Is the Netduma R3 really the best router for me?

[KinGzzy]

At home I changed the color of my LED to red and I went from 2 to 4 K/D.

[Krush]

@KingGzzy  ... Pourquoi ? 

[KinGzzy]

@Krush parce que quelqu'un a dit.
Non pour être plus sérieux mon but est de dire aux personnes d'arrêter de vendre du rêve et bien souvent sans fondement.
Ces matériel pour la plus part coûte cher et difficile a configuré et pas adapter a toutes les personnes donc sans le vouloir influencer l'achat de ces matos qui pour 90% des gens ne servent a rien et certainement pas pour du gaming. 

 

[Krush]

Quelqu'un qui m'a dit  😉 LoL ...

 

[Greg_lino]

1 hour ago, KinGzzy said:

Okay, let's admit that what you say is "true." Explain to us why it's better.
Why an Intel card and not Marvel, for example?
Why SFP? SFP+ RJ45/FIBER.
Which L2/L3 switch should you choose and why does it improve your network?
Why do you get better sound when you change your network card?
What is bridge mode and why should you enable it? And if you don't have one, what should you do?

In my post, I’m not sure if it was clear, but I mentioned that this is my case. For your situation, research and run your own tests.

I switched from a Realtek onboard NIC to an Intel card with a modern chip that handles packet queues better, among other improvements. As I said before, in my case!

In my setup, I went from ONU + Netduma R3 dialing PPPoE to fiber directly into the SFP port of a switch dialing PPPoE + Netduma R3 for geofilter and QoS. As I said and made clear: IN MY CASE!

Why did I do this? First, because Netduma performs poorly with PPPoE. If you didn’t know that, you’re in the wrong forum! My old ONU was extremely limited, causing mini stutters and adding latency. Today, I use a switch — in my case, a Banana Pi R4 with OpenWRT installed — whose job is to manage the network and handle the PPPoE connection.

About the network card improving sound: we’re not talking about audio frequency or equalizers. None of that! Honestly, it shouldn’t even need explaining; anyone familiar with networking should know this.

What I’m talking about is data packets transmitted from the server to your client. A network card that handles these packets and queues better ensures that the data arrives without delay. These packets carry critical info, like enemy footsteps and shot registration. With an efficient NIC, they don’t get delayed or ignored.

The card you mentioned might even be better than the Intel one I used, but in my case, the noticeable difference was switching from the Realtek onboard to the Intel i226-V.

[KinGzzy]

•  

About the network card improving sound: we’re not talking about audio frequency or equalizers. None of that! Honestly, it shouldn’t even need explaining; anyone familiar with networking should know this.
 

2- I understood, don't worry, and I am very familiar with the network because I am currently a sysadmin.

 

What I’m talking about is data packets transmitted from the server to your client. A network card that handles these packets and queues better ensures that the data arrives without delay. These packets carry critical info, like enemy footsteps and shot registration. With an efficient NIC, they don’t get delayed or ignored.

3 - In short, packet and delay management is actually shared at several levels:

The Network Interface Card (NIC)

• It handles the reception and transmission of packets at the hardware level.

• It manages the queues of incoming/outgoing packets and applies certain optimizations (such as offloading, interrupt moderation, or buffering).

• A high-end network card can process packets faster, reduce latency, and prevent losses if the bandwidth is high.

The Operating System (kernel network stack)

• The kernel (Windows, Linux, etc.) manages scheduling, buffering, and the transmission of packets at the software level.

• It’s the one that delivers packets to applications (your game, for example).

The Network Protocol (TCP/UDP, etc.)

• UDP (often used for games) sends packets without delivery verification → faster but with a risk of packet loss.

• TCP guarantees delivery (retransmission, ordering), but adds latency.

The Quality of the Network (routers, ISP, the Internet in general)

• Even with a good network card, if your connection is unstable, saturated, or poorly routed, you will experience latency or packet loss.

• 
  If necessary, I can give you a course on how the network works from layer 1 to 7.

