A bandwidth monitor displays real-time connection speed and data transfer, useful for tweaking internet connections and comparing ISP speeds. It can also reveal heavy traffic hours and help manage monthly download limits. Many are freeware and can be minimized to the system tray. Shareware programs offer free trials.
A bandwidth monitor is a small software tool that primarily displays a continuous readout of real-time connection speed, both upstream and downstream, and the amount of data transferred in both directions. Depending on the program, it may also include information such as the Internet Protocol (IP) address or network card address.
A bandwidth monitor can be useful for anyone interested in tweaking or tweaking their internet connection, as the monitor will show you whether or not the tweaks are working. You can also see your true connection speed compared to the advertised speed of your Internet Service Provider (ISP), which advertises capped plans, or the fastest possible speed available in the plan, non-discounted speeds that may vary depending on the type of service and other factors.
For cable customers, a bandwidth monitor will reveal those hours when local online traffic is heavy and speeds slow down. Armed with this knowledge, you can plan online activities that are best done during those hours when the most bandwidth tends to be available. This could be anything from enjoying streaming media content to performing a large download or updating your operating system through an online interface.
Those who subscribe to a paid newsgroup service have an even more important reason to use a bandwidth monitor. Many newsgroup subscription plans cap monthly downloads based on price. Large files are shared by breaking them into small pieces which are posted individually to a newsgroup, then picked up by the downloader and reassembled once the volume is complete. The amount of data you download can grow rapidly, but a bandwidth meter will remind you of the count allowing for wiser choices as your monthly allowance decreases. Some programs also issue user-configurable alerts.
Many bandwidth monitors are freeware and can be minimized to the system tray where a small icon graphic will continue to display a readout. Clicking the icon opens a popup where the information is more easily visible. Programs generally allow this window to be configurable to stay on top of all other windows and become partially transparent, making the bandwidth monitor less intrusive.
You may find that a particular shareware monitor has a feature that you really like, making it worth the small price. At least one popular program optionally allows the user to place a real-time graph readout in the empty section of the browser’s top toolbar. This not only looks good, but is highly functional, being in the user’s constant line of sight without obscuring valuable window space.
If you’re interested in trying out a bandwidth monitor, take the time to look into the variety of programs available. The choice usually comes down to personal preference, as most meters provide the same basic information using different layouts and interfaces. Also remember that most shareware programs offer free trial periods to try out the programs before committing to a purchase.
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