Traffic management requires some tough choices when the solution of just buying-in extra equipment to expand capacity is not available. There are a number of cost-free measures you can take to find extra capacity. For example, traffic shaping measures, such as queuing can really help improve the response times of time-sensitive applications.
Examining traffic patterns can identify underutilized resources that could be moved to increase capacity on busy links.
When your topology and subdomains are optimized, you will probably find that traffic just increases and uses up all of the spare capacity you squeezed out of the network. Some business activities and applications just generate a lot of traffic and will continue to gobble up all available capacity.
Here is our list of the best bandwidth limiter & controller tools:
- SolarWinds Bandwidth Analyzer Pack EDITOR’S CHOICE Our top pick for bandwidth limiting. This combination of performance and traffic monitoring teams up a range of automated tools to manage traffic and keep networks in good health. Runs on Windows Server. Download the 30-day free trial.
- Site24x7 Network Bandwidth Monitoring (FREE TRIAL) This cloud-based system installs a collector on your network and uses flow protocols to gather traffic data, which is interpreted into graphs and tables in the console. Start a 30-day free trial.
- Paessler PRTG Network Monitor (FREE TRIAL) Network monitoring tool with bandwidth monitoring and limiting features you can use to control consumption. Automatically discovers devices. Start a 30-day free trial.
- ManageEngine NetFlow Analyzer NetFlow analyzer with bandwidth management with QoS policies, a customizable dashboard, alerts, and more.
- NetLimiter Bandwidth limiter for Windows devices with traffic prioritization, blocking, and limiting.
- NetBalancer Bandwidth limiter with upload limits, download limits, interactive graphs, computer synchronization, and more.
- Zscaler Cloud-based firewall with bandwidth controls for traffic limiting, prioritization, traffic usage reports, and more.
- SoftPerfect Bandwidth Manager Bandwidth limiter with traffic prioritization rules, a live usage monitor, email notifications, usage reports, and more.
- Untangle NG Firewall Bandwidth management software available with Untangle NG Firewall, with traffic blocking and reports.
The Best Bandwidth Limiter Software
Ultimately, your only choice is to limit the network capacity that is available to those bandwidth hogs. Fortunately, there are some excellent bandwidth limiters available and many of them are integrated into comprehensive network monitoring and traffic management tools.
Our methodology for selecting a bandwidth limiter tool
We reviewed the market for bandwidth limiter tools and analyzed the options based on the following criteria:
- Options for different traffic shaping methods
- Tracking and tagging for virtual LANs
- Support for the implementation of queuing
- Traffic monitoring services that include protocol analysis
- Capacity planning support
- A no-risk assessment period either through a free trial or a money-back guarantee
- A set of tools that will recover its cost through savings and performance improvements in the network
Let’s examine the best bandwidth limiter tools on the market today.
1. SolarWinds Bandwidth Analyzer Pack (FREE TRIAL)
The SolarWinds Network Bandwidth Analyzer Pack includes two network management modules. These are the Network Performance Monitor and the NetFlow Traffic Analyzer. The combination of the two systems gives network administrators complete control over a network.
When we tested Network Bandwidth Analyzer Pack we found the following key features.
Key Features:
- Network Discovery: Creates an inventory and topology map
- Continuous Device Monitoring: Uses the Simple Network Management Protocol
- Flow Protocols: NetFlow, sFlow, J-Flow, IPFIX, and NetStream
- Connection Testing: Path analysis
- Packet Capture: Protocol analysis
Why do we recommend it?
SolarWinds Bandwidth Analyzer Pack provides both network device monitoring and traffic analysis. This enables you to spot overloaded switches and make plans to reshape traffic around it. Other features include traffic queuing and prioritization, which can get you extra value out of your existing infrastructure.
The two tools combine in a number of cross-modular utilities, such as the drill-down analysis feature called PerfStack, which is a visual representation of all activities on the network, represented as a stack of services. This enables busy administrators to see straight away which service is the root cause of traffic problems. Other screens display traffic flows between two nominated points on the network, showing the statuses of each link.
The tool is able to capture router traffic for analysis and aggregate data per application or per endpoint. The tool also includes traffic shaping measures such as the implementation of QoS queuing and bandwidth limiting per application or endpoint.
