By default, your WiFi router distributes the available bandwidth between devices equally. However, not all devices need the same amount of bandwidth or internet speed and this can leave other devices such as PCs, game consoles or smartphones without enough WiFi speed for their tasks which can hamper your experience.
In this article, we’re talking about how to limit WiFi speed for specific devices on your network so you can make the most out of your internet connection.
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Limiting WiFi speed for specific devices
Most if not all routers come with some sort of access control or QoS (Quality of Service) rules that you can apply to specific devices using their individual IP or MAC address to limit the bandwidth available to said device. While routers from different manufacturers (and sometimes even different) models name settings differently, the exact procedure might be different on your specific router but the principle remains the same.
Before we get to restricting bandwidth, you need to find out the IP address for your router. Follow these steps.
Step 1: Press Windows key + R to open the Run prompt. Type cmd and hit enter.
Step 2: Type ipconfig and press enter. You’ll see your router’s IP address listed under Default Gateway.
Alternatively, you can also find out the router’s IP address on a tag under or behind the router. Once you do have the required IP, let’s see how you can restrict device bandwidth.
Limiting WiFi Speed on D-Link routers
If you have a D-Link router, follow these steps to limit WiFi speed.
Step 1: Type your router’s IP address in the browser’s URL bar and press enter. Type the router credentials to access router settings.
Step 2: Head to Firewall and then QoS.
Step 3: Check the Enable QoS checkbox and fill out either the IPv4, IPv6 or MAC address of the device you want to limit as well as the bandwidth limits you want to implement in the uplink and downlink fields.
Once you’re done, save the settings and restart your router. The changes will take effect and the listed device will only be able to use the bandwidth you allowed. As mentioned before, the exact process will be different on your router unless it’s the same make and model, in this case, DIR-650IN.
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