bandwidth allocation and network monitoring software?

Question

hi all i'm a semi-techie nurse and i love playing online games. i recently had an internet connection installed and have shared it with 2 of my housemates..

the problem begins when they log in and sort of hoard the bandwidth, with either skype, facebook, or what nots.. so i get constantly and irritantly get disconnected.

can anyone please help me on how to configure my D-link DI 604 router.. the set-up we currently have is that my modem is hooked to the DI604 router, then hooked to a router switch.. one of my techie friends set this up, but unfortunately IS no longer available..

i need help if possible on the following issues..

1. bandwidth allocation - how can i do this, any step-by-step guide if possible? smile.gif and

2. possible FREE network monitoring software - so i can tell them to avoid apps hoarding the bandwidth


thanks in advance and more power everyone!!

Answer 1

I wish I had good news for you, but here is the plain, if unpalatable truth.

D-link is a good brand, and the 604 is a typical home router which means:

It allows multiple machines to share and Internet connection

It has a DHCP server to assign network IP addresses on the LAN

It has a built in Ethernet switch

All at a competitive price



What it does not have (and neither do it's direct competitors) -

The processor, memory, or firmware that allows bandwidth shaping and the prioritizing of traffic.

In order to get those kind of tools, you have to spend the money on the hardware. Below is a link to a D-link gaming router. It is quite a bit more expensive than your current router, but that's because it has some of the tools am talking about. It's no Cisco industrial strength router/ managed switch that starts at $750 and goes up fast, But it is a lot better than the first come, foirst served and the rest of you are hosed system that you have now.



The router

http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=371



A review

http://www.planetamd64.com/index.php?showtopic=13118+



The second part of your question

There is no easy way to monitor all network traffic and pick out who is hogging bandwidth. But here is the cheapest way I know of:



Warning - Geek content here



Drag an old computer out of the closet

If it only has one Ethernet Card, add a second card

Load a Linux Distro such as Ubuntu or OpenSuse

Set up a communications software bridge between Eth0 and Eth1

Connect the computer between your router and your modem

Using the program manager built into the OS, download and install WireShark

Using Wireshark, you can monitor all traffic in and out of Eth0

By tweaking the filters on Wireshark, you can now identify traffic by IP address and see who is using how much bandwidth.



Have fun

Answer 2

Bandwidth Allocation Software

Answer 3

The above solution will work, but for the second issue if you're just trying to make your case to your housemates I think the simplest/cheapest way to do this is to only have one suspected application running at a time. For example, connect a computer directly to your modem and start (for example) a skype conversation. If this is a Windows machine, hit "ctrl+shift+esc" and click on the "Networking" tab to see network usage. *Note that this application is talking about local LAN bandwidth, not Internet transit so it's not going to give as accurate a result as the solution posted in the above answer.



As for bandwidth allocation, prioritizing traffic for something like Skype is a nightmare, even with good equipment. It uses a wide and unpredictable range of ports and is in all respects a difficult traffic type to mark. I had to do an IOS upgrade and use Cisco's NBAR just to define the darn thing.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.



RE:

bandwidth allocation and network monitoring software?

hi all i'm a semi-techie nurse and i love playing online games. i recently had an internet connection installed and have shared it with 2 of my housemates..



the problem begins when they log in and sort of hoard the bandwidth, with either skype, facebook, or what nots.. so i get constantly...