[KinGzzy]

On these beautiful words, take care of yourself and have a good evening.

[Iced Soul]

5 hours ago, KinGzzy said:

Bullpoopy don't listen to this advice, you'll waste money for nothing... Do you even know what QOS is?
1: Prioritize traffic
2: Distribute bandwidth fairly
3: Guarantee performance levels
4: Ensure reliability for critical services
You only have one PC with an internet connection, a QOS won't do you much good.

Got it, buddy. I'll consider your comments.

Thanks for the tips.

[Iced Soul]

On 9/18/2025 at 5:13 AM, Netduma Fraser said:

ACC is mentioned in that link I provided but we haven't provided any more information about it just yet. You can enter the poll here to be in with a chance to test it early on if you fulfil the requirements for this early test: https://forum.netduma.com/topic/60353-answer-this-topic-to-be-in-with-the-chance-to-beta-test-a-firmware-with-new-features/

 

Hello! An important question, since you're not the first person I've seen mention this issue here on the forum.

Regarding PPPoE, why is it still problematic on R3?

This type of complaint has been around for a long time. Have you still not been able to resolve it?

[Iced Soul]

5 hours ago, KinGzzy said:

Bullpoopy don't listen to this advice, you'll waste money for nothing... Do you even know what QOS is?
1: Prioritize traffic
2: Distribute bandwidth fairly
3: Guarantee performance levels
4: Ensure reliability for critical services
You only have one PC with an internet connection, a QOS won't do you much good.

If you could contribute a little more, friend, I'd be extremely grateful, as I'm quite new to networking.

1. What Windows and router tools can I use to prioritize traffic, other than QoS?
2. Isn't bandwidth distribution also handled by QoS?
3. Ensure network or game performance levels? How do I guarantee network performance? The game's performance is excellent. I play at 240 fps with plenty of hardware.
4. Could you be more specific about ensuring the reliability of critical services, please? I have no idea what it is.

Excuse me for my lack of familiarity with the subject.

[Greg_lino]

3 hours ago, KinGzzy said:

•  

About the network card improving sound: we’re not talking about audio frequency or equalizers. None of that! Honestly, it shouldn’t even need explaining; anyone familiar with networking should know this.
 

2- I understood, don't worry, and I am very familiar with the network because I am currently a sysadmin.

 

What I’m talking about is data packets transmitted from the server to your client. A network card that handles these packets and queues better ensures that the data arrives without delay. These packets carry critical info, like enemy footsteps and shot registration. With an efficient NIC, they don’t get delayed or ignored.

3 - In short, packet and delay management is actually shared at several levels:

The Network Interface Card (NIC)

• It handles the reception and transmission of packets at the hardware level.

• It manages the queues of incoming/outgoing packets and applies certain optimizations (such as offloading, interrupt moderation, or buffering).

• A high-end network card can process packets faster, reduce latency, and prevent losses if the bandwidth is high.

The Operating System (kernel network stack)

• The kernel (Windows, Linux, etc.) manages scheduling, buffering, and the transmission of packets at the software level.

• It’s the one that delivers packets to applications (your game, for example).

The Network Protocol (TCP/UDP, etc.)

• UDP (often used for games) sends packets without delivery verification → faster but with a risk of packet loss.

• TCP guarantees delivery (retransmission, ordering), but adds latency.

The Quality of the Network (routers, ISP, the Internet in general)

• Even with a good network card, if your connection is unstable, saturated, or poorly routed, you will experience latency or packet loss.

• 
  If necessary, I can give you a course on how the network works from layer 1 to 7.

Exactly! I totally understand what you’re saying — and yes, I know that packet management is shared across the NIC, the operating system, the protocols, and the overall network quality. You explained it perfectly.

 

I just want to make it clear that, in my case, switching from a Realtek onboard NIC to an Intel i226-V made a noticeable difference in-game. Footsteps, shot registration, and overall smoothness improved because the Intel card handles packet queues much better than my old onboard, especially under high-speed traffic.

