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I have a ADSL2+ modem router 4 ports. Each port connects to a PC. I would like to set download limit on port 2, 3 and 4 (PC 2, 3, and 4 respectively) so that only port 1 (PC 1) can have the highest download speed at all time.

Is there a software that can do that? Or that is called "MISSION IMPOSSIBLE"???

:rolleyes:

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: the practical aim is to enforce limits outside the users' control (so client-side tools are unreliable). ’s direction is right — put an enforcing device between your ADSL link and the PCs — here are clear, usable paths and the key caveats.

One reliable approach is to use a dedicated router/firewall that does per-client shaping. Put the PT-3812 into bridge/PPPoE‑passthrough if it supports that, attach a router or small appliance as the internet gateway, and configure per-IP or per-port limits there. Open-source firmwares and appliances make this straightforward: pfSense is a full-featured firewall/router with traffic‑shaping queues (pfSense), and OpenWrt lets many consumer routers implement per-client rules (OpenWrt). Steps: confirm bridge mode on the PT‑3812, connect the new router WAN port, configure PPPoE, then create per-client queues or bandwidth rules on the new device.

If you prefer a simpler hardware fix, a managed "smart" switch that supports per‑port rate limiting can cap throughput on the physical ports connected to PC2–4. That enforces limits at the switch level without installing software on the PCs. Important caveat: many switches control only egress per port and won’t perfectly police inbound internet traffic unless the switch is the single hop for upstream traffic; a router‑level shaper gives more accurate download control.

Shopping and testing tips: check router specs for “per‑IP” or “per‑port bandwidth control” and PPPoE/bridge support; beware of warranty/brick risk if flashing third‑party firmware; test limits with iPerf or a speed test after each change; and if you must put a second router behind your modem, avoid misconfigured double‑NAT by using bridge mode or DMZ.

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Member Avatar for DMR

A fairly common question/problem; the solution is known as "bandwidth limiting", "bandwidth shaping", or "bandwidth throttling".

The options are basically these:

1. Use a router which supports QoS (Quality of Service). Through QoS, the router can manage/limit/prioritize bandwidth usage on a per-computer, per-application, or per-port basis. The Linksys WRT54G is one popular router which has QoS, but there are others.
This is probably the best (and least complex) solution for you.

2. Bandwidth-shaping applications such as NetLimiter can be installed. However, the software would have to be installed on the computers whose bandwidth you want to control, so there is always the possibility that the user will get around that software.

3. A cheap Linux machine can be used instead of (or in addition to) a hardware router. The Linux OS has built-in network routing/filtering capabilities which make it a pretty powerful solution for traffic management, but the downside is that you really need to know what you're doing. If you aren't Linux-savy, this solution isn't for you.

Member Avatar for abc2004

How do I find out if my modem router supports QoS? Mine is WebExcel PT-3812 by the way.

Member Avatar for DMR

Judging from the info I've been able to find, the PT-3812 does not support QoS or any other kind of traffic shaping features. :(

Member Avatar for abc2004

OK then, looks like I will have to buy a new modem soon. In my country, Australia, only these ADSL modems are popular:

Dlink www.dlink.com.au
Netcomm
Billion

Could you recommend the modem that has similar feature / support Qos like LinkSys? ;)

Judging from the info I've been able to find, the PT-3812 does not support QoS or any other kind of traffic shaping features. :(

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