Re: Managing Network bandwidth

[dan.tesch () comcast net]

Hi Peter, a common problem! 

At a minimum, you could use a simple web based tool like the speed test here: http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/ 
Not very scientific but it should answer your question about what the ISP is giving you fairly quickly. 

Your edge router or firewall or switch port they connect to inside your network might be your next stop. Depending on 
the gear you have, you might have some simple graphs or numeric indicators of traffic to look at... certainly useful to 
get you going if you have them. 

There are a few better answers for the long term, some monitoring is certainly in order and I'd start with SNMP. Again, 
look to your edge device or the switch it uplinks to and then you'll need something to monitor the SNMP. I use a tool 
called Denika from Plixer that is free in its unsupported form. Cacti is a common open source piece of software for 
this and you should be able to find some configuration guides by Googling. 

A more comprehensive solution might be something like NetFlow if your devices support it and if you need that level of 
visibility. Like SNMP, I use a tool from the folks at Plixer because they offer outstanding support. Their NetFlow 
monitoring software is called Scrutinizer and it also has a free flavor but once you start using it you may decide it 
is worth paying for. Other companies, including some open source offerings also do NetFlow... but your device needs to 
support it or you need to install an inline monitoring device which are not too expensive. 

Take a look at some of the information on the Plixer website... it should set you on the right path to start. 

HTH 


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Peter Odigie" <peterquid () gmail com> 
To: security-basics () securityfocus com 
Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 10:08:22 AM 
Subject: Managing Network bandwidth 

Hi all! 

In my organization, we have had to upgrade our internet bandwidth two 
times last year 2011. The same happened the first and second time, 
after upgrading the connection became quite fast but this lasted for 
just a few weeks and it started dragging again! Our thoughts are in 
two main direction. 

1. Maybe the ISP is not telling us the truth, maybe they are not 
really giving us what we are paying for. Is there a way we can 
verify/monitor the bandwidth we are receiving from the ISP? The 
solution can be on either Windows or Linux platform 

2. Maybe with more bandwidth are staffs are downloading more stuffs - 
non office related stuffs. We had a bandwidth manager some time ago 
but I will not like to get that one up again because it was not 
transparent - people had to logon before being able to use the 
internet. I will like one that can seamlessly manage the network 
bandwidth for each person/department without demanding people to 
login. Again, the solution can be on either Windows or Linux platform. 

Thanks guys! 

Peter 

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------------------------------------------------------------------------
Securing Apache Web Server with thawte Digital Certificate
In this guide we examine the importance of Apache-SSL and who needs an SSL certificate.  We look at how SSL works, how 
it benefits your company and how your customers can tell if a site is secure. You will find out how to test, purchase, 
install and use a thawte Digital Certificate on your Apache web server. Throughout, best practices for set-up are 
highlighted to help you ensure efficient ongoing management of your encryption keys and digital certificates.

http://www.dinclinx.com/Redirect.aspx?36;4175;25;1371;0;5;946;e13b6be442f727d1
------------------------------------------------------------------------