 

I agree with everything you said, but sometimes practical experience highlights differences that theory alone doesn’t capture.

 

And just to be clear: I’m not interested in any course. Even though this is just a hobby for me, my knowledge isn’t that bad compared to some of the so-called “specialists” on this forum. Lol.

 

For other forum members to understand, the equipment was added and optimized gradually over time:

 

Fiber + ONU + Netduma R3 → total disappointment. Lots of stuttering and instability, mainly because the Netduma struggles with PPPoE.

Fiber + ONU + TP-Link switch (PPPoE) + Netduma → reduced the Netduma’s stuttering, but still not ideal.

Static IP → left CGNAT, noticeable improvement in latency and connection stability.

Switched from Realtek onboard NIC to Intel i226-V → noticeable improvement in shot registration and enemy footsteps. Data packets arrived faster, without delays.

Switched from TP-Link switch to OpenWRT router (Fiber + Banana Pi SFP + Netduma) → significant improvement in network stability. PPPoE is now handled by OpenWRT, while the Netduma takes care of QoS and Geo-Filter.

 

[Netduma Fraser]

16 hours ago, Iced Soul said:

Hello! An important question, since you're not the first person I've seen mention this issue here on the forum.

Regarding PPPoE, why is it still problematic on R3?

This type of complaint has been around for a long time. Have you still not been able to resolve it?

Most of the issues with PPPoE that we've had in the past have usually been with QoS on the upload side not working with it which has been resolved. The issue currently is that a small percentage of PPPoE users are experiencing disconnects, this is most likely due to the nature of the connection method (i.e. that it 'logs' in to the internet service and can have a timeout on it) but we will fix that.

[Iced Soul]

21 hours ago, Netduma Fraser said:

Most of the issues with PPPoE that we've had in the past have usually been with QoS on the upload side not working with it which has been resolved. The issue currently is that a small percentage of PPPoE users are experiencing disconnects, this is most likely due to the nature of the connection method (i.e. that it 'logs' in to the internet service and can have a timeout on it) but we will fix that.

I understand. However, this login timeout issue isn't new either. Why is it taking so long to resolve it?

I think my PPPoE is like that. My R3 arrives today, and it's going to be frustrating to go through this.

[KinGzzy]

On 9/24/2025 at 11:32 PM, Iced Soul said:

1. What Windows and router tools can I use to prioritize traffic, other than QoS?

On Windows, there isn't much you can do about the network.
You can tag your applications with DSCP tags if your router supports packet prioritization using DSCP.
Some people optimize their Windows using the registry.
Google is your friend, but if you want, you can test software.

Windows:
Resource Monitor (resmon.exe) allows you to see which processes are consuming bandwidth.
Third-party tools like NetLimiter or cFosSpeed allow you to limit or prioritize certain applications.

Router:
All routers these days, or 99% of them, have QOS.

On 9/24/2025 at 11:32 PM, Iced Soul said:

2. Isn't bandwidth distribution also handled by QoS?

QoS → its main role is packet classification and prioritization (e.g., gaming > voice > download).
Bandwidth control → is achieved through mechanisms such as HTB (Hierarchical Token Bucket), HFSC, or FQ_Codel/SQM, which manage efficient throughput distribution.
To be more technically precise:
QoS ≠ direct throughput management → it's a "who comes before whom" logic in the queue.
HTB or equivalents → allow hierarchical classes to be defined with minimum and maximum bandwidth allocations (per user, per IP, per protocol).
In modern routers (e.g., OpenWrt), the two are often combined:
Classification (QoS) → to identify sensitive flows. Scheduling/Shaping (HTB, FQ_Codel, CAKE) → to efficiently allocate and limit bandwidth.
So, to put it simply:
QoS = packet priority.
HTB/HFSC = bandwidth control = actual bandwidth allocation.

On 9/24/2025 at 11:32 PM, Iced Soul said:

3. Ensure network or game performance levels? How do I guarantee network performance? The game's performance is excellent. I play at 240 fps with plenty of hardware.

