looking for network/router monitering software.

W

Wolla

New Member
I was just wondering if anyone knew of some form of software (preferably freeware) that monitors my router, the users, their usage, and hopefully a programme that enables me to temporarily disable someones connection, maybe by blocking ports.

basically i am getting annoyed with one of my housemates using bitlord all day, even after i asked him hundreds of times not to use it in the day, and only over night. but he seems to refuse. its annoying, as i'm sure your all aware, as it uses up the whole bandwidth. i would like to be able to stop him remotely, temporarily, when i need to use the internet..

hopefully you all understand what i am aiming to do, and why.

any help or suggestions are welcomed.

i'm using a livebox, if that helps any specifics..
 
I recommend reasoning with your roommates first, but if that doesn't work you can simply purchase a router that supports QoS (quality of service) and you can limit bandwidth usage by application or by MAC address. So, you could technically throttle your roommates bandwidth down by mac address to a limited downstream/upstream rate.
 
ok, tnx..

and tried reasoning with him before, he thinks its hilarious, my only options are to break into his room and shut his comp down, or kick him off the router.

i am guessing that these QoS routers are fairly universal? eg. i will just be able to replace the livebox, and plug and play, so to speak?

if so, thats a great idea, much appreciated. i'm just hoping they dont cost an arm and a leg.. lol

tnx again
 
personally I prefer the buffalo/linksys routers and use third party firmware from www.dd-wrt.com which adds such features as QoS. If your router supports it, it should list it in it's spec sheet which is usually on their website in PDF format. You can even set it to run at certain times of the day. Like if you are all gone at work from 9 to 5 every day you can have it run full bandwidth and then when you are all using the interwebs you can throttle it down to like 10k up and down stream if you wish so everyone can enjoy the internet.

I have no idea if your current router supports it. I would go to the company's website and download the full spec sheet, which there should be like a PDF of it you can download.
 
Get a cheap or free P2 or P3 computer and install smoothwall and use that as the router.

It has a nice easy to use gui web interface and with detailed usage by all users, has QoS control, timed access, multiple interfaces (like purple for wireless), incoming, outgoing, internal port control and all sorts of little goodies. (transparent proxy, dynamic dns, vpn, etc)

I know which of the kids has hogged the bandwidth ;)

And it is free. Likely you can get an old PC for free as well. Mine is on a AMD K6-450 I got for free. Before that it was on a P166...

Works well for me.
 
I agree with amosf! Smoothwall will not only accomplish your goals, but will give your network better protection. You could set your buddy up on the DMZ, that way if he downloads a virus from a bit torrent site, it can't infect your computer(s) across the network.

I run Smoothwall and love it. If you need any help setting it up let us know.

-Rob
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top