@David-TP 

  @Nyt 

Okay, I understand that you are concerned about bufferbloat issues on your Deco Mesh network, and you want to know whether Deco itself can resolve bufferbloat, or if you need to use a solution like OpenWRT before Deco, which might worsen your network performance.

Bufferbloat typically causes lag, fluctuations, packet loss, or persistent buffering during activities like video streaming, gaming, or video calls. While Deco Mesh does not offer advanced bufferbloat mitigation features like SQM (Smart Queue Management) found in OpenWRT, there are several steps you can take within Deco to help minimize these symptoms:

1. Connect your PC or laptop directly to the modem for comparison. If you still experience lag or buffering when connected directly, the issue may be with your ISP, not Deco.

2. In the Deco app, go to MORE > QoS and make sure the QoS bandwidth matches your subscribed Internet speed. Proper QoS settings can help manage traffic and reduce congestion.

3. In the client list section of the Deco app, select your device and check that 'Speed Limit' is disabled and 'Connection Preference' is set to 'auto'.

4. In the 'Parental Control' section, make sure your devices are not accidentally restricted.

5. For satellite Deco units, ensure the signal strength is at least 2 bars. Weak signals can cause latency and stability issues. If using Ethernet backhaul, connect the main and satellite units directly and verify "Ethernet Backhaul" is displayed in the Deco app.

6. For Ethernet devices, connect directly to the main Deco and try different Ethernet ports.

7. For Wi-Fi devices:
  • Connect to the nearest Deco unit with a strong signal.
  • Use the 5GHz or 6GHz band for latency-sensitive activities (avoid 2.4GHz).
  • Ensure you are on the main network, not guest or IoT network.

If you require further assistance, please contact TP-Link support and provide the results of these troubleshooting steps.

Note: If you specifically need SQM or advanced bufferbloat control, Deco Mesh does not currently support these features natively. Using OpenWRT before Deco may help with bufferbloat, but it can introduce complexity and may affect overall network performance. We recommend first optimizing your Deco settings as described above.