For gaming, both are very important, especially if you're playing on a PC. Having a 240 Hz monitor isn't enough.
Optimizing Windows is important to avoid input lag in games.
And when it comes to networking, there's no magic formula: a very good ISP connection and a good router to prioritize game packets and other...

On 9/24/2025 at 11:32 PM, Iced Soul said:

4. Could you be more specific about ensuring the reliability of critical services, please? I have no idea what it is.

 

In your case, that's gaming, especially Call of Duty.
This means you need to make sure your game takes priority over other tasks.
No packet loss, no buffering, and no excessive ping; your game remains the top priority, even when downloads are overloading your bandwidth.

[Netduma Fraser]

19 hours ago, Iced Soul said:

I understand. However, this login timeout issue isn't new either. Why is it taking so long to resolve it?

I think my PPPoE is like that. My R3 arrives today, and it's going to be frustrating to go through this.

It is new in that it's never been an issue before with us. We're working on some big features at the moment which is taking up a lot of resources, bugs are still being fixed but they'll come with the features in the next update. In most cases people can have their original ISP modem/router handle PPPoE instead so they don't have the issue. Also just because you are using PPPoE doesn't mean that will happen.

[Iced Soul]

On 9/27/2025 at 4:55 AM, Netduma Fraser said:

It is new in that it's never been an issue before with us. We're working on some big features at the moment which is taking up a lot of resources, bugs are still being fixed but they'll come with the features in the next update. In most cases people can have their original ISP modem/router handle PPPoE instead so they don't have the issue. Also just because you are using PPPoE doesn't mean that will happen.

Ok, my friend.

PPPoE worked for me. In two weeks, it disconnected a couple of times, forcing me to restart the router.

However, the Geo-Filter never works. I even went to a server in Japan. That's absurd, in my opinion. I set my country as the country, and yet I'm constantly being redirected to international servers, forcing me to play with a 90-140ms ping. It's simply unplayable, with packet loss, overshooting, and everything else.

One of the reasons I bought Duma R3 was to stop playing on international servers, and nothing has changed for me.

How do I fix this?

Another issue: the Ping Optimizer doesn't work. It pretends to find my real ping, increasing it by 15ms, and then claims to have optimized it to the value it actually is.

How do I fix this?

Thank you.

[Netduma Fraser]

26 minutes ago, Iced Soul said:

Ok, my friend.

PPPoE worked for me. In two weeks, it disconnected a couple of times, forcing me to restart the router.

However, the Geo-Filter never works. I even went to a server in Japan. That's absurd, in my opinion. I set my country as the country, and yet I'm constantly being redirected to international servers, forcing me to play with a 90-140ms ping. It's simply unplayable, with packet loss, overshooting, and everything else.

One of the reasons I bought Duma R3 was to stop playing on international servers, and nothing has changed for me.

How do I fix this?

Another issue: the Ping Optimizer doesn't work. It pretends to find my real ping, increasing it by 15ms, and then claims to have optimized it to the value it actually is.

How do I fix this?

Thank you.

We'll fix the PPPoE issue, thanks for letting us know.

Disable Geo-Latency and Ping Assist, make sure you're enabling the Geo-Filter before you launch the game/client and if you change Geo-Filter settings while on the game then reboot the game and it should all stay within your radius.

We're aware Ping Optimizer isn't 100% reliable currently but the ping at the start is your base ping - the ping you have before you do anything on the internet so it's established what that is to the server it is using (the ping won't be the same as wherever you may see your ping). It then simulates a heavily used network and re-tests the ping, this is where you'll see an increase in the ping. It then repeats the tests but adjusts the Congestion Control percentages to find the percentages that allow you to have a heavily used network with minimal difference in your ping. So what you described is the optimal outcome and exactly what you want it to be doing. 

[Iced Soul]

13 hours ago, Netduma Fraser said:

We'll fix the PPPoE issue, thanks for letting us know.

Disable Geo-Latency and Ping Assist, make sure you're enabling the Geo-Filter before you launch the game/client and if you change Geo-Filter settings while on the game then reboot the game and it should all stay within your radius.

