What is the best way to meter bandwitdh usage on Win2K box?

[err]

I would like to see how much total bandwidth each computer uses on the network per month to evaluate network performance. Is there a way to do this ? If a software is needed, which would be the software?

The only other thing that I know of measuring bandwitdh usage is through a smart switch like the cisco catalyst. But hooking up all PCs to cisco catalyst would be too expensive at this time.

Any ideas appreciated

eRr

 

[finni]

You could install the SNMP service on all the to-be-monitored PCs, and use MRTG. This, however, will be a measurement of all traffic that passes across each computer's NIC (which is what you asked for), not the traffic that goes to or comes from the WAN or Internet (which is probably what you meant.)

Maybe if you gave more details of your setup? You didn't explicitly mention Internet or WAN traffic, you just mention a switch. Maybe you do mean just LAN traffic.

 

[err]

finni,

The best way is to measure ONLY Internet bandwidth. You are absolutely right. I've used MRTG before and I know it can be used to measure bandwidth speed. Can it also be used to measure total bandwidth in a certain time period ? Say in a month ?

The network setup is simple. Frame relay connection -> Cisco 2600 -> Dumb switch (right now) -> Workstations.

I am considering to purchase better backbone switch that can capture SNMP as well, but if a software can do this function, it would be better.

Thanks for the comment.

eRr

 

[spidey07]

I believe your 2600 can use cisco's netflow accounting.

This will collect data on usage, but I can't think of a cheap software package to use this?

netflow

<edit> looks like netflow is supported in plus images on your 2600. maybe check out your version or upgrade.

 

[err]

spidey,

I know the 2600 can meter our internet bandwidth as a whole, but can the netflow monitor traffic per computer / server ?

I've glanced throught the documentation and it seems setting up netflow is a bit tricky

Have you set one up previously ?

eRr

 

[spidey07]

we use it with netflow collector. it monitors flows, so it stores stats in a source/destination/application matrix allowing you to report and sort anyway you see fit.

It can be quite complicated and expensive but seems like the right place to start. Whenever you're trying to capture traffic stats you have to figure out &quot;where do I want to monitor and what do I want to monitor?&quot;

Since you're looking at WAN bandwidth it seems like the device actually moving that traffic is the WHERE. now figure out the WHAT.

hope this helps! I also use a product from compuware called ecoscope...it is very good at tracking applications and their usage.