Bandwidth Throttling

You probably need a router to do this job, something like Cisco's 8xx series of router which can do QoS on it.

Or a simple patch => it might work if you're interested.

On Windows XP, the QoS Packet Scheduler reserves the bandwidth by 20% default. If we are talking about simultaneous systems where kids use their own machine, then this will work. Just make the reservation to 50% or something;

http://rsivanandan.wordpress.com/2006/12/27/speed-up-internet-connection/

Look at the blog entry above.

Or if you are ready to pay a little, then you could try netlimiter (www.netlimiter.com) and put it on those machines...

Cheers,
Rajesh

That is a great idea!  However, software can be tampered with and bypassed.  I'd like to have the option in a firewall application like I have now.  I'd like for the firewall to do it all.  Kids can't get into my linux box.

Then go for a router which understands QoS.

Cheers,
Rajesh

PS: With 50 points to this big question I am not sure if you'd get other experts also take a look at it.

I'll take your recommondation and added more points in.  As for a router what do you suggest along with what my fiirewall already does?

I guess pretty much a cisco 8xx series router (please check the datasheet at cisco site) would do this.

Now if you remove the firewall and put this in, then Layer 3 and 4 level protection of your network can be done by access-lists which is what most of the firewalls do except some which has inbuilt ids/ips capabilities.

Cheers,
Rajesh

I was looking around the Cisco site, they have awesome stuff.  It's way over my head.  I'd have to get some CCNA books to work on it.  I have  NO knowledge of Cisco but I'm willing to learn.  I'd like to one day get my CCNA.  With this router would be great to learn from it.  If I make the decision I can come up with the loot in 2 weeks.

Check out the pricing somewhere like www.cdw.com (I am assuming that you're in the US), if you're not in US there some local retailers....

Knowledgewise, there are hell lot of documents out on Cisco site, our lives simply won't be enough.

Cheers,
Rajesh