Wired Workplace promises simple broadband sharing

Wired Workplace UK is releasing its bandwidth management system following six months of trials in the Sheffield area.

It plans to sell a 'bandwidth box' which controls broadband access in environments where an external Internet connection is shared among many users, such as in multi-tenanted offices.

The box, a disk-less server, is aimed at those who wish to manage the broadband service they offer to their users in a more efficient and cost-effective manner while also offering savings on external internet costs.

Usually users on shared internal Ethernet networks are provided with external Internet access to users on a first-come, first-served basis. Such unequal allocation can be wasteful of resources and lead to contention issues.

Wired Workplace’s box helps to ensure consistency of broadband service by reserving a specified capacity for each user. The services offered to users can be managed through bandwidth allocation and throttling.

The box’s software has the ability to assign users into different usage group categories.

Bob Cushings, managing director of Wired Workplace, said: 'Companies and people who need greater bandwidth can ensure they receive it and those who only need a smaller amount of bandwidth pay for only what they need.'

A command line interface controls the box and self installation is possible with assistance over the telephone. It costs £1,500 per box, with support on a per client basis.