Bufferbloat with mesh network (wired backhaul)

[u/Jamjor]

Hi everyone,

I have been trying to solve latency spikes during moonlight/Apollo streaming from my gaming PC to my tablet within my home for 6 plus months now. I believe I've determined it's not an issue with my host (very powerful gaming PC) nor my client (galaxy tab s9 ultra and steamdeck). I think it's a bufferbloat issue.

I have an Arris Touchstone CM8200, gigabyte fiber internet, running to an Eero mesh system with Eero 6 pro nodes. I recently installed a wired backhaul via moca 2.5. My speeds are good and my Eero app shows 1gbt wired connection to each node. Host is wired via gigabit switch.

I ran waveform tests today, and am getting a B. Unloaded 59ms, download active +33ms.

I am running out of ideas on what to try or do.

Should I try a different modem? Buy my own or have ISP provide? ISP has offered to upgrade me to Eero 7 (not 7 pro) for no cost. I haven't asked them about a different modem yet. I'm also willing to buy myself a new modem and maybe try access points instead, but I'd rather keep it free or low cost if possible.

Anyone have any suggestions? I'm honestly at a loss at where to go from here.

[u/Peppy_Tomato]

Sounds like you need a router that supports QoS. The router, not necessarily the modem. 

[u/Jamjor → u/Peppy_Tomato]

Do you think if I purchase my own router, then turn bridge mode on the eeros it should fix the issue?

[u/Peppy_Tomato → u/Jamjor]

Bridge mode on the modem (which it probably already is in), then goes into your new router with QoS, and then the Eeros become just access points (which some manufacturers also call bridge mode).

Based on your tests, this is the kind of setup you need, but it won't help if the lag is coming from your ISP. The only way to find out is to test it. Consider buying from a place that will oet you return the router if it doesn't improve the situation for you.

[u/Jamjor → u/Peppy_Tomato]

Sounds good, thank you!. I ordered a gl inet Flint 2 from Amazon so easy returns. My ISP is giving me 1gb download speed on fiber so I can't see it being from their end but i suppose it's possible.

[u/GreenXero]

Unless your gaming PC is outside your network, bufferbloat isn't your issue. The bufferbloat test is for your isp connection into your network.

[u/Jamjor → u/GreenXero]

What do you figure the issue would be? I've tried so many things on both host and client. Other people with similar setups seem to be having less than 5ms latency, near native experience but the main difference is they aren't on Eero mesh setup.

[u/GreenXero → u/Jamjor]

How much latency are you getting over moonlight? What are you using to determine latency between the pc and client? How much bandwidth is moonlight using? Maybe your wifi is just on the edge of fast enough?

I would do some testing with iperf. That might give some information on what's going on. See when spikes are happening.

Or maybe try lowering settings in moonlight to reduce bandwidth and see if you still have issues.

[u/thehorrificdiagnosis]

That bufferbloat score lines up pretty well with what you're seeing, the +33ms under load is enough to mess with game streaming for sure

[u/heysoundude]

Is the Touchstone bridged, and the eero base unit handling DHCP etc?
Next, can you turn down the radio strength and spread the nodes apart some more?

[u/MinnSnowMan]

Alta Labs Route10 has QoS features.

[u/Either_Sky2875]

I’d troubleshoot the network before buying new hardware. Bufferbloat can cause lag when your connection is busy, so try enabling any traffic-priority settings on your router and testing again. I wouldn’t expect a vpn like PIA (Private Internet Access) to fix this, since it can actually add latency. Focus on reducing the delay first, then consider upgrading your router if the problem persists.

[u/bSanderman]

How to Enable SQM in the Eero App

You can turn on Eero's traffic optimization feature through the mobile app:

1. Open the eero App.
2. Tap Settings (or tap Discover and go to eero Labs on some firmware versions).
3. Navigate to Advanced networking > Network services (or look for Optimize for conferencing and gaming / SQM).
4. Toggle the feature On.