LAN management software

[Guppy]

Hey guys and gals i need some help finding some LAN network software. I need some software that can basically split our broadband connection (20mb from virgin) between us. That way we won't be lagging each others connection when we are all downloading or playing games online. There are 3 of us running different PC spec machines (2 XP sp2, and one vista). We have a d-link 624+ router but there doesn't seem to be anything on it that can help. Is there any software that can do this?

Thanks in advance,
Guppy.

[aidanjt]

Use a decent router which has QoS features, a WRT54GL would do the job.

[Guppy]

Thanks, yeah that is our back-up plan but were students and would like to find a cheaper/free solution if one is available.

[Agent]

That way we won't be lagging each others connection when we are all downloading or playing games online.

Even if you divide it fairly by 3, you'll still get lag when one person is downloading.
Latency is a funny thing, but to keep it simple, you won't stop lag unless you look at things like QoS at the router level. Even then, it will only help ease it, not stop it.

Thanks, yeah that is our back-up plan but were students and would like to find a cheaper/free solution if one is available.

The WRT54 is cheap for what it does. Amazingly cheap in fact.
Listen to aidanjt, because he's spot on.
The software approach is just complicated and will only work on a per machine basis once the network traffic is already at the machine. This will not help you when you want to help reduce lag, ect. This needs to be done at the router level before it hits the machine.

Okay, so the above is over-simplified, but its what you need to know for a 3 machine set-up.

[Guppy]

Alright thanks guys for the help, looks like we'll have to break out the ole wallets.

[aidanjt]

Alright thanks guys for the help, looks like we'll have to break out the ole wallets.

£40 split 3 ways wont break the bank, it wouldn't even pay a night on the raz