We need some sort of real-time monitoring of our Internet bandwidth on our network. Specifically there are times when our Internet access speeds drop significantly for periods of time, and we need to be able to know why. At the moment we are using a SonicWall Pro 2040s for our network firewall and have the add-on ViewPoint software. This add-on gives us the ability to review Internet usage and produce various reports, but the reports are generated after 24 hours, so investigating an Internet slow down is always a day after the event. We need some sort of way to know what is causing Internet bandwidth issues when it is occurring, and be able to track it to specific computers, users and web sites, and such. Can anyone suggest some options for us?
(http://dartware.com/network_monitoring_products/intermapper/index.html)
They do have a PC version but their MAC version is best. We actually run an iBook expressly for this purpose. They also have a free 5 node version. Try the PC version, and if your budget allows by a used iBook and you'll have a great portable network monitor :)