Who is it recommended for?
SolarWinds produces on-premises system monitoring and management tools for in-house use. The service can also be used to manage networks on multiple sites. This system doesn’t have a cloud version and it isn’t available for Linux, so it is specifically aimed at businesses that run on Windows Server.
During our testing, we identified the following pros and cons related to Bandwidth Analyzer Pack.
Pros:
- Alerts for Device Problems: Get warnings of switch component errors
- Traffic Thresholds: Trigger notifications for excessive traffic
- Implement Traffic Shaping: Improve the performance of interactive applications
- Connection Quality Monitoring for VoIP: Mean Opinion Score and Quality of Service
- WiFi Monitoring: Track the performance of wireless networks
Cons:
- Only Available for Windows Server: No SaaS option
The SolarWinds Network Bandwidth Analyzer Pack installs on Windows Server and it is available for a 30-day free trial. Other SolarWinds modules can be added to the pack, such as the User Device Tracker, to enhance monitoring and control capabilities.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
The SolarWinds Bandwidth Analyzer Pack is our top choice for bandwidth management because it includes monitoring features, performance analysis tools, and automated traffic management utilities. Excellent visualizations aid in problem recognition, identifying the source of traffic problems whether that be over-active applications, faulty equipment, or poorly-planned topology. The range of traffic shaping measures in the pack means that you can squeeze the best performance out of limited resources.
Download: Start 30-day FREE Trial
Official Site: solarwinds.com/network-bandwidth-analyzer-pack/use-cases/bandwidth-management-control
OS: Windows Server 2012 R2 or later
2. Site24x7 Network Bandwidth Monitoring (FREE TRIAL)
The Site24x7 Network Bandwidth Monitoring service is part of a cloud platform of IT asset monitoring and management systems. This tool utilizes an on-site collector to gather traffic data. The traffic information is uploaded to the Site24x7 platform where it is interpreted into tables and graphs.
When we tested Network Bandwidth Monitoring we found the following key features.
Key Features:
- Full Stack Observability: Monitors devices, endpoints, network traffic, applications, and cloud platforms
- Bandwidth Usage Analysis: By link and along a path
- Bottleneck Detection: Alerts for congestion
- Packet Throughput Analysis: Identifies packet loss and jitter
Why do we recommend it?
The Site24x7 Network Bandwidth Monitoring system operates from a cloud platform and storage space for the gathered metrics is included in the subscription price. There are two focuses with traffic analysis, which are immediate reporting of congestion and long-term capacity planning. This package provides support for both of these needs.
This package is able to communicate with switches produced by different manufacturers. This is possible because the system is loaded with NetFlow, IPFIX, sFlow, J-Flow, cFlow, NetStream, and AppFlow protocol implementations. While some of these systems are producer-independent, there is no single protocol used throughout the world.
The Site24x7 system records the total capacity of each switch and then looks at the actual traffic volume running through each interface on the device. The tool has a series of adjustable performance thresholds that will trip alerts if they are crossed. Thus, you could set a level of 80 percent utilization and if that gets exceeded, you will get a notification because that gives you time to take action.
The data on traffic volumes gets stored, so you can use it to identify the regular periods of peak utilization and which users or software packages are active at those times. This alerting system is a type of bandwidth limiter, although the actual actions taken to reduce traffic need to be implemented manually.
Who is it recommended for?
This package is suitable for any size or type of business that runs a network. However, very small businesses that only have one wireless hub probably won’t need it. The unit is bundled into plans that include network device monitors, server activity monitoring, and application performance monitoring plus log management and network configuration management.
During our testing, we identified the following pros and cons related to Network Bandwidth Monitoring.
Pros:
- Records Switch Capacity Utilization Per Interface: Can also measure capacity usage over a path
- Records Traffic Metrics: Provides historical analysis
- Identifies Traffic Hogs: Analyzes traffic by protocol, source, destination, and user
- VoIP Traffic Analysis: Quality of Service reports
Cons:
- Not Available as a Standalone Module: Forms part of a package of tools
The Network Bandwidth Monitoring function is bundled in with many other monitoring and management tools in plans. There are many plans on the Site24x7 platform, but one example is the Infrastructure edition, which starts at $9 per month. Take a look at the Site24x7 Network Bandwidth Monitoring service with a 30-day free trial.
