what about just control traffic from other devices on this network

To control traffic from other devices on a network, you can adopt various strategies depending on the type of network and the specific requirements you want to implement. Here are some common methods to manage network traffic effectively:

**Network Segmentation**: Divide your network into different segments using VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks). This helps control traffic between different segments and reduces congestion.

**Quality of Service (QoS)**: Implement QoS settings on your routers and switches to prioritize certain types of traffic over others. For example, prioritize VoIP or video streaming traffic to ensure quality.

**Firewalls**: Use firewalls to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. This can help block unwanted traffic from specific devices.

**Access Control Lists (ACLs)**: Deploy ACLs on routers and switches to allow or deny traffic from specific devices based on IP addresses, protocols, or ports.

**Traffic Shaping and Rate Limiting**: Implement traffic shaping to control the flow of data packets in a network, ensuring fair distribution of bandwidth among all devices. Rate limiting can be used to cap the bandwidth usage of certain devices.

**Network Monitoring Tools**: Use network monitoring tools to analyze traffic patterns and identify devices that are consuming excessive bandwidth. This can help you take necessary actions to mitigate issues.

**Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)**: Deploy IDS/IPS to detect and take action against suspicious traffic that could disrupt normal network operations.

**Wireless Network Management**: For wireless networks, you can employ settings to limit bandwidth for specific devices, manage connection times, or require authentication to join the network.

**Endpoint Security Solutions**: Use endpoint protection software on devices to ensure they adhere to network policies and do not generate unwanted traffic.

**Device Prioritization**: Some routers allow you to prioritize devices based on MAC addresses, ensuring that critical devices always have sufficient bandwidth.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly control and manage traffic from various devices on your network, ensuring optimal performance and security.