Bandwidth allocation method and device

The invention discloses a bandwidth allocation method and device and aims to improve the whole downloading efficiency of a local area network. The method includes determining the number of clients, of the local area network, executing the downloading operation; when the number of the clients executing the downloading operation is smaller than a first preset value, transmitting a download instruction to clients waiting for downloading; when the number of the clients executing the downloading operation meets the first preset value, stopping transmitting the download instruction to the clients waiting for downloading. By means of the method, on the premise of avoiding affecting the bandwidth utilization rate, the number of the clients executing the downloading operation is maintained and is smaller than a maximum value; the maximum value of the utilization rate of the bandwidth is maintained, and the maximum value of the downloading speed of the clients executing the downloading operation is guaranteed; thus, when download of the clients is completed, the consumed time is closed to a theoretic one, and the whole downloading efficiency is improved.