A bandwidth monitor is a computer application that is able to monitor the bandwidth of a particular network. Bandwidth monitors are able to keep track of the current network speed for both uploads and downloads, the amount of data transferred, the computer’s IP address, and the network card address. By observing the results of a bandwidth monitor, users are able to define what time their connection is the strongest and plan their Internet activity accordingly. This article will list a number of bandwidth monitors that are able to perform all of these tasks and more.

FreeMeter Bandwidth Monitor
FreeMeter Bandwidth Monitor is a free bandwidth monitor that includes many useful tools that allow the user to keep track of their network, bandwidth, and connectivity. The software includes a graphical display that shows the total amount of bytes downloaded and uploaded, total time elapsed, average download speed, and average upload speed. It also includes a Ping feature that shows the user how good his/her connection is, traceroute, and email notifiers for both IMAP and POP. The software is free, easy to use, and can be downloaded from http://sourceforge.net/projects/freemeter/.

NetLimiter
NetLimiter is a bandwidth monitor that also features tools for traffic control. NetLimiter provides users with stastistics about their networks and connections and can identify traffic for a specific application or can monitor multiple applications simultaneously. The software provides users with important information about their connections such as data usage, download and upload speeds, and real-time measurements. NetLimiter is available in Free, Lite, and Pro editions and can be found at http://www.netlimiter.com/ .

Bandwidth Monitor Lite
Bandwidth Monitor Lite is a free bandwidth software that provides the user with network, connectivity, and bandwidth stastics through a basic log and graphical display. The software allows users to modify what is displayed and how the interface looks. All information provided by the software is in real-time and can be accessed through the interface at any time. Bandwidth Monitor Lite is compatible with Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows 2003, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and 64-bit operating systems. The software is free and can be downloaded from http://www.snapfiles.com/get/bandwidthmonitor.html .

Bandwidth Monitor Pro
Bandwidth Monitor Pro is a bandwidth monitor that allows users to keep track of their download and upload speeds, current bandwidth usage, and how close they are to their monthly bandwidth limit. Bandwidth Monitor Pro keeps detailed logs of each individual network adapter installed on the user’s computer and allows the user to view daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, or total statistics for their network connections. The software allows users to customize every aspect of the interface including how it looks and what information is displayed. It also allows the user to setup specific rules about how it should behave when presented with certain information such as a monthly bandwidth limit. Bandwidth Monitor Pro is available for a free trial, can be purchased for $19.95, and can be found at http://www.bandwidthmonitorpro.com/ .

Bandwidth Monitor Extreme
Bandwidth Monitor Extreme allows individuals, families, and even organizations to efficiently monitor their bandwidth and Internet access. The software can keep track of ISP restrictions, LAN traffic, network connections, and even allows users to setup and manage their network profiles directly from the interface. Bandwidth Monitor Extreme features both a detailed log and a graphical display and can run operations based on preset rules that are governed by the user. For example, Bandwidth Monitor Extreme is capable of disabling all Internet connections on the network when approaching the monthly bandwidth limit. The software is available for a 14-day free trial and can be purchased for $19.95. Bandwidth Monitor Extreme can be found at http://www.lp23.com/bmextreme/.