It is not uncommon for several people to use one Internet connection at the same time. For example, this is exactly what happens most often with shared home access. Because of this, sometimes you have to deal with a natural consequence - the problem of low speed.
In practice, everything looks as follows. Suppose there are two computers that use the same
WAN connection at the same time
. If you do not make changes to the algorithm of the local router (if any), programs or the operating system, then almost all the free resources of the channel are received by the computer that creates more requests and / or initializes them first. In simple terms, if someone includes downloading a file using a torrent client, another user at best can be content with reading texts and checking mail. But if you introduce the
control of Internet traffic, then this problem can be easily solved. And it’s quick and easy. In addition, understanding how to limit the speed of the Internet, it is quite possible to organize the distribution of traffic to several users, while saving on the cost of provider services. This is how knowledge can be profitable.
How to limit internet speed
So, there are two ways to manage traffic: software and hardware. Moreover, the first is divided into two groups: built-in operating system and using third-party applications. Both the first and second methods allow you to limit the speed of the Internet, however, they have a number of characteristic features. So, the hardware practically does not depend on the computing capabilities of computer components and can work effectively even with older systems. But the second is more flexible in configuration and relatively cheap (although this is not the rule). The choice depends on the requirements of the user, the ability to work with devices / programs and financial capabilities. By the way, accounting for Internet traffic is easily configured in both cases.
Hardware method
To implement it, you will need a special device - a router. Prices for budget models start at $ 10-15, which makes them an interesting offer. If there are few users, then it makes sense to register a unique IP address on each computer. After connecting the router, you need to go into its settings (the address for the browser is indicated in the instructions or on the sticker) and select "DHCP - Address Reservation" in the list. Here you need to add each computer by specifying unique MAC and IP addresses (you can see in the properties of network adapters). After rebooting the router, you should check the "DHCP Client List" - all computers should be visible. To now limit the Internet speed for each IP address, you need to proceed to “Bandwidth Control - List of Rules”. Here you need to add the address and register the maximum download and upload speeds .
It is also recommended that you configure MAC address filtering in the wireless section, which will protect the connection from getting full speed by any user who, for his part, has changed the identifier of the network card.
Software method
In this case, preference should be given to specialized programs (rather than built-in Windows solutions like QoS). You can install the local HandyCache proxy and specify a restriction in it. The disadvantage is that you have to configure the network so that the rest of the computers get access through one - the main one, on which the proxy is installed. Also very famous is the Traffic Shaper XP program. It allows you to set speed limits. After setting up on each computer, you can begin to use a single connection.