3. Paessler PRTG Network Monitor (FREE TRIAL)
Paessler PRTG Network Monitor is a network monitoring tool with bandwidth monitoring. With Paessler PRTG Network Monitor you can monitor the bandwidth consumption of devices and applications through usage graphs. Graphs provide you with a top-down perspective for managing bandwidth usage.
When we tested PRTG Network Monitor we found the following key features.
Key Features:
- Automatically Discovers Devices: Creates an inventory and network map
- Constant Rescanning: Updates system documentation automatically
- Monitors Bandwidth: With NetFlow, sFlow, J-Flow, and IPFIX
Why do we recommend it?
Paessler PRTG Network Monitor is a package of sensors that cover endpoints and applications as well as networks. Paessler stresses that its platform is purely for monitoring and not for management. However, it does include NetFlow sensors and other traffic data collection systems, such as IPFIX.
You can also use the platform to control bandwidth consumption. You can monitor and limit the distribution of bandwidth amongst your devices. Bandwidth limiting is useful for those scenarios where you want to stop a resource-hogging application and improve the performance of the network, reducing network congestion along the way.
Setting up your monitoring environment is easy, with the assistance of an autodiscovery feature, which automatically discovers devices. Once they’ve been added you can choose between a range of out-of-the-box sensors to manage bandwidth usages such as the SNMP traffic sensor and the Packet Sniffer Sensor.
Who is it recommended for?
The PRTG system is available for in-house use but it can operate remotely, so it will be able to monitor multiple sites. Paessler also offers PRTG in a configuration for use by managed service providers (MSPs).
During our testing, we identified the following pros and cons related to PRTG Network Monitor.
Pros:
- VoIP Monitoring: Mean Opinion Score and IP-SLA
- Protocol Analysis: See bandwidth usage per application
- WiFi Analyzer: Tracks wireless traffic
Cons:
- No Version for Linux: Installs on Windows Server and is also available as a SaaS platform
Paid versions start at $1,750 (£1,378) and are available on Windows and macOS. You can download the 30-day trial.
4. ManageEngine NetFlow Analyzer
ManageEngine NetFlow Analyzer is a NetFlow traffic analyzer and bandwidth management tool that can monitor traffic patterns. Through a customizable dashboard, you can monitor the top usage by application and protocol with the support of pie charts. Using these views allows you to tell immediately if there are any bandwidth hogs you need addressing.
When we tested NetFlow Analyzer we found the following key features.
Key Features:
- Flow Protocols: NetFlow, IPFIX, sFlow, J-Flow, Netstream, and AppFlow
- Bandwidth Usage Tracking: Alerts when approaching maximum utilization
- Apply QoS Policies: Improve VoIP quality
Why do we recommend it?
ManageEngine NetFlow Analyzer is a companion tool for OpManager, which watches over network devices. By combining these two packages, you get an almost identical service to the SolarWinds Bandwidth Analyzer Pack. The NetFlow Analyzer implements queuing and prioritizing.
If there is excessive bandwidth consumption then you can add QoS policies to limit the traffic. You can also create access to contours lists to determine which applications can have access to your network. This is useful for eliminating any non-work applications!
If there is excessive bandwidth consumption then you can add QoS policies to limit the traffic. You can also create access to contours lists to determine which applications can have access to your network. This is useful for eliminating any non-work applications!
Who is it recommended for?
The NetFlow Analyzer is intended for in-house use – ManageEngine doesn’t offer an MSP version, but there is a multi-site edition. This software is available for Linux as well as Windows Server and if you only use cloud servers, you can run this software on AWS.
During our testing, we identified the following pros and cons related to NetFlow Analyzer.
Pros:
- Traffic Shaping: Implements queuing and application prioritization
- Protocol Analysis: Uses Cisco NBAR
- Multiple Platforms: Available for installation on Linux, Windows Server, and AWS
Cons:
- Designed for Large Networks: A bit too much for small LANs
ManageEngine NetFlow Analyzer is one of the best dynamic bandwidth limiters with NetFlow monitoring. Whether you’re monitoring overall traffic usage from a distance or taking a microscope to one application, the platform has everything you need. Prices start at $595 (£479) for up to 50,000 flows and it’s available for Windows and Linux. There is also a 30-day free trial that you can download from this link here.
