Managing multiple devices on home network?

Question

Managing multiple devices on home network?

Hi everyone,

I'm sure I can't be the only one facing this problem, so here it goes...

My home setup has a Cable modem connected via 1 ethernet cable to my Time Capsule (TC) which acts as a router+storage+wifi router. I also have an Airport Express (AE) on the 2nd floor as a booster.

My TC has wired ethernet connections to my iMac, Home Entertainment (AV receiver, Apple TV, BlueRay DVD).

My TC and AE offer WiFi connection for my 2 iPhones, iPad, another Apple TV, and any guest wifi user.

Problem:

With all these devices running, I can't figure out how to see which device/item is consuming all my bandwidth! I have found all kinds of network bandwidth monitors but they only tell me what's being used on that specific device (iMac, or my iPhone - or I have to install the app on ALL devices and check each one - not practical).

Since EVERY device in the house connects to the TC as the router - isn't there a way for me to see what's coming in and out from each pipe?

I've had to bump my bandwidth tiers a couple times already - and it's getting nuts with all these streaming devices and apps that run in the background.

Any help / idea is appreciated. I hope I've been clear in describing my setup...

Time Capsule-OTHER, Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Feb 7, 2013 3:24 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Feb 7, 2013 4:32 PM in response to alifromtoronto

The TC is a most basic router without any fundamental ability to add resources like counting throughput.. but that is a much hard task than you realise. You simply cannot do it on a TC or any apple router for that matter.. or any other out of the box solution router by any other company. Up to this point at least. .you only solution is what you are doing.. or a special firmware called gargoyle and a router that is compatible. The best value for money (not cheapest) is Netgear WNDR3800.. simply relegate the TC to bridge and the AEx can also still work connected to the TC.. but the primary router has to be something that can run gargoyle firmware.

See http://www.gargoyle-router.com/

It is free btw.. and is dead simple to load onto that particular router.

Reply