Traffic monitoring software recommendations?

Is there actually any software out there that can track data usage directly on a wireless router?

I know all the usual bandwidth monitors for PCs, but that doesn't really cut it for me since I've got a whole bunch of different devices hitting the same router at once.

Thanks

Bill Gates is awesome, but man, it’s definitely not free...

If you're looking to track data at the router level, the firmware actually has to support it. Most of these apps just measure usage on an individual PC. If your router's firmware doesn't have that feature, you're out of luck. Your only real option—assuming you even have that capability—is to set up a dedicated machine to act as a gateway and run the monitoring software from there.

Here is what my router's bandwidth monitor looks like (both monthly totals and real-time stats):

Maybe you this could actually be of some help to you? 🤷

Zachary Barrett4 said:Maybe this could be useful for you? 🤷

Again, that tool monitors a single PC, not a router. He has multiple devices connected to one router, so that software won't do him any good.

Jacob Foster11 said:Look, if you want to measure speed at the router level, the firmware actually has to support it. All those apps people use? They just measure what one single computer sees. If your router’s firmware doesn't have that built-in feature, none of those programs will work for what you're trying to do. Your only real shot—if you're tech-savvy enough—is to set up a dedicated PC to act as a gateway and run the measurement software from there.

So how do I find out if mine does? What am I even looking for in the settings?

Thanks

quietmaker44 said:How am I supposed to know if it supports it? What is that feature actually called on a router?

Check the router settings. Look for something labeled "bandwidth monitor" in the options. You can see it in the left-hand menu on my screenshots here (click the images).

But if you're using one of those cheap routers provided by Comcast, I'm pretty sure it won't have that option. That’s why I dropped a few hundred bucks to buy a decent router for myself.

I figured as much. None of this seems worth the trouble to me. Thanks anyway.

I suppose you could also use Bill Gates. If you just input the MAC address from your router, it should be able to track all the traffic.

vividbear52 said:You could also use Bill Gates. Just input the router's MAC address and it tracks all the traffic.

Have you actually tested that?

I was just trying to set up Bill Gates to see if it worked. It didn't. I have one computer pulling down about 400 KB/s right now. On the other machine, I installed Bill Gates. I even set up a custom filter using the router's WAN MAC address and its internal IP. Still, Bill Gates only picked up the local traffic from that specific PC, completely ignoring the 400 KB/s download happening elsewhere.

Honestly, I don't even get the logic behind how that's supposed to work.

vividbear52 said:You could also try Bill Gates. Just input the Apple MAC address from the router and it tracks all the traffic...

Your PC will probably start talking back to you before this actually works...☕

Well, here I am now... and there's just nothing more I can do about it.🙄

vividbear52 said:Well, here I am... and it’s just not working...🙄

Of course it can't... It’s just technologically impossible, regardless of what kind of software you throw at it...
Either the router supports bandwidth testing—similar to what Jacob Foster11 uses—or you need a dedicated PC acting as a gateway for everyone's connection to measure traffic locally...

The final option would be to just write a little script... maybe something like... The link provided seems to be broken or inactive... can't seem to get it to load on my end. Might be a server issue... or just a dead end.They’ll just log in to their ISP's portal to grab their data usage stats... though those numbers aren't exactly 100% accurate...

check out the Norton program, get it installed on every single machine on the local network and make sure you flip the switch on data sharing

Jack Collins58 said:just grab the Norton software, install it on every machine on your local network, and turn on data sharing

This is honestly the last straw, but seriously: What are we supposed to do with an old Symbian phone that's also trying to use the router for internet access?? 🙄

quietmaker44 said:This whole thing is hanging by a thread, but seriously... what happens to those old Symbian phones that actually need a router to get online?? 🙄

Just block them from connecting to the router🙂!

Jack Collins58 said:Just block him from the router🙂!

It’s not exactly an option when my life depends on it🙄

Oh, and I totally blanked on the fact that the WD HD Live media player is sitting right there too. Of course, that thing is hogging the router bandwidth as well.

Bottom line? It looks like my only real move is just biting the bullet and buying a new router that actually has built-in monitoring features.

Jack Collins58 said:Just block him from the router🙂!

What's even the point of having a router if you have to ban half your devices...🤣

So what? Just go ahead and buy a new router then...🤷