5. NetLimiter
NetLimiter is a bandwidth throttling tool that enables the user to allow or block applications and control the amount of bandwidth they’re allowed to use. NetLimiter comes with three tools that let you control network traffic: Limits, Priorities, and Blocker. Limits enable you to set a maximum bandwidth transfer speed limit for an application.
When we tested NetLimiter we found the following key features.
Key Features:
- Control Application Bandwidth Usage: Throttle bandwidth per protocol
- Block Applications: Customizable filters
- Prioritize Traffic: Implement queuing
Why do we recommend it?
NetLimiter is probably the closest service for this following the title of this article because it doesn’t just prioritize traffic – which limits capacity to non-prioritized applications – but it actually enables you to throttle specific types of traffic. With this system, you can block or slow down specific application traffic and also hold up some traffic while letting others straight through your network devices.
The Priorities tool allows you to pick which application traffic has priority. NetLimiter has an internal priority engine, which automatically restricts other applications when a high priority application is in use. There are four priority levels that can be assigned: Critical, High, Normal, and Low.
Blocker allows you to block particular applications such as non-work services to minimize distractions. All of these tools can be customized with filters with the Filter Editor. Here you can filter applications by a full path, part of the path, localhost/loopback traffic, local IP address, destination IP address, local port numbers, remote port numbers, and more.
Who is it recommended for?
This on-premises software is a great system for businesses that want to discourage certain types of user activity as well as manage traffic through queuing and prioritizing. The tool can be used to substitute for firewall rules to completely block some traffic. The software is only available for Windows and Windows Server.
During our testing, we identified the following pros and cons related to NetLimiter.
Pros:
- Bandwidth Limitation Guidance: Assemble network usage rules
- Custom Filters: Adapt a template or create new rules from scratch
- Internet Traffic Graph: Shows data transfers in both directions
Cons:
- Can Get Difficult to Read: Creates a lot of nested windows and tabs
NetLimiter is ideal for enterprises that desire a simple traffic monitoring tool for Windows. NetLimiter is available for Windows 7, Vista, 8, 10, Server 2008 R2, Server 2012, and Server 2016. A Standard License costs $29.95 (£24). You can download the software from this link here.
6. NetBalancer
NetBalancer is a dynamic bandwidth limiter that lets you control traffic usage on your computer. With NetBalancer you can implement download and upload limits to determine how many network resources are limited to an application. Traffic rules and filters give you complete control over the applications being used on your network.
When we tested NetBalancer we found the following key features.
Key Features:
- Traffic Measurements: Depicted in upload and download graphs
- Traffic Limiter: Throttle bandwidth by application
- Traffic Shaping Services: Queueing and prioritization
Why do we recommend it?
NetBalancer is primarily a PC tool and will operate on the computer that hosts it. There is a Web console for central control of multiple devices but each computer still needs the software installed on it. This is a home use or small business version of the service that larger businesses would get from NetLimiter.
The software also provides you with transparency over traffic and processes. You can view a history of upload and download traffic history, which you can interact with to edit the color scheme and adjust the time frame. There are also pie charts that you can use to view traffic data such as the top processes IPs in the last 24 hours.
For managing multiple computers, NetBalancer has a web-based console where you can synchronize settings. Simply set a time frame for the sync to take place and then check the events, traffic, and command settings that will be synced. All data will be encrypted and protected by TLS and SHA2 for additional security.
Who is it recommended for?
NetBalancer is only available for Windows and is more for home use than business implementations. Big business would be better off with NetLimiter.
During our testing, we identified the following pros and cons related to NetBalancer.
Pros:
- Traffic Data Segmentation: Show top traffic generators
- Stores Traffic Data: Shows traffic patterns over time
- TLS and SHA2 Encryption: All monitoring traffic is protected
Cons:
- Only Available for Windows: No package for Linux or macOS
NetBalancer is a solid low-cost bandwidth limiting solution for Windows users. The software costs $49.95 (£40). You can start the 14-day free trial from this link here.
