Is there a free (local) network bandwidth limiter software?

Question

I want to be able to limit the global Download and Upload speed of my computer so that I won't be using "all" the bandwidth from my router, especially since there are other residents using it.

What software exists that allows you to limit your bandwidth?

Solution 1

There are not a lot of free bandwidth limiters for Windows as they normally require a driver to be installed, and it costs money to have them digitally signed. I used the free edition of Net Balancer in the past and it did the job.

But I would see if your router has any QOS ( Quality of Service ) features as it applies to all devices and is far more effective in a shared household, especially with bit torrent traffic.

If your router does not have built in QOS features, see if it is compatible with something like DD-WRT which provides more options.

Solution 2

I use this one:

http://bandwidthcontroller.com/trafficShaperXp.html

Comments

[imtheman]

Good Guy Apothem. +1 for being considerate of other people.

[Eroen]

I assume the question only makes sense if you want it to work on Windows, but a confirmation of this and a specification of which version might be helpful.

[Apothem]

Yes there will be other pcs connected via wifi/ethernet. And yes, I believe having it work for Windows 7 is sufficient. I use Fedora alongside Windows 7, and if there is a way to limit the bandwidth on Fedora as well that would be great.

[Leopoldo Sanczyk]

Is not global bandwith, but this article explains how to use TMeter to limit until 4 applications for free, and thus replace pay software like NetLimiter or NetBalancer.

[Leopoldo Sanczyk]

Apparently, TrafficShaperXp was discontinued, and its latest version (1.2) was released in 2007.