How to Enable BBR on Manjaro Linux

This guide will cover how to enable BBR on Manjaro Linux, utilizing the command-line terminal to enhance network speed and performance.

Improving network performance is a constant quest for efficiency in our digital world. Bottleneck Bandwidth and Round-trip propagation time (BBR), developed by Google, offers a fresh approach to congestion control, aiming to boost network speed and decrease latency. Manjaro Linux users, particularly those frequently transferring large files or streaming high-quality media, will find this protocol especially beneficial.

Why BBR Matters:

Maximizes Bandwidth Utilization: BBR adapts to actual network conditions, ensuring optimal use of available bandwidth.
Reduces Latency: By effectively controlling network traffic, BBR minimizes delays, crucial for time-sensitive applications.
Enhanced Stability: BBR’s unique algorithm offers a stable connection even under varying network conditions.

Transitioning to BBR on Manjaro Linux involves specific command-line instructions. Let’s dive into the technical details.

Prerequisites for Installing BBR on Manjaro Linux

Verify System Compatibility

Ensure your Manjaro Linux system meets these criteria for BBR installation:

Operating System: You should be running Manjaro Linux, a variant of Arch Linux.
Access Rights: Possess root or sudo privileges.
Kernel Version: Your system must have Linux kernel version 4.9 or later. Manjaro, being Arch-based, typically includes recent kernels.

Update System Packages

Before proceeding, update your system packages. This step ensures compatibility and security. Run the following command in the terminal:

sudo pacman -Syu

This command updates all installed packages to their latest versions.

Check Current Kernel Version

Confirm your kernel version using the command:

uname -r

If your kernel version is below 4.9, consider upgrading your kernel. Manjaro Linux, with its rolling release model, usually provides the latest kernel versions, making it suitable for enabling BBR.

Enable BBR on Manjaro Linux

Check Current Congestion Control Algorithm

Before activating BBR, identify the current congestion control algorithm. Execute this command:

sysctl net.ipv4.tcp_congestion_control

The output, such as net.ipv4.tcp_congestion_control = cubic, indicates the current algorithm, often CUBIC by default.

Terminal showing Manjaro Linux's default TCP congestion control as cubic — Manjaro Linux terminal displaying default cubic TCP algorithm

Automate BBR Activation with sed

Automate the BBR activation process using sed. Initially, create a configuration file if it doesn’t exist:

sudo touch /etc/sysctl.d/50-bbr.conf

Then, run these commands to configure the file:

echo "net.core.default_qdisc=fq" | sudo tee /etc/sysctl.d/50-bbr.conf
echo "net.ipv4.tcp_congestion_control=bbr" | sudo tee -a /etc/sysctl.d/50-bbr.conf

These commands set up the Fair Queue (FQ) packet scheduler and BBR as the congestion control algorithm, updating or adding these lines in /etc/sysctl.d/50-bbr.conf.

Manjaro Linux terminal confirming BBR activation — Terminal snapshot showing successful BBR activation on Manjaro Linux

Apply Configuration Changes

Activate the changes with the following command:

sudo sysctl --system

This reloads the sysctl configuration, enabling BBR.

Confirm BBR Activation

Verify BBR’s activation by executing:

sysctl net.ipv4.tcp_congestion_control

If the output is net.ipv4.tcp_congestion_control = bbr, BBR is now active on your Manjaro Linux system.

Conclusion

In this guide, we walked through the straightforward steps to enable BBR on your Manjaro Linux system. By updating your packages, verifying the kernel version, and using simple commands, you’ve set up BBR for improved network performance. Remember, regular system updates and kernel checks are good practices to maintain optimal performance. As you continue using Manjaro, you’ll likely notice smoother and faster network interactions, thanks to BBR. Keep exploring and tweaking your system for the best experience!