7. Zscaler
Zscaler is a cloud-based firewall that offers bandwidth controls. With Zscaler, you can route local traffic to your internet connection and apply bandwidth policies to prioritize essential applications. The platform allows you to set traffic rules by class, location, and time. For example, you can create a class for Office 365 applications and assign it to the top priority in the traffic hierarchy.
When we tested Zscaler we found the following key features.
Key Features:
- Creates Hybrid Networks: Blends LANs with internet connection between sites and to cloud services
- Traffic Shaping: Can prioritize traffic
- Bandwidth Limiter: Restrict capacity per application
Why do we recommend it?
Zscaler creates a private network over the internet, combining on-site elements and the computers of home-based workers. This tool allows you to pick from a range of hybrid network configurations and you can also build in network security. Traffic capacity rules can be set per application, endpoint, or site.
When setting the rules, you can guarantee a particular percentage of bandwidth a class will have access to. For example, 40% for Office 365 while limiting non-essential applications like YouTube to 20%. You can speed limit large downloads to minimize the impact on network interface performance.
You can also use the program to monitor network usage with reports. Reports allow you to create graphs where you can view the difference in bandwidth usage among different applications.
Who is it recommended for?
This is a very sophisticated tool that offers a new way to manage traffic between multiple sites. It also provides an option to implement Zero Trust Access (ZTA) and base traffic access controls around cloud-based SaaS applications.
During our testing, we identified the following pros and cons related to Zscaler.
Pros:
- Based in the Cloud: Access the console through a Web browser
- SD-WAN Options: Create a virtual network across the network with an overlay address allocation
- Zero Trust Access: Control access to different areas of the network with access control lists (ACLs)
Cons:
- Lack of Price Transparency: Must contact sales for pricing
- Limited Reporting Functionality: Some users may find reports somewhat limited
- Simple Interface: Interface simple and easy to use but lacks details found in similar tools
Zscaler is a product designed for those using lots of cloud-based applications, who want a solution to manage bandwidth controls centrally. Zscaler has a subscription pricing model, but you need to contact the company directly for a quote. You can request a demo from this link here.
8. SoftPerfect Bandwidth Manager
SoftPerfect Bandwidth Manager is a bandwidth limiter or traffic shaper that enables you to monitor and control network traffic. With SoftPerfect Bandwidth Manager, you can implement traffic prioritization rules to select which users have priority. You can also implement bandwidth throttling rules for IPs, MAC addresses, ports, and network interfaces, to make sure that network performance remains high.
When we tested SoftPerfect Bandwidth Manager we found the following key features.
Key Features:
- Live Usage Monitor: Shows traffic in numbers and charts
- Traffic Shaping Measures: Implements prioritization rules
- Email Notifications: Alerts for network overloading
Why do we recommend it?
SoftPerfect Bandwidth Manager is a very close competitor to NetBalancer in that it operates on the computer that hosts it and it only runs on Windows. This system also includes a live traffic monitor.
Email notifications keep you notified about any important traffic changes. If you want to be more proactive then you can use usage reports to take a closer look at the activities of users throughout your network. Notifications and reports are great for helping you to stay on top of usage trends.
If you want to monitor live traffic then you can use the Live Usage Monitor. Here you can view streams in real-time and the most active streams in the past 30 seconds. There are network usage graphs to help to illustrate traffic changes over time to help you make sense of what’s going on.
Who is it recommended for?
The Bandwidth Manager is a package for home use on PCs. It is also a possible option for small businesses. If you are considering this tool, you should also assess NetBalancer for a comparison of options.
During our testing, we identified the following pros and cons related to Bandwidth Manager.
Pros:
- Multiple Traffic Calming Solutions: Choose between bandwidth limiting and traffic shaping
- Simple Interface That’s Easy to Use: Good for smaller businesses and home use
- Protocol Analysis: Shows traffic volumes per protocol
Cons:
- Only Available for Windows: This is an on-premises package and there aren’t any versions for Linux or macOS
SoftPerfect Bandwidth Manager is a fit for companies that require a basic bandwidth throttling. A single license costs $49.00 (£39), and the software is available for Windows. You can download the 30-day free trial from this link here.
