Need a cable modem that will let me monitor network traffic

[28k_Modem]

Hi All,

I have a few roommates and I recently upgraded to cable internet. The choice was limited in my area, but happily paid the extra to get speeds that tested at 250/22 down/up. I installed ethernet wiring to every room, all leading to a smart box in the front closet and had them run service to that location.

I have the cable modem that I rent from my ISP, but want to replace it. I'm also having some bandwidth issues that I need to resolve. One of the roomies is consistently hogging bandwidth. Im hoping someone can help me pick a cable modem (or a compatible separate modem and router) with software that will let me know in the clearest possible terms, who is hogging the effing bandwidth. Being able to set limits on down/uploads by address would be fantastic.

Basic features I want:
MORE than 4 ethernet ports
Good wireless connectivity
Monitoring/throttling of bandwidth by device

If there is some hardware setup using ethernet switches or other components that'll get me where I want to be, I'd love to hear about it. Thanks for any recommendations.

 

[bill001g]

It is going to be tough to get a consumer device that can do that. If you are very lucky they can show you who at the current moment is using the device and how much they are using. Since there is no place to store historic data most have no option to even see what happened a hour ago.

What you are asking for is generally in a firewall feature. There are some third party router firmware that can do this but there is no third party firmware for devices that contain modems due to open source restrictions on the software.

You best bet is going to be use your existing modem, connect it to a small free firewall and then put a AP in front of that to provide the wireless.

You should be able to use any 2 nic pc and load pfsense on it as a firewall. There are a couple other free firewalls but people like pfsense. You can of course use a commercial firewall which have much easier to use interfaces, things link sonic or fortigate are mid priced devices.

 

[cTs Corvette]

BitMeter OS is a free bandwidth monitoring program, but you'd have to install it on all of the PC's to see who is using the bandwidth.

 

[28k_Modem]

.

 

[28k_Modem]

It is going to be tough to get a consumer device that can do that. If you are very lucky they can show you who at the current moment is using the device and how much they are using. Since there is no place to store historic data most have no option to even see what happened a hour ago.

What you are asking for is generally in a firewall feature. There are some third party router firmware that can do this but there is no third party firmware for devices that contain modems due to open source restrictions on the software.

You best bet is going to be use your existing modem, connect it to a small free firewall and then put a AP in front of that to provide the wireless.

You should be able to use any 2 nic pc and load pfsense on it as a firewall. There are a couple other free firewalls but people like pfsense. You can of course use a commercial firewall which have much easier to use interfaces, things link sonic or fortigate are mid priced devices.

bill001g:

hmm... a pc in-line between modem and router with 2 nic cards, one in one out? with pfsense software loaded? ive got an old dell xps400 i was considering using for a linux box.

 

[28k_Modem]

Your answer and a little research was all i needed. Thank you, sir. Im glad I future proofed my network wiring with some extra cat6 runs to every location.