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Optimizing Merlin for video streaming and quicker throughput

Rob Q

Senior Member
With all the settings in Merlin, is there a way to optimize it for video streaming and a quicker data throughput?
I'm using 2x Roku streaming sticks (802.11n, 5GHz), 1x laptop (802.11ac, 5GHz), 1x laptop (802.11n, 2.4GHz), 1x printer (802.11n, 2.4GHz), 1x desktop (10/100/1000 LAN).
The only video streaming devices are the Roku sticks and my one laptop needs the quick speed for a remote desktop connection.

Recommend that I increase the channel width on the WiFi network and see if that helps?
 
Use the QOS, and enhance it with Fresh JR’s script.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Might help if we had more information:
  • What model ASUS do you have? RT-AC1900P?
  • Video streaming is from internet?
    • If so, what kind of modem/router is used by ISP?
    • What speed are you subscribed for with your ISP?
    • Do speed tests show you are close to subscribed speed?
 
Might help if we had more information:
  • What model ASUS do you have? RT-AC1900P?
  • Video streaming is from internet?
    • If so, what kind of modem/router is used by ISP?
    • What speed are you subscribed for with your ISP?
    • Do speed tests show you are close to subscribed speed?
Yes, it's the RT-AC1900P.
Video streaming is from internet. Netflix mainly.
What speed are you subscribed for with your ISP? 40 Mbps down / 10 Mbps up.
Here's what speed I am getting with my service. (using my desktop with a wired connection)


Just like to add that with the stock Asus firmware, everything was flying. That's why I'm not sure if I have to change a setting, somewhere.
 
Last edited:
Speaking of the channel width for the Wifi, is there a way to tell what the clients are connecting as? I got it set to '20 MHz/ 40 MHz / 80 MHz' so I don't know what the devices are connecting at.
 
Speaking of the channel width for the Wifi, is there a way to tell what the clients are connecting as? I got it set to '20 MHz/ 40 MHz / 80 MHz' so I don't know what the devices are connecting at.

On my RT-AC86U that sort of information is on system log tab then wireless tab.
 
I'm trying out Fresh JR's QoS script but I have no idea what to do for the 'WAN packet overhead' setting. I've got cable internet. DOCSIS 3, I believe. So, leave it at the default setting of 18?
 
Rob, how far are your Roku sticks from your router or switch? We plugged the Roku Ultra via power line and the other units directly into the router with Cat7.
 
Last edited:
Rob, how far are your Roku sticks from your router or switch? We plugged one Rogu via power line and the other directly with Cat7.
Mine are the older wireless sticks (the model before the 802.11ac ones), so I can't use a wire. One is about 5 feet from the router and the other one is in another room.
I had to disable the QoS and Fresh Jr's script. It was making it worse instead of better.
 
Mine are the older wireless sticks (the model before the 802.11ac ones), so I can't use a wire. One is about 5 feet from the router and the other one is in another room.
I had to disable the QoS and Fresh Jr's script. It was making it worse instead of better.
Do you have IPV6 enabled?
Turn off CTF.
Set the QOS to Adaptive, manual settings 95% of the tested up/down values, SQM (SQM seems to work better for my router which has the same hardware as yours). Set the 2.4 GHZ WIFI to 20 MHZ on channel 1, 6 or 11. Use the FreshJR script for QOS. May take three minutes to turn on but it is worth it.

Sent from my SM-T380 using Tapatalk
Edit set the custom QOS preferences so video streaming is at the top.
 
Also don't use Ookla Speedtest for testing Netflix streaming speeds. Some ISP slow down Netflix to avoid congestion on their networks. Netflix has its own speed test that reports the true throughput from a Netflix streaming server. You can find it at https://fast.com
 
No, IPV6 is not used with my ISP and I have no use for it with my network. Also, where could I find CTF?
LAN - Switch Control - Nat Acceleration. Turn off.

Sent from my SM-T380 using Tapatalk
 
Rob, glad you could speed it up. NAT Acceleration on ours is turned off automatically. The video all are routed over a OPVN config for streaming IP. It's been a long time since we bought any units that only connected via wireless/pre-ac, made a point of being sure the Firestick and Fire TV we bought last year had Ethernet. Cheers.
 
No, IPV6 is not used with my ISP
Didn't your SpeedTest say you're with Teksavvy? they do IPv6:
https://help.teksavvy.com/hc/en-us/articles/205837513-IPv6

Why this might be germane: (Hint: ipv4 is like the 400 on a summer weekend - Scroll down a bit for some observations on multicast streaming and file transfer)
https://superuser.com/questions/43853/is-there-any-benefit-to-using-ipv6-on-my-home-network and
https://blog.apnic.net/2016/05/04/you-have-ipv6-turn-it-on/

If you're optimizing the nerve centre of your network, why not make it as slick, smooth, speedy as you can using protocols rather than fixes/hacks/patches/workarounds, right? (In that last link, look to what the author says about the crazy things IPv6 can do)
 

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