is better than nothing, but for a better gaming experience you’re better off using DD-Wrt or OpenWrt when you can.
Difficulty: Easy (Tomato preinstalled). Hard (having to install Tomato)
SQM Algorithm: SFQ
Max Bandwidth: Depends on your hardware.
9. MikroTik Routers: For those with MikroTik hardware. I would also recommend the methods using fq_codel and cake over this if it is possible.
Difficulty: Medium
SQM Algorithm: SFQ
Max Bandwidth: ~250Mbps
Note: If you have a connection faster than 400 Mbps. I don’t have a suggestion for a router that could support higher than 400 Mbps with SQM enabled because I never had connections faster than this myself.