topic Need to add Quality of Service (QOS). Best method? in My Router

Need to add Quality of Service (QOS). Best method?

ModelCitizen2 — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 16:37:18 GMT

Hi.

We are maxing out our 28k fibre-to-the-house broadband and need to add QOS to help my son to win at Mortal Combat. This is not possible with the Plusnet Hub 2 router so I have to either exchange it for another router/wap or continue to use it for the broadband connection but get a wireless access point that will enable me to prioritise packets from errant son's XBox.

I half understand that there some freely downloadable opensource software called WRT something that is supposed to be the best at QOS. If the is true then I need a router with as least as good wifi coverage ass the Hub 2 that will facilitate it. I'd prefer something cheap and am not adverse to used gear!

Can anyone with experience of this offer me any advice? I'm partially techy but draw the line at command line Linux management.

Thanks.

Further info: We need a WAP device with at least three LAN network sockets (preferably 4) as our home network is not a simple affair.

Re: Need to add Quality of Service (QOS). Best method?

jab1 — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 16:46:11 GMT

@ModelCitizen2 wrote:

Hi.

We are maxing out our 28k fibre-to-the-house broadband

I assume you are on FTTC - i.e your connection is via the phone line? THAT is not a 28k connection.

Re: Need to add Quality of Service (QOS). Best method?

DJMcKenzie87 — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 17:00:15 GMT

I recommend the ASUS RT-AX86U router for your son's gaming needs, as I personally utilize the RT-AX86U Pro model.

https://www.asus.com/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-gaming-routers/rt-ax86u/

Re: Need to add Quality of Service (QOS). Best method?

ModelCitizen2 — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 17:03:17 GMT

Damn. Thanks for pointing this out John. Yes, I meant FTTC (fibre to the cabinet). And it's only 28k max as we live a fair way from the box/exchange.

Re: Need to add Quality of Service (QOS). Best method?

ModelCitizen2 — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 17:12:42 GMT

ASUS RT-AX86U? They're a bit expensive new but I have a RT-AC68U which may suffice? Would you suggest custom software or as is?

Re: Need to add Quality of Service (QOS). Best method?

DJMcKenzie87 — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 17:17:09 GMT

I acquired the Asus RT-AX86 Pro on eBay approximately four years ago for £250; it is currently listed on eBay for £120. The RT-AC68U is not designed as a gaming router and therefore would not be suitable for that purpose.

Re: Need to add Quality of Service (QOS). Best method?

MisterW — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 17:48:08 GMT

@ModelCitizen2

I half understand that there some freely downloadable opensource software called WRT something

I suspect you are referring to Openwrt ( openwrt.org ). Yes it has good QoS options but it's not for non-techies! It's quite a steep learning curve.

If you really want to investigate that option then this https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cudy-WR3000S-Ethernet-Antennas-Wireguard/dp/B0CYT3Q54S/ref=asc_df_B0CYT3Q54S Is a good cheap option. It can easily be reflashed with official openwrt.

It's a router only so you would still need to use the Plusnet Hub 2 as well in bridge mode

Re: Need to add Quality of Service (QOS). Best method?

ModelCitizen2 — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 18:27:45 GMT

This was the answer I was looking for.

I'll try my Asus RT-AX86U* as it's a simple option and see if it'll keep errant son happy (and 4K TVs acceptable at the same). If not I'll have a look at OpenWRT and get that wireless router if it looks likely I'll be able to master it.

Thanks.

Re: Need to add Quality of Service (QOS). Best method?

PhilipHeyes — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 10:00:06 GMT

The problems is not lack of QoS, it is attempting too much over a 28Mb/s FTTC connection.

Consider how much bandwidth the 4K TVs using.

For Netflix 15 to 25 Mb/s is needed for each UHD/4K stream.

Re: Need to add Quality of Service (QOS). Best method?

ModelCitizen2 — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 12:53:40 GMT

Thanks. I am aware of that. I'm hoping the TV will adequately deal with constricted bandwidth if I prioritise the XBox. The effect of the new 4K TV on the XBox is not cataclysmic. The Xbox still functions very well, just not perfectly.