@markhodges78 -
a new router will do you NO GOOD -
"IF" your current service agreement with your ISP does not provide for enough bandwidth.
You need to look at your current service agree and see what "plan" you have. Then run
speedtest.net and see what you are getting. Just note that most service agreements say "up to" some speed, and not a minimum. If you are getting what you are paying for, you may need to upgrade your plan to increase it.
What wireless router do you currently have? And what modem? If integrated, what device (commonly called a "residential gateway" device)?
I might also suggest Pandora. However, I recommend streaming Pandora with
Pandorian, a really nice (and free!) desktop client for Pandora that provides one distinct advantage - it blocks all ads so they can listen to tunes for hours and not be interrupted once. Another really nice feature is it puts a small windows on the desktop instead of requiring an open browser page.
And the good news for you is, streaming just audio consumes very little bandwidth.
IMO, Pandorian catapults Pandora above and beyond all the other music streaming services. And no, I have no connection to Pandora or Pandorian. I just love listening to music when using my computer.
Also, if their cell phone plan offers unlimited data, you can disable WiFi access so they use the cell service instead of your Internet wireless service.
Other things you can do is connect your Netflix device via Ethernet instead of wireless. Also, if your current WAP (wireless access point - typically integrated with the wireless router) supports dual channel (both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands), for those wireless devices in close proximity to the WAP, try setting them up on 5GHz. The 5GHz band is faster, but sadly, is greatly limited by distance and barriers (walls, floors, ceilings).
I also agree to check your router for
QoS.
NO, THEY DO NOT....
Seems like you have a "parental control" issue moar than anything else....
I'm not trying to be mean or judgmental or sarcastic, but if you are paying for the internet & cell phone services, and the electricity that powers it & their devices, then you have every right to decide who can do what & when & how.....
If the kids are dutifully doing their homework, parents need to stay out of the way and let them do it - especially if they are no longer young and habits are already established. In fact, we need to encourage and support them, and
give them the tools they need to get it done. That's our job.
I would ask and encourage (at least when you are watching Netflix) they stick to streaming just music (not music videos) while doing homework (again, with Pandorian) - rather than them streaming Netflix. This is to free up bandwidth but also to avoid/limit distractions. But I would not stomp my foot down on this and instead, be glad they are doing their home work.
Maybe if you show them your monthly ISP bill, they might be inclined to see your side of things. I note my cable/Internet bill is more than my electricity, water/trash/sewer, and natural gas bills combined!