Wireless router with individual client IP address data reporting

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › Wireless router with individual client IP address data reporting

welliegeek

135 posts

Master Geek

#111369 31-Oct-2012 22:16

Hi all

I work in a small office with a single ethernet connection into a wireless router. We've noticed that the data usage is much higher than expected and I'm trying to figure out why.

We've changed the password to ensure (as much as you can) no-one that is not supposed to be is connecting.

What I'd really like to do is buy a new router (the old one's about 5 years old) that allows for reporting on data usage on a client per-IP address.

Does anyone know of such a thing?

sbiddle

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Biddle Corp

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#710106 31-Oct-2012 22:17

A Mikrotik will do that, but unless you understand the basics of networking you'll struggle to configure it.

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theEd

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#710205 1-Nov-2012 08:50

sbiddle: A Mikrotik will do that, but unless you understand the basics of networking you'll struggle to configure it.

Possibly more than the basics. Mikrotiks are amazing, but certainly not "end user" material IMO.

1080p

1332 posts

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#710226 1-Nov-2012 09:55

As a start installing bandwidth monitoring applications on all the PCs authorised to use the network will provide you with some data. I everything there is as expected you know that you may have an intruder using your bandwidth.

sidefx

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#710228 1-Nov-2012 10:04

Gargoyle on a TP Link-WR1043ND is another option if you're comfortable supporting it yourself. Never had any issues with mine and I know plenty of others on these forums are using them too. You'll need some basic networking knowledge, but it's very easy to use.

EDIT: Local blog with more details: http://www.c2s.co.nz/blog/gargoyle-on-the-tp-link-wr1043nd/

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Klipspringer

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#710234 1-Nov-2012 10:10

welliegeek: Hi all

I work in a small office with a single ethernet connection into a wireless router. We've noticed that the data usage is much higher than expected and I'm trying to figure out why.

We've changed the password to ensure (as much as you can) no-one that is not supposed to be is connecting.

What I'd really like to do is buy a new router (the old one's about 5 years old) that allows for reporting on data usage on a client per-IP address.

Does anyone know of such a thing?

What kind of router have you got? Check if it can generate netflow traffic data. Cisco as well as dd-wrt supports this.

See this link.. Its a solution, but if you not happy configuring this type of thing then its probably best to just go for a new router.
http://www.squidoo.com/monitoring-internet-usage-using-free-linux-tools

Earbanean

903 posts

Ultimate Geek

#710855 2-Nov-2012 09:55

Definite +1 from me for Gargoyle. You can control and monitor bandwidth and data usage by IP address, or groups of IP addresses. I was a complete novice and set it all up fairly quickly and easily.
All totally free as well - assuming you have a compatible router. I used the Netgear WNDR3700, which has been great.

Here's the post about my experience:

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=66&topicid=109089 ' target='_blank'> http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=66&topicid=109089

welliegeek

135 posts

Master Geek

#710859 2-Nov-2012 10:02

Thanks everyone.

I'm travelling at the moment so can't tell you what kind of router it is - I'll have a look when I get back.

If it's compatible Gargoyle looks interesting.....

sidefx

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#710876 2-Nov-2012 10:37

Have a look at the compatible routers here:

http://www.gargoyle-router.com/wiki/doku.php?id=supported_routers_-_tested_routers

You need to be a little careful in that some of the models have specific hardware versions that are tested.

If you want "local" knowledge from these forums I think the TP-Link I listed above, Netgear mentioned by Earbanean and the Linksys are good options.

"I was born not knowing and have had only a little time to change that here and there." | Octopus Energy | Sharesies
- Richard Feynman

tonyhughes

Hawkes Bay
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#710878 2-Nov-2012 10:38

Definitely Gargoyle.

Needs level 2 geekery to install (Easier than hacking WINZ, harder than convincing your wife you need to have a home theatre pc. Actually, no, nothing is harder than gaining that initial WAF.)

You will need a fundamental understanding of the basics of IP addressing, DHCP, data rates, and data size to configure correctly. It's all there, with easy GUI, but it assumes you have completed networking 101 at primary school.

Earbanean

903 posts

Ultimate Geek

#710884 2-Nov-2012 10:46

Needs level 2 geekery to install (Easier than hacking WINZ, harder than convincing your wife you need to have a home theatre pc. Actually, no, nothing is harder than gaining that initial WAF.)

Hahahaha. Classic.

I went for the WNDR3700 for the dual band WiFi, but as I state in my linked post, it's more expensive. The TP-Link mentioned is a more economical solution. Note, I think you can actually buy these pre-installed with Gargoyle and ready to go. They're sold somewhere on the Gargoyle website.