Router with extensive QoS and badwidth limiting features for sharing one ISP connection

[Marrond]

I'm looking for a router that would allow me to limit each user bandwidth allowance, prioritize specified applications and type of traffic per group of devices.

We decided to share our scarce, puny 40Mb down 7Mb up and split the cost with neighbors (normally we wouldn't but we can't get 2nd line connected without hefty price tag on it and thus they can't have their own broadband in the process). The problem is the good, old, hogging. If it was PC-only setup, we could just install and configure NetLimiter and be done with it but nowadays with smartphones, tablets and smartTVs comming into play this is much greater of a headache than we anticipated. Currently we use BT Smart Hub as our modem, we would like to disable WiFi on it, bridge the connection to a new device that would distribute WiFi evenly and prioritize types of traffic and in some cases specific applications.

We're looking for WiFi router/access point that would allow to set up this in a way where we're not in each-other's way and while we're at it also limit impact smart devices have on your daily PC use. There's nothing worse when you're playing online where all of the sudden your smartphone decides it's time to update and hogs entire bandwidth pretty much killing the connection for any other device. Or neighbor streaming Netflix directly on smartTV killing net for everyone else.

Long story short what I need to do:

- split connection evenly in 2
- eliminate lag spikes
- prioritize types of traffic in general but...
- ... also have possibility to specify rules down particular applications that would be prioritized above anything else

What device have best and most extensive traffic control and QoS settings that actually work when configured properly?

Is it possible just by getting proper router/access point or do we have to resort to setting up PC as router which is very likely way over our heads?

 

[Trip]

For a small flat network like yours, eliminating bufferbloat on your internet uplink with a proper queuing/shaping discipline will make more difference on lag spikes and general connection snappiness than trying to class traffic and/or apply arbitrary bandwidth limits per connection or client.

That said, you want something that supports good queueing/shaping. If you want an all-in-one router, buy an Asus or Netgear that's been stable for a while (68U or R7000, for example) and supports either Merlin firmware (Asus only) or AdvancedTomato (both brands). Then simply turn on QoS with "fq_codel" specified as the qdisc. Or setup a wired router that supports fairness queuing, like a $50 Ubiquiti ER-X, then wire whatever access point(s) or SOHO wifi mesh system will get the job done, and you should be all set.

If for some reason you still want to limit bandwidth per client and/or prioritize certain traffic you can certainly do so with Ubiquiti, Mikrotik, and anything running linux-based firmware which allows it, but really it shouldn't be necessary in most simple, flat networks, as long as you've got proper queuing/shaping setup on the WAN link itself.

 

[ulaganath]

with such a extensive feature. You can only achieve that via AP. Try any of know brand like For Now TP is cost effective and good range on 2.4gh. Plus you can do any level of scrutinizing the traffice per user/ Per SSID and so . Also enable timed access etc.