What QoS does
When more data wants to flow than your connection can carry, the router has to queue some of it. QoS sets the rules for that queue. TP-Link describes it as letting you prioritise the internet traffic of specific devices to guarantee a faster connection when you need it, with high-priority devices given more bandwidth when the network is overloaded.
For live TV, that means the stream to your TV keeps flowing while a laptop download or a console update slows down instead.
When it helps, and when it doesn’t
| Situation | Will QoS help? |
|---|---|
| A big download or game update starts and the TV buffers | Yes |
| Several people stream or video-call at once | Often |
| The TV buffers even when nothing else is running | No: look at Wi-Fi, speed or the provider |
| Weak Wi-Fi signal at the TV | No: QoS works on the internet connection, not the radio link |
| The provider’s servers are busy at peak times | No |
Setting it up
The menus differ by router, but the steps are similar:
- Find the setting. Look for “QoS”, “Quality of Service”, “prioritisation” or “bandwidth control” in the router’s web page or app.
- Enter your connection speed, if asked. Use a little less than your measured upload and download speed, so the router manages the queue rather than your broadband line.
- Give the TV or stick high priority. Select it from the list of devices. Some routers let you set a time limit for the priority.
- Test on a busy evening, with a large download running elsewhere.
Alternatives
- A cable to the TV removes Wi-Fi from the equation. See Wi-Fi vs Ethernet.
- Schedule big downloads and console updates for overnight.
- Check your speed covers everyone at home at once. See internet speed for IPTV.
For the rest of the router settings that matter for IPTV, see the best router settings for IPTV.