How can I monitor what data is coming and going in my network?

[frankgomez75]

I want to see what data is going in and out of my home network and possibly to see who is connecting to my PCs.

I'm using Windows XP and have 3 PC's on my LAN. I'm on a Toshiba PCX2500 Cable Modem and a Dlink DGL-4300 Gamer Lounge Router.

Any good software you guys could recomnned? I'm new to this so something user friendly would be nice.

 

[tho]

You could use a sniffer called Ethereal. Look up 'Ethereal' on google. Its a free software.

If you are intending to have a more statistical analysis, you could use SNMP,NMS and MIB.

 

[JackMDS]

Regular Peer-to-Peer home Network does Not provide a central point for efficient monitoring.

If you want to avoid unauthorized log ins you have to get a Cable/DSL Router that restrict connection by MAC and enter the MAC numbers of your computers, computers with other MAC address would not be able to connect.

Can I Monitor my LAN, control the usage of the Internet, and Network Resources by other computers from my main computer?

:sun:

 

[nweaver]

your best option (imho) is a linux box with Dual nics. Nic 1 has no IP, and is connected to a hub that has your modem and router connected also (you sniff all traffic going in/out of your router that way) and a NIC with an IP for access to view data.

Be VERY carefull running Ethereal, it's a BIGTIME security risk. I would get dumps and then open them offline. You also will ONLY see what the PC sees, unless you do arp poisening on the switch or change to a hub.

Programs I use to monitor network -MRTG (Uses SNMP, can be used w/windows PC's if you install an SNMP agent). Nice graphs of inbound/outbound traffic, historical data.
NTOP - Deeper look into what is going in/out, based on address/protocol. Can be a pain to setup sometimes.
Nagios- Monitor servers/services on the network. My web server goes down, I get a text message within 2 minutes. If the server room gets too hot, another person gets a text. SMTP service dies on the mail serve, etc.