So, I have a lan with about 6 machines on a linksys 8 port router splitting up an adsl connection. We're using the built in dhcp on the router, and this is the problem... the first computer in the dhcp ip range always gets 99% of the bandwidth, even if it isn't using it. This practically knocks our available bandwidth down to about the 100k downloads that machine uses from the 768 we have availble (again, doing dsl testing this is practically closer to 650) Any advice on how to remedy this so there is a little more balance in bandwidth distribution? It doesn't have to be exact distribution, but the other boxes should have access when they're using the network as well. Thanks

Try shutting the DHCP down on the router and assigning the IP info statically to all clients. I'm not sure this will help as I honestly doubt the DHCP in the router is the root of the problem you're having with bandwidth but for the time it takes it's worth checking.

I would first make sure your LinkSys router has the current Firmware update installed. Check at the Linksys.com web site for your exact model if you don't have version 2.44.2. There is normally no "bandwidth" sharing logic in most routers. They only receive what is coming down the modem link and forwards it to the correct system. To slow down other systems one has to be doing something on the Internet, even if you are not aware of it. But the LinkSys BEFSR81 does have a QoS Quality of Service option and this is most likely the cause of your problems. It allows you to set the first four lines as a High Prior lines. In the router setup, go to Advanced - the QoS page and set all items to Disabled, then click Apply. At some point, someone may have setup the first line as having priority service. Also, are you sure that your first port is using a standard Ethernet cable, not a cross over cable.