One embodiment of the present invention provides a device for allocating bandwidth on a per user basis. The device can be a computing device that comprises a processor, a first network interface coupled to the processor, a second network interface coupled to the processor, and a storage medium accessible by the processor that contains a set of computer instructions. The computer instructions can be executable by the processor to retrieve a set of user profiles. Based on the user profile for each user, the computer instructions can be executable to establish at least one bandwidth limit for each user. For each user, the computer instructions can be further executable to regulate bandwidth usage associated with that user based on the at least one bandwidth limit established for that user. The computer instructions can also be executable to update the at least one bandwidth limit.