Bandwidth management at home

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sitnet

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Hi there

I recently upgraded to uncapped (4mbps TI), so my data usage concerns are gone, but they've been replaced with a whole new problem, bandwidth.

There's 1 PC, 2 laptops and 2 phones running on the same connection here at my home. Is there any way I can manage bandwidth on the network without dedicating one of the computers as a server? I want to be able to split bandwidth, or maybe even smartly control it, according to the real-time needs of each device.

I am using an old crappy MEGA 105WR WiFi router. I know some higher end switches has firmware that can control individual connection bandwidth, but my budget doesn't allow for that at the moment.

Any suggestions?
 
Well it depends really, but preferably I'd like to get away for as little as possible while still achieving the goal...
 
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I don't see how you can do it without buying another router (eg. MikroTik RB750 for around R500) or running a router in a VirtualMachine on your PC/laptop.
If you don't want to run a VM on your PC/laptop, then your only option really is to get another router.

The cheapest option would be the TP-Link WR841ND for around R360 (excl VAT), where you can load DD-WRT (or perhaps Tomato) firmware on and then manage the traffic better.

I haven't done the network management stuff on DD-WRT/Tomato firmware yet, but I know MikroTik pretty well for doing that.
 
Definitely upgrade your router instead. Slap on some QoS and you should be set
 
Okay, it's clear another router is my only option.

Thanks, will do some research, consider your suggestions and go and buy one :)
 
You can also look at the TP-Link W8968 it has Qos and you can mange all your bandwidth requirements on it.
it even has a USB port with 3G failover.
They cost about R539 and they work like a charm.
 
go for a mikrotik router, you will still need your old modem but you put it in bridge mode and the mikrotik does the connection and the qos. that mikrotik can do even alot more like vpn, mpls, hotspot, firewall, dst nat etc etc. Really a great router for the price.
 
Try Astaro Home Edition on an old PC and use it as a Gateway.

Mikrotik would probably be a cleaner solution IF you knew how to operate RouterOS...which really isn't a simple task.
 
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