Monitoring Bandwidth Usage: Real-Time Strategies For Network Insights

Bandwidth monitoring is crucial for any business or organisation to understand what is happening in their network. It helps to identify potential threats, monitor usage, prevent data theft, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. It also allows users to optimise network performance by identifying bottlenecks, improving bandwidth utilisation, and reducing latency. With the right tools, businesses can gain a better understanding of how their networks are being used and take steps to improve efficiency.

There are several bandwidth monitoring tools available in the market, both free and paid, that can be leveraged to monitor network traffic. These tools provide real-time updates on network traffic and bandwidth utilisation levels, helping to identify top talkers or applications and interfaces using the most bandwidth.

Some popular bandwidth monitoring tools include SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer, ManageEngine NetFlow Analyzer, Paessler PRTG Network Monitor, and BitMeter OS. These tools offer features such as traffic analysis, capacity planning, and identification of bandwidth hogs, helping businesses to optimise their network performance and resolve issues promptly.

Identify bandwidth bottlenecks

Bandwidth bottlenecks can occur when the available bandwidth on a network link is insufficient to handle the volume of data being transmitted, leading to congestion and reduced performance. To identify bandwidth bottlenecks, you can employ various methods, including:

• Network Monitoring Tools: Utilise tools to collect and analyse network performance data, such as bandwidth utilisation, latency, packet loss, and network traffic patterns. By monitoring these metrics over time, you can identify areas of congestion and potential bottlenecks.
• Traffic Analysis: Analyse network traffic patterns using packet capture and analysis tools. Examine the flow of packets within your network to identify any abnormal or excessive traffic that may be causing bottlenecks. Look for patterns such as high-volume data transfers, frequent retransmissions, or long response times.
• Bandwidth Testing: Perform bandwidth tests to measure the available bandwidth and identify any discrepancies. This helps determine if the network is operating at full capacity or if there are limitations causing bottlenecks.
• Network Segmentation Analysis: Evaluate the network segmentation and topology to identify potential bottlenecks. Examine how devices are interconnected, the network structure, and the flow of traffic between different segments. Poorly designed or overloaded network segments can lead to bottlenecks.
• Device Resource Monitoring: Monitor the resources (CPU, memory, disk utilisation) of network devices such as routers, switches, and servers. If any device is consistently operating at high resource utilisation, it may indicate a bottleneck that needs addressing.
• Baseline Comparison: Establish baseline performance metrics during normal network operation. By comparing current performance against these baselines, you can identify deviations and potential bottlenecks, helping to detect abnormal network behaviour.

By using a combination of these methods and gaining a thorough understanding of your network infrastructure, you can effectively identify and address bandwidth bottlenecks.

Monitor network traffic from routers

Routers are the highways of your network, with devices constantly sending traffic back and forth to connect with other devices and access online services. Monitoring network traffic is essential for monitoring the performance of your network and connected devices.

There are two ways to monitor network traffic: directly through the router or using third-party network monitoring software. Here is a step-by-step guide to monitoring network traffic from routers:

Step 1: Find your router's local IP address

If you haven't changed your router's IP address, it is likely to be 192.168.1.1. On Windows, open a command prompt and enter the following command:

> C:\Users\Comparitech>ipconfig

You will find your IP address listed next to Default Gateway.

Step 2: Access your router's interface

Open your web browser and enter your router's IP address in the search bar. Press Enter. You will be prompted to enter your router's admin username and password. If you haven't set them yourself, check your router's documentation or search online for the default login credentials.

Step 3: Find the network traffic information

Once logged in, you will be able to interact with your router's interface. The information available will depend on the vendor. Look for a list of devices or a status section. Some modern routers have bandwidth monitoring sections.

Step 4: Identify the devices using the most bandwidth

If you can't find the information you need or there isn't enough detail, you may need to use a network monitoring tool. These tools can provide real-time status updates on network traffic and bandwidth utilisation levels.

Step 5: Choose a network monitoring tool

There are several network monitoring tools available, both free and paid. Some popular options include:

• ManageEngine NetFlow Analyzer: Real-time network monitoring that uses flow data and can detect environmental changes and set alerts.
• Paessler PRTG Network Monitor: Auto-detects and monitors all connected network routers, offering performance data for identifying faults and traffic bottlenecks.
• SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer: Performs real-time traffic and network bandwidth monitoring and analysis using flow data built into most routers.

Step 6: Install and set up the network monitoring tool

Follow the installation instructions for your chosen network monitoring tool. You may need to download and install the program, create an account, and configure your monitoring settings.

Step 7: Monitor and analyse network traffic

Use your network monitoring tool to view bandwidth usage by specific applications or interfaces. Identify "top talkers", i.e. applications or interfaces using the most bandwidth. You can then address any issues and free up additional bandwidth for business-related traffic.

Track bandwidth usage by specific applications

Bandwidth monitoring is critical for avoiding ISP data caps and overage fees. There are several ways to monitor bandwidth usage by specific applications.

