limitrelease

Limiterlease is a lightweight, open-source software tool designed to manage and enforce bandwidth limits on network connections. It operates as a userspace daemon, allowing administrators to control the amount of data transmitted or received by individual users, applications, or entire systems. The software is particularly useful in environments where network resources are shared among multiple users, such as small offices, educational institutions, or home networks, to prevent excessive bandwidth consumption by certain applications or users.

Limiterlease is written in C and is compatible with Linux systems. It employs a simple configuration file to define rules for bandwidth allocation, making it accessible for users with basic technical knowledge. The tool supports both upload and download speed limits, as well as per-user or per-application restrictions. It can be configured to apply limits dynamically or at specific times, such as during off-peak hours, to optimize network performance.

One of the key features of Limiterlease is its ability to work alongside existing routing tables, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with existing network configurations. It does not require kernel modifications, which simplifies deployment and reduces the risk of system instability. The software also provides logging capabilities, enabling administrators to monitor bandwidth usage and troubleshoot issues.

Limiterlease is released under the GNU General Public License (GPL), making it freely available for use, modification, and distribution. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it a popular choice for users seeking an easy-to-implement solution for bandwidth management without the complexity of more advanced tools. While it may lack some features found in enterprise-grade solutions, its straightforward design and open-source nature contribute to its widespread adoption in lightweight network management scenarios.