Badwidth Restriction

[kaylin_s]

I am looking to find a software package to monitor and limit the about of bandwidth each user has on our network... if any one is aware of such an aplication please let me know

Currently we are running a cable modem config to a ubr900 but our isp controls the router so it cant be done at the router level...

[BipolarBill]

You need a proxy server. It can be inside of the router, but must have at least two NICs since all Internet traffic passes through it. You downlink the proxy to a hub/switch. Naturally, you need a robust OS like Win2k Server and reliable hardware because it must be up 24/7. You will also need a knowledgable sysadmin to set it up and maintain it, unfortunately.

I do believe that MS requires a server OS to host their proxy server software.

If anyone knows of a non-server software alternative, chime in!

[kaylin_s]

I had already considered that option.... hopeing not to go that route for a few reason... mainly the over head of another system ;) beign i am the sole sysadmin here ;)

I owuld think there is a software alternative i mean i can scan in and out goign packets on my whole network see where the bandwidth is going and so on.. just dont knwo hwo i can manipulate it...

[BipolarBill]

I can't find anything that meets your needs short of a full hardware firewall or Proxy server. I can find no Win9x product that segments and limits bandwidth per user. Think about that for a moment. Per User. You're a SysAdmin. You know that this requires a server OS and a domain policy. How can you designate a user's bandwidth if you cannot define the user? A domain policy is required.

Even if you could find this product, it would bog down the box it was on pretty badly trying to manage the bandwidth.

Most good Cable/DSL routers are switches and manage bandwidth pretty well. If you have an MP3 hound on staff, restrict his internet usage or give him/her a talking to.

[kaylin_s]

well maybe per user is not exactly what i mean.... i use a program here called comview it allows me to monitor packets passively form my console here to see what ip/mac address is in offense... all i want to do is limit the abut of packets to a particualr ip to a specific speed.. and if it must be done with a server than so be it

[BipolarBill]

Sorry. I can only find hardware on the ISP level. It is very expensive.

[DougM]

I have heard of people doing this with Linux routers, usually called bandwidth shaping. Unfortunatley I have never found a really good site describing how to do it.

[kaylin_s]

I too have been seeing stuff on packet shapers.. but liek you no one seems to give much info on it and all i have seen so far has been like 5000-30000$. so frustrating...

[BipolarBill]

If bandwidth is a problem, why not use a high-grade switch and leave it at that. A good switch load-balances and allocates bandwidth according to need.

http://www.linksys.com/Products/product.asp?grid=29&prid=153

It's not cheap, but it is affordable.

[DougM]

Here is one site on Linux bandwidth management
http://www.linuxdoc.org/HOWTO/Bandwidth-Limiting-HOWTO/index.html

It talks about limiting bandwidth by user and by application.