Monitoring other computer using my router

Hi, my girlfriend lets her friend share her internet connection. She allows him to connect a ethernet cable to the back of her router to his computer downstairs. She was wondering is there any way she can monitor his activity in the way of downloads and what is he taking up in the way of usage, also limiting it to a certain amount a month perhaps, some kind of cap anyway? I had no clue but figured there would be some software somewhere that allows this.

Thanks,

Luke

 

Not sure about the bandwidth limitation question so I'll leave that to others. But, I suggest your girlfriend get a router and connect her friend's computer to the router instead of to her computer; this suggestion relates to privacy and it would eliminate the need for her computer to be on in order for her friend to connect to the Internet.

 

Nope, not on a separate line unless she can get him to share his PC and install something like NetMeter on his PC but it won't tell her what he's downloading, that would require a keylogger installed on his PC I believe. She obviously doesn't trust him, I would worry more if he's pirating stuff as it's her line and she's liable I'd think.

She would have to connect the cable to her PC if she's got a second port available to control anything.

Someone else will have to chime in on the specific software needed.

 

I don't mean as in to find out what exactly he is downloading, just to see what kind of bandwidth he is using and speed etc. For example, sometimes late at night her net slows down and she thinks it is because he is downloading or streaming or something. She just wanted to find out what he is takign up and such. Surely if he is connected to the same router as she is this is possible. She does trust him, just wants to possibly limit his bandwidth and be able to see as and when he is taking speed up.

Thanks,

Luke

 

Routers do not keep any record of activity so what you are after is not possible. However it's possible your ISP makes its record of your usage available, mine used to but doesn't now unfortunately. Have a close look at the information you are able to access on your ISP's site.

 

So someone who is connected to my internet network can not be monitored to some extent? :|

 

Computers on the same network can only access files and folders on other machines where those folders are public or shared, either to everyone or to you specifically.

 

I would think that's very unlikely. We have roughly the same setup, and I have never been able to blame one machine's slowdowns on another machine's usage.

Sure, you can find some very good (and free or cheap) network-based bandwidth managers, but configuring and maintaining a controlled, limiting network is a whole new ballgame.

I agree with the others: if she's going to let him piggyback, then have her keep all of her virus and spyware shields up, browse the ISP's FAQs and forums for possible suggestions, and use common sense.

 

Good idea as my ISP tracks daily usage so if the poster's friend is only surfing then maybe only two hundred MB's max would be used by her and that is if she was on for 12hr's and on content rich sites. Torrents are the worst at hogging the connection if one leaves them at default settings, then there's YouTube etc. What speed does she usually get when he's not there? Use speedtest.net or her ISP's tool if they have one.

 

I disagree there because if I am on my desktop downloading big files or even watching online streams the other computers on my home network connections slow down in way of speeds. I will have a look about the internet to see if I can find some software.

Thanks,

Luke

 

I apologize, my bad: I didn't realize you were already networked - just thought he was plugged into her router.

We're not networked, here - we just share the router.