Network monitoring/analysis?

Question

Level 2

265 points

Network monitoring/analysis?

Hello.

Here in Canada we're getting screwed by Bell Canada & the CRTC via usage-based billing on our internet connections (and a mandatory 25GB/month cap + insane overage charges). As a result, I'm looking to see where any bandwidth is being wasted on my network and wondering if anyone knows any good solutions via the Mac? While my router has a bandwidth monitor, it doesn't give me more than an overview on the amounts in/out at any given time (real-time, 24 hour snapshot, weekly and monthly, etc.). I'm looking for something that will allow me to see what devices are doing what in the hopes of cutting down on wasted bandwidth.

My setup is like this:

DSL Modem > Linksys Router (running Tomato firmware) > D-Link hub (gigabit ethernet + dual-band wireless)

From the router, there's a single line (Cat5e) connecting it to the D-Link, which is the main hub that feeds my connection to everything on my network, as follows:

- Cat5e to iMac
- Cat5e to Apple TV
- Wireless G on 2.4Ghz band to iPhone & iPod touch
- Wireless N on 5Ghz band to iPad & Macbook

With all this UBB BS, looking for a way to analyze the network WAN traffic as a whole to see if there's any wasted bandwidth, etc. While the Tomato bandwidth monitor is good for overall bandwidth usage, I need something beyond that for really looking at what's using what.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated!
Kristin.

20" Intel iMac 2.16 Ghz, Macintosh SE/30, Mac OS X (10.6.2), Xserves (Early 2009, Early 2008, G5), Mac Pro

Posted on Feb 1, 2011 10:03 AM

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Answer 1

AJ

Level 5

7,075 points

Feb 1, 2011 11:30 AM in response to kristin.

First thing I would do is verify your wireless router is locked down, so noone can "borrow" your signal. Given usage caps and fees, the temptation may be too great for someone to resist.

Personally, I have collected the MAC addresses of my wireless devices, and configured the router to only allow those specific addresses to connect.

I've also turned off broadcasting, so that a casual sniffer doesn't even see my wireless network.

Any 'non-computer' stuff, like a PS3, Xbox, or Wii?

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Answer 2

kristin. Author

Level 2

265 points

Feb 1, 2011 11:38 AM in response to AJ

The wireless hub only allows connections from approved MAC addresses, and it does not broadcast the SSID on either band. I have a second wireless router (on a different channel in a different physical location, etc.) on stand-by for when I need to provide quick guest access to my network (otherwise, it's not even turned on).

No other devices on the network other than those listed.

So, any suggestions?

Regards,
Kristin.

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Answer 3

AJ

Level 5

7,075 points

Feb 1, 2011 12:31 PM in response to kristin.

a google search for "network monitor application OS X"
yields a large number of options.

Some samplings from the first page of hits, and a starting point for a program that may meet your needs:

http://mac.sofotex.com/download-125300.html

http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/networking_security/intergatepolicymanager .html

http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/networking_security/packetstream.html

http://homepage.mac.com/rominar/net.html

disclaimer: I have no first hand experience with any of the links above.
Your mileage may vary.

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Answer 4

kristin. Author

Level 2

265 points

Feb 1, 2011 12:43 PM in response to AJ

Yea, I've done the searching. Those options are all solutions that exist for either monitoring traffic of a single Mac (not the entire network) or require turning your Mac into the router (or the likes). I've downloaded and tested many pages deep of Google results with little success (thus why I posted here).

NetMonitor was a close winner (with the use of the sidekick application), but it requires manually monitoring individual sources. As well, there's no iOS version of the sidekick app, so it rules out monitoring iOS devices.

Regards,
Kristin.

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