Allocate Network Usage Through Router

I have always been curious if it is possible to set a cap on how much bandwith a person is using through the internet settings.

My home internet is rather slow and I always get frustrated when I am playing Xbox online and other people start watching Netflix or download stuff. I wasn't sure if there was a way to make sure my Xbox always has a minimum amount of bandwith to be able to play online or to set a limit to the amount that everyone else is using.

I consider myself above average in regards to home networking but I don't know if there is a router setting where this is possible or if there is something you can buy to accomplish this.

Thanks

 

It's possible in certain firmwares. gargoyle (which is OpenWRT based) allows you to do this and it's rather easy.
You could limit their bandwidth in certain hours (per IP) or not limit until they hit certain transfer etc.

You would have to have a router that support 3rd party firmware and is supported by OpenWRT/Gargoyle (most Atheros based routers and some Broadcom-based)

See here for details.

 

Many newer routers and perhaps even older ones come with a feature called QoS, which stands for Quality of Service. Basically the router reserves a little bandwidth off the top when nobody notices, and when things start to bog down, you are given the reserved bandwidth. I know my Netgear WNDR4500 has it and I take full advantage. Just set the first ethernet slot on the router with QoS and make sure your plugged in there.