ATM I have a wired setup: 1 Cable modem and Router [Linksys BEFSR41] 3 PC's to connect to. Shortly I will be upgrading my existing connection to a 1Mbit or a 2Mbit service. I will be connecting my computer directly to the router. Two other people will be accessing the router also. I'm not sure the other two housmates are willing to pay the full price. I therfore came to the idea that I could get the 2Mbit service anyway but cap the bandwidth of the other two user to the level they are willing to pay for. Therefore I wish to cap their bandwidth to 341.3Kbit/s [1/3 of 1Mbit bandwidth] while I am uncapped. Is is at all possible to limit the bandwidth using my router or will I have to use software like NetLimiter? Are there any other ways of acheiving this goal? Thanks, - Perro

Your router is not capable of limiting bandwidth. A Linux box running something like Linux Bandwidth Arbitrator would do the job. Linux requires very low system requirements. It's free or there is an easy-to-use distribution release for $240. Just place the Linux machine between your switch (or whatever) and router. Or the Linux machine can take over the functions of your router, if you prefer. http://www.bandwidtharbitrator.com/ There are routers/switchs to do the job. You will pay some decent money for these.

Are you sure there isn't an easier solution such as software like these: http://bandwidthcontroller.com/features.html http://www.packeteer.com http://downloads-zdnet.com.com/3000-2155-10126701.html http://www.infoware.be/en

It's your choice. If you want to run the bandwidth program through your computer, it has (well, ideally) to always be on and will be using your resources (memory and CPU) to give the other persons access. If Linux is a chore for you, then dump it and go with the Windows programs. It can be left on for months, runs on the cheapest hardware you can buy, and is free.