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Bandwidth Control Over Network?

I have a network, and I want to be able to allocate bandwidth between computers. Ex: If i have 2 Mbps speed and 2 computers on the network, I want to be able to allocate 1 Mbps (for instance) to each computer, regardless of whether both are using the internet simultaneously or not. That way, its not like the current situation where whoever starts using bandwidth first wins. I am looking for all possible solutions, from setting a dedicated server, to hardware solutions. Though, easy solutions are welcome!

Public Comments

1. if u use switch its divide automatically
2. Only a router can do this. You can build a free Linux based firewall/router from a spare PC, and allocated bandwidth to specific users. Usually you allow all the bandwidth if there is only one user, and force equal bandwidth if two are on. Or, you can set bandwidth per "any" user, limiting all PCs to 1mbps maximum... Unfortunately, it takes a bit of learning to set this up. Most of the higher end, free, Linux firewalls all have Web interfaces, making it easier to set up such bandwidth control. If you are interested in experimenting with these, check this link and try several of the many firewalls. The higher end firewalls (Astaro, ClearOS, Endian, Vyatta, etc.) may require a slightly better PC to run on. But, they have more features... Always look for the "community" version of the software, those are the free ones. Many of those vendors have commercial versions as well... http://distrowatch.com/search.php?category=Firewall&origin=All&basedon=All&desktop=All&architecture=All&status=Active
3. you can go to your routers webpage and allocate it that way. all you have to do it type your routeres ip address in to the address bar on your web browser and find the spot to do it
4. If you want complete control of your network, then the Linux router is by far the best, if the most geeky, solution. If you are not ready to dive head first into the world of Linux and build a router on your own, you can look at higher end home routers, especially gaming routers Several companies, including Dlink and Linksys, sell routers that allow some measure of control over bandwidth between machines Dlink calls it "gamefuel" Linksys calls it "QOS" but it still is bandwidth allocation (But be aware, the basis for these routers operating systems is Linux) So it's just do you want to roll your own. or pay someone for a pretty interface? Have Fun