Is there a way to limit bandwidth in Linux?

Question

I've setup a network which will have 3 users, two of them use a Windows based operating system and the other uses a Linux based one. It is a 12 MB ADSL2 connection and the idea is to distribute the bandwidth among the users (there is no server, just a Wi-Fi router).

For the Windows users there are several programs like NetLimiter to set a maximum amount, but what about Linux? How could that be done?

Solution 1

tc is a command line tool to shape/limit/schedule traffic

http://linux.die.net/man/8/tc

Solution 2

Take a look at trickle.

Solution 3

Depending on your router it may support QoS. Which would make it so you did not have to install software on the client side.

Comments

[Josh Hunt]

Oh god! If only I could remember! There is an article out there on how to limit the bandwidth and the amount of packets dropped and all sorts of other settings, but I cannot seem to find it. I know it was used for web development or something...

[Georg Schölly]

This would leave each user having 4MB connection (probably higher, but not the full 12MB) even if the other two aren't using the connection all the time. You should have a look at QoS. This helps you giving all the users the full bandwidth while still ensuring fast connections. BTW, this is something the router should regulate, not the individual computers.

[LawrenceC]

Please be aware that tc is the gateway into the entirety of Linux QoS features and is very complex, but worth the effort if you are interested in this aspect of networking. This would be required reading beforehand: lartc.org