9. Untangle Bandwidth Control (With Untangle NG Firewall)
Untangle Bandwidth Control is a bandwidth management tool that comes with Untangle NG Firewall. With Untangle Bandwidth Control you can monitor bandwidth usage throughout your network and impose controls. Create traffic rules to determine which applications have priority and give hosts quotas for traffic usage.
When we tested Untangle Bandwidth Control we found the following key features.
Key Features:
- Monitor Bandwidth Usage: Provides live displays and also reports
- Identifies the Source of Traffic: Shows peaks and troughs in traffic
- Traffic-Shaping Rules: Queue applications to prioritize others
Why do we recommend it?
Untangle Bandwidth Control is a feature of the Untangle NG Firewall, so if you aren’t interested in that firewall product, you won’t be able to use the Bandwidth Control tool. Untangle NG Firewall is available as a network device, as a cloud service, or as a virtual appliance.
Quotas determine how much data a user can consume during a particular time period over the users’ Internet connection. If users exceed that quota, then you can configure the program to block their access automatically. This is great for blocking bandwidth hogs.
You can also create reports for more information on traffic usage. These reports come with graphs so you can see inbound traffic as well as outbound patterns in more detail.
Who is it recommended for?
The consideration over whether you would be interested in the Untangle Bandwidth Control system comes down to whether or not you are in the market for a new firewall. If you are more interested in managing your LAN’s internal traffic, Untangle won’t be suitable for you.
During our testing, we identified the following pros and cons related to Untangle Bandwidth Control.
Pros:
- Sold with a Hardware Firewall to Host it: Scans network traffic as well as internet connections
- Easy to Use: A wizard guides the creation of firewall rules
- Application Whitelisting: Ban all traffic and then allow the connections for specific applications
Cons:
- Hardware-Based: Requires a higher upfront payment than software firewalls
Untangle Bandwidth control is ideal if you want a tool for traffic prioritization that automatically blocks non-compliant users and bandwidth throttling. You can purchase the bandwidth control tool as part of Untangle NG Firewall Complete, which starts at $25 (£20) per month. You can start the 14-day free trial here.
Related post: Best Bandwidth Monitoring Tools
Choosing a Bandwidth Limiter Tool
It only takes a couple of rogue bandwidth hogs to disrupt your network’s performance. Whether certain applications are consuming too much bandwidth or individual users are downloading lots of content or streaming, the best bandwidth limiters will be able to minimize the impact on the network.
Our top picks for this article are SolarWinds Bandwidth Analyzer Pack, Paessler PRTG Network Monitor, and ManageEngine NetFlow Analyzer. They offer a mix of bandwidth monitoring visibility coupled with QoS controls for reigning in bandwidth hogs and delivering solid user experience.
Related post: The difference between Throughput and Bandwidth
Bandwidth Limiter & Controller FAQs
What does bandwidth control do?
Bandwidth control allows you to restrict the amount of network capacity that is generated by a piece of software or handled by a piece of hardware. This is useful for businesses that do not have enough budget to provide the maximum required network bandwidth for all of its software and needs to prevent one application from overwhelming the system.
Does QoS slow down the internet?
The capacity of your internet gateway is finite. You can only slow it down by reducing the capacity of your gateway interface or lowering the bandwidth of your internet service plan. QoS gives priority to certain applications – usually interactive services such as streaming video or VoIP. The overall capacity of the internet connection remains the same, but some services get slowed to favor others.
How do I disable a bandwidth limiter on my network?
All bandwidth limiters can be turned off. However, where you go to remove the restriction depends on where the limiter is operating. If you didn’t activate the limit, you will need to analyze the traffic on your network to detect whether the limit is imposed within a piece of software, in an operating system, or on a network device.
Can I limit my network bandwidth manually?
Network bandwidth relies on the capacity of the cables and devices that serve it. Downgrading any piece of hardware will lower network bandwidth. However, this will more likely result in packet loss, where transmitted data packets fail to reach their destination, slowing performance down. Limit bandwidth for a particular function is to use the options within the software you want to limit or within the operating system of the device that you want to restrict.
