Quality of Service or QoS prioritizes the network traffic, slowing the Wi-Fi speed. It ensures that important media files are delivered faster without delays. Enable this router feature to transfer the large audio, videos, and emails in seconds.
So, what does QoS technology do on a router? It increases the bandwidth limit to improve the users’ browsing experience. QoS allows the router owners to use the bandwidth for specific programs or services.
For instance, your internet-based calls will receive all the bandwidth if you prioritize VoIP. Add your console to the QoS list for high-speed gaming.
Moreover, you can include apps like Netflix to stream videos without buffering. However, the apps or services excluded from the QoS list will load slowly. So, we recommend disabling this router feature when it isn’t required.
Let’s learn when you should enable QoS and when you shouldn’t:
When a Router User Must Use QoS and When They Shouldn’t?
Enable the QoS feature only when you need high-speed internet. Let’s say you have to send 20+ email attachments to your clients. Using this router function will decrease the data transfer time.
You can also share multiple files from one device to another with iCloud or other apps with QoS. However, most router users enable this built-in feature when they experience slow internet issues.
Remember that the faster the Wi-Fi speed, the less likely you will need the QoS. Thus, you must check the internet speed before enabling the feature. If the download or upload speed is less than 600 Mbps, prioritization is required with QoS.
Here, we have mentioned the internet speed where you should use QoS:
100 Mbps or Less
A 100 Mbps or lower bandwidth speed can quickly download small files or videos. You can also stream HD videos and play games at this speed. However, downloading large media files can take much time at 100 Mbps. So, you must enable QoS from your router’s settings page.
A speed between 100 Mbps and 500 Mbps
Usually, a bandwidth speed between 100 Mbps to 500 Mbps is enough for online gaming, movie streaming, and browsing. It will be enough for the households with 3-4 members. However, with this speed, you will experience slow internet issues in large offices. Using QoS will be a good idea in such instances.
A speed between 500 Mbps and 1Gbps
You get 62.5 MB/s download speed with 500 Mbps bandwidth. Hence, this speed lets you download 100 GB of data within 25-30 minutes. Additionally, users can download 5 4K movies in less than 10 minutes with a 1 Gbps internet connection. So, there is no need to enable QoS if your router delivers a speed between 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps.
Should You Enable the QoS feature in 2.5 Gbps or More Bandwidth Speed?
You don’t need QoS at 2.5 Gbps speed unless you have to share files on multiple devices. Furthermore, you can disable this router feature when the bandwidth is more than 2.5Gbps. So, QoS should be used when the internet speed is less than required. Never use this feature if you have a 10 Gbps Fiber-optic broadband connection.
Why Does Your Computer Display Slower Speed Test Results with QoS?
QoS provides the connected devices the required speed for uploading, downloading, sharing, or streaming content. Your computer will display slower speed test results when QoS is enabled. It happens because speed testing sites often show incorrect results.
Speed testing sites show the current download or upload speed your device receives with QoS. However, the Wi-Fi speed can increase once you disconnect the unwanted devices. Incorrect QoS configuration is another cause for the slow internet speed.
Your internet connection will become slower if you keep the QoS speed higher than the broadband speed. Thus, access your router’s web interface to modify the QoS settings. Set the download speed below the broadband’s speed from your router’s web GUI.
Basic Requirements to Access QoS
You only need two things to use QoS – a router and details about the bandwidth speed or quality. First and foremost, you must check whether the router you use has the QoS feature. Most routers support this function and can be enabled from the admin interface or web-based app.
Manufacturers like Eero or Netgear disable QoS by default. Some router makers also add this feature to their monthly plan. So, you must pay a subscription plan to access QoS on your Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
Secondly, you should check the internet speed the router provides. Open the router manufacturer’s app to find the actual bandwidth speed. Additionally, you can perform a quick speed test using Ookla or other sites.
Knowing the broadband speed will help you to set the correct QoS speed. For instance, if the router provides 500 Mbps, keep the QoS speed “450 Mbps” or lower. Never use a higher number, like 550 Mbps, when setting QoS. Always choose a number close to the exact broadband bandwidth speed.
Can QoS Improve the Internet Connection Quality?
QoS can’t improve the internet connection quality. If your broadband connection has 20 Mbps speed and you need 30 Mbps speed on an app, using QoS won’t be helpful.
The bandwidth speed must always be higher than the speed required for internet-based apps or services if you want to use QoS. Moreover, you can’t fix the internet lag problems using this router feature. With QoS, you can only provide a particular app or service with the best downstream or upstream speed.
Quick Steps to Enable QoS on Your Wireless Router
Enabling the QoS is straightforward, but the steps might vary between router manufacturers. You will also find the QoS feature in different names on different wireless routers.
Asus uses “Adaptive QoS” instead of “QoS”, and Linksys named it “Device Prioritization”. Other manufacturers call this router feature “Traffic Control”. So, open the router’s web interface or mobile app to enable it.
Access a web browser and enter the Wi-Fi router’s default IP address in the address bar. Press the Enter key or click the search icon to open your router login page. Provide the correct login credentials and press the Login button – the setup wizard will appear.
Head to the Advanced section if you have a TP-Link router and tick the Enable checkbox next to QoS. Choose the download and upload bandwidth speed and press the Save button. Go to “Device Priority”, choose the timing, and select the preferred services or apps.
Asus router owners must scroll down to “Adaptive QoS” under the General section. Select what you want to prioritize and tap “Apply” to complete the process. Netgear router users can find the QoS feature in the Dashboard. Contact your Internet Service Provider if you can’t find QoS on your wireless router’s web GUI.