We're aware Ping Optimizer isn't 100% reliable currently but the ping at the start is your base ping - the ping you have before you do anything on the internet so it's established what that is to the server it is using (the ping won't be the same as wherever you may see your ping). It then simulates a heavily used network and re-tests the ping, this is where you'll see an increase in the ping. It then repeats the tests but adjusts the Congestion Control percentages to find the percentages that allow you to have a heavily used network with minimal difference in your ping. So what you described is the optimal outcome and exactly what you want it to be doing. 

I didn't find what you're telling me with the identical description.

I took a screenshot and would like to ask you to please describe the route to me, as it's identified in DumaOS.

 

 

 

Is there something wrong with my settings?

 

An important thing to note is that on the Geo-Filter screen, when I click on the Host, it says I'm playing, even though the game isn't even open.

What is the role of this host if it's different from my city?

 

Another question. Under "Selected Game," it says "All Games."

How do I put Call of Duty there?

 

 

[Netduma Fraser]

1 hour ago, Iced Soul said:

I didn't find what you're telling me with the identical description.

I took a screenshot and would like to ask you to please describe the route to me, as it's identified in DumaOS.

Is there something wrong with my settings?

An important thing to note is that on the Geo-Filter screen, when I click on the Host, it says I'm playing, even though the game isn't even open.

What is the role of this host if it's different from my city?

Another question. Under "Selected Game," it says "All Games."

How do I put Call of Duty there?

Geo-Latency/Ping Assist is in your first picture which you've disabled so that's good, just make sure to load in the way I mentioned.

As your PC is set as a console in Device Manager (which I would recommend you keep so that the Geo-Filter does say All Games, having it selected for just CoD may reduce its effectiveness) it may pick up other things that are using ports above 1024 which is likely why you see a server there. 

I can't see what your Congestion Control settings are, you'd have to scroll down more on that window.

[Iced Soul]

30 minutes ago, Netduma Fraser said:

Geo-Latency/Ping Assist is in your first picture which you've disabled so that's good, just make sure to load in the way I mentioned.

As your PC is set as a console in Device Manager (which I would recommend you keep so that the Geo-Filter does say All Games, having it selected for just CoD may reduce its effectiveness) it may pick up other things that are using ports above 1024 which is likely why you see a server there. 

I can't see what your Congestion Control settings are, you'd have to scroll down more on that window.

This screen here?

 

 

 

See, the host has now placed me in Africa.

 

 

 

[Netduma Fraser]

19 minutes ago, Iced Soul said:

This screen here?

See, the host has now placed me in Africa.

That's right yes - 30% is super low, I'd be surprised if it needed to be that low, set it to 70% each for download & upload and see if that performs better. That's a mislocated server, should be Brazil by the looks of the ID. Was the game & game client (e.g. Steam etc) closed completely, including from the System Tray and then the Geo-Filter was enabled before you launched them?

[Iced Soul]

3 minutes ago, Netduma Fraser said:

That's right yes - 30% is super low, I'd be surprised if it needed to be that low, set it to 70% each for download & upload and see if that performs better. That's a mislocated server, should be Brazil by the looks of the ID. Was the game & game client (e.g. Steam etc) closed completely, including from the System Tray and then the Geo-Filter was enabled before you launched them?

I didn't close the game client. I'm playing through Game Pass.

I'll try 70%.

Are all my other settings correct?

[Netduma Fraser]

20 minutes ago, Iced Soul said:

I didn't close the game client. I'm playing through Game Pass.

I'll try 70%.

Are all my other settings correct?

Make sure to close that completely including from the system tray. Everything else looks fine

[Iced Soul]

27 minutes ago, Netduma Fraser said:

Make sure to close that completely including from the system tray. Everything else looks fine

 

I believe I did exactly as you instructed me to do and again I ended up on an international server.

[Netduma Fraser]

Have you put your PC in the DMZ or done any port forwarding rules or internet rules?