Calling All Networking Gurus

[...kRiLLin...]

Hi All,

I have a couple of questions for the networking guys....

Firstly, let me clarify my setup...

Main Router -> Tp Llink 8901G
Secondary Router -> Billion 800VGT
Access Point -> Tplink(cant recall the model off the top of my head)

Main Router is in the lounge, 4 port router/modem, this router supports 3 wifi Devices and provides the DHCP

The main router is connected via cable to the Billion, which is in the centre of the house, to provide WiFi connectivity to all the rooms(4 rooms)

Cable runs from the billion to the main bedroom into a 8 port zyxel switch, from the switch, a webserver, 2 pc's and an access point are connected.

A 2nd cable runs from the billion to a second room, connecting 1 PC

Access point is mainly for the tablet and laptop in the bedroom to get full WiFi signal.

Each WiFi AP has a different name, and are running on different channels, so that there's no interference.

The webserver isnt hosting any live websites accross the net, its running on my internal network to distribute movies/series/music to everyone connected to the network.

In total at any given point, at most I have 3 Pc's and 1 server connecting via Cable, and 3 devices on each AP connecting Via WiFi.

All pc's are running Windows 7 Ultimate, all mobile devices and Tablets running Android, and the server is running Ubuntu server 12.04 LTS

Only the server is configured with a static IP

My question is, how am I able to monitor:

1 - All internet traffic, Leaving and coming in via the main router
2 - Traffic from Individual Devices
3 - Total internal network traffic.

I thought about running a separate Linux box running squid, but that would mean that the box has to be on 24/7, and wouldnt this slow the internet, as all traffic would have to be routed via this box first before it hits the net.

the main reason I want to do this, is to :

1 - Monitor what is the most bandwidth intensive device
2 - What traffic is coming into and out of the network
3 - Monitor who has access to what internal traffic

I've build this network to learn from, will soon be incorporating Cisco devices to replace all the networking devices.

Any Help would be appreciated.

Cheers
K

 

[ITCynic]

Have a look at Sophos UTM. Use an old machine with it. I have quite a few clients using this solution and it works brilliantly.

Alternatively, seeing as you are also in Cape Town. PM me your contact details if you would like me to provide a solution.

 

[The_Unbeliever]

I've been using Smoothwall/ClearOS for quite a while now, and found no traffic slowdowns so far.

In fact, Squid may speed up internet access by caching frequently-accessed websites, thereby cutting your bandwidth usage down a notch or two.

Also, having a firewall do make sense, as you can block certain ports and protocols should you want. Plus, most modern firewalls all have some sort of reporting system (traffic used, websites visited etc).

 

[...kRiLLin...]

Thanx for the suggestions, will give em a bash!