Use a Network Bandwidth Monitor

A network bandwidth monitor is a tool that will help you keep an eye on inbound and outbound bandwidth within your network and help you identify which hosts are using the most bandwidth.

Some examples of network bandwidth monitors include:

• SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer
• ManageEngine NetFlow Analyzer
• Site24x7 Network Monitoring
• BitMeter OS
• Paessler PRTG Bandwidth Monitor
• SoftPerfect NetWorx

Monitor Bandwidth Usage at the Router Level

Consumer routers often have bandwidth monitoring built right into the router's control panel and/or mobile app. This allows you to monitor total bandwidth consumption and monitor individual devices on your network.

Popular mesh routers like Nest Wi-Fi and Eero allow you to check total bandwidth consumption and monitor individual devices on your network.

Monitor Bandwidth Usage with a Hardware Firewall

A dedicated hardware firewall is a physical device between your modem and your internal network. All traffic passes through the device, and it can monitor traffic, protect against threats, and even take over the routing functions.

You can opt to purchase a dedicated firewall like the popular Firewalla platform. Alternatively, you can turn an old computer into a firewall box using software like pfSense or OPNsense.

Monitor Bandwidth Usage by Device

Bandwidth monitors can be installed on individual devices to monitor their bandwidth usage. For example, on an iPhone, you can go to the "Cellular" section of the Settings app to see how much data each app has used.

Monitor bandwidth usage by device

Monitoring bandwidth usage by device is essential to ensure that a single device is not hogging the network's bandwidth, which could slow down the connection for all other users.

Monitoring Tools

Bandwidth monitoring tools can help identify which devices are using the most bandwidth and allow network administrators to take appropriate action, such as assigning a maximum bandwidth per user or replacing hardware. These tools can be used by both home and business users and are especially important for businesses to ensure smooth access to business-critical applications.

Router Level Monitoring

One of the most effective ways to monitor bandwidth usage by device is through your router or modem. Many routers have built-in tools that allow you to see how much data each device on your network is using. To access these tools, you will need to log in to your router or modem's web-based interface, which can usually be done by finding this information in the device's documentation or through a simple online search.

Third-Party Tools

In addition to router-level monitoring, there are also third-party tools available, such as GlassWire, that can be used to monitor internet usage. These tools often provide more detailed information about data usage, such as which websites and applications are using the most data, and allow you to set usage limits or restrict access to certain sites.

ISP Dashboard

Another way to monitor bandwidth usage is by checking your Internet Service Provider's (ISP) dashboard, which will show your overall bandwidth usage. However, this method may not provide real-time updates and may not break down usage by device.

ISP App

For an easier way to monitor your bandwidth usage, your ISP may offer an app that allows you to view data usage, set usage limits, and even set up parental controls. These apps often include features for managing your WiFi network as well.

Hardware Firewall

For those who want to add an extra layer of network security, a dedicated hardware firewall can be installed between your modem and your internal network. This method allows for comprehensive bandwidth monitoring and management while also protecting against threats.

Mobile Device Management

For businesses, mobile device management capabilities offered by Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can help control network traffic and internet usage. MSPs can remotely lock user phones, set passwords, or wipe devices without negatively impacting network bandwidth.

Set up custom alerts for bandwidth shortages

Setting up custom alerts for bandwidth shortages is a crucial aspect of network management. Here are some steps and tools to help you set up custom alerts:

• Choose a Suitable Bandwidth Monitoring Tool: Select a bandwidth monitoring software that offers custom alert features. Examples include SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer, ManageEngine NetFlow Analyzer, and Paessler PRTG Bandwidth Monitor. These tools provide real-time insights into bandwidth usage and allow customisation of alerts.
• Define Alert Criteria: Determine the specific conditions that will trigger an alert. For example, you may want to be alerted when a certain threshold of bandwidth utilisation is reached, or when a particular application's traffic exceeds a certain limit.
• Configure Alert Settings: Customise the alert settings according to your requirements. This includes setting the threshold values, specifying the alert severity, and choosing the notification method (e.g., email, SMS, or push notifications).
• Integrate Third-Party Services: Some bandwidth monitoring tools offer integrations with third-party services such as ServiceDesk Plus, ServiceNow, Slack, or Jira Service Desk. These integrations can provide additional notification channels and enhance collaboration within your team.
• Implement Automated Responses: Consider setting up automated responses to bandwidth shortage alerts. For example, you could automatically block certain bandwidth-heavy websites or applications to free up resources.
• Regularly Review and Optimise: Bandwidth monitoring is an ongoing process. Regularly review your alerts and adjust the settings as needed to ensure they remain effective and relevant to your network's performance.

By following these steps and utilising the features provided by bandwidth monitoring tools, you can effectively set up custom alerts for bandwidth shortages and take proactive measures to maintain optimal network performance.

Frequently asked questions