how to get maximum bandwidth/speed on a common or shared internet network?

[SNikS]

Log into your router and look for something called QoS which stands for Quality of Service. Not all routers support this feature, but most do. QoS allows you to set priorities for certain applications and or devices so that one or more devices or applications don't use up all the available bandwidth. You can limit the application priority by using the port number and setting the maximum bandwidth for that application. Another way is to limit the bandwidth for a device. You can divide the bandwidth into four and set each computer it's divided maximum bandwidth. Most routers will allow you to set each physical port a priority to a computer.