Overview
Smart Queue Management (SQM) is used to control bandwidth usage and reduce network latency on Pronto devices. It manages how traffic is queued and transmitted over the uplink to prevent bufferbloat, ensuring fair bandwidth distribution and better network performance.
SQM allows administrators to define download and upload speed limits and apply different queueing algorithms to optimize traffic flow.
Creating a Smart Queue
To configure SQM:
Navigate to configure
Select the desired Network
Go to Smart Queues
Click Create Smart Queue
This will open the Create Smart Queue configuration panel.
Configuration Fields
Devices / Device Tags / Network
This field specifies where the SQM policy will be applied.
You can apply the queue to:
Specific devices
Device tags
Entire network
This allows flexibility when applying bandwidth policies across multiple devices.
Example:
Apply to a single router
Apply to all routers in a tagged group
Apply to the entire network
Status
This option controls whether the Smart Queue is active.
Options:
Enable – Activates the SQM policy.
Disable – The SQM configuration exists but is not applied.
Uplink
This defines which WAN interface the queue management should apply to.
Options include:
Option | Description |
All | Applies SQM to both wired and cellular uplinks |
Wired | Applies SQM only to wired WAN connections |
4G | Applies SQM only to the cellular interface |
This is useful when devices use failover or multiple WAN connections.
Example:
Limit bandwidth only when device is using 4G
Apply shaping only on wired WAN
Download Speed
Defines the maximum download bandwidth available for the selected devices.
Adjustable using the slider
Can also be entered manually using Custom
Setting download speed slightly below the ISP bandwidth helps SQM manage queues effectively.
Example:
If ISP provides 100 Mbps, you may configure 90 Mbps.
Upload Speed
Defines the maximum upload bandwidth allowed.
Similar to download settings:
Adjustable using the slider
Custom values can be entered
Upload shaping is particularly useful for:
VoIP traffic
Video conferencing
Preventing upload congestion
Queueing Disciplines
Queue disciplines determine how network packets are scheduled and transmitted.
Available options:
Discipline | Description |
Cake | Modern queue management algorithm designed to reduce latency and ensure fair bandwidth distribution. Recommended for most deployments. |
Q_codel | Combines fair queuing with CoDel to manage latency and bufferbloat. |
Fq_codel | FlowQueue + CoDel. Widely used algorithm for managing queue delay. |
Efq_codel | Enhanced fair queuing variant. |
Nfq_codel | Network fair queue variant. |
Sfq | Stochastic Fair Queueing. Distributes traffic across multiple flows. |
Codel | Controlled Delay algorithm designed to combat bufferbloat. |
Pie | Proportional Integral controller Enhanced algorithm used for active queue management. |
Recommended option:
Cake
It provides:
Better fairness
Reduced latency
Built-in traffic shaping
Queue Setup Script
This defines the script used to configure the queue behavior on the device.
Available options include:
Script | Description |
Simple.qos | Basic SQM configuration suitable for most deployments |
Simplest.qos | Minimal configuration with fewer advanced options |
Layer_cake.qos | Prioritizes traffic by category (e.g., VoIP, video, browsing) |
Nxt_routed_hfsc.qos | Advanced configuration using HFSC scheduling |
Piece_of_cake.qos | Balanced configuration designed for general usage |
Recommended option:
Simple.qos or Piece_of_cake.qos
These provide stable performance with minimal configuration.
Best Practices
Set bandwidth limits 5–10% lower than ISP speeds
Use Cake queue discipline for best latency performance
Apply SQM especially on cellular or slower links
Avoid overly restrictive limits that may impact user experience