Is there an application that allows me to see how much data each device is using on my Wi-Fi?

Exploring Solutions to Monitor Device Data Usage on Your Wi-Fi Network

Managing a home or small business Wi-Fi network can sometimes be frustrating, especially when essential features are missing. One common challenge users face is tracking how much data each connected device consumes. Unfortunately, many routers, especially basic models, do not provide this functionality natively. Instead, they often only display packet counts or other limited metrics, which may reset regularly and do not offer a clear picture of overall data usage.

The Limitations of Basic Router Interfaces

Most consumer-grade routers feature rudimentary monitoring tools. While they might display the number of packets transmitted, this data is generally insufficient for understanding actual bandwidth consumption. Moreover, these metrics often reset when devices disconnect and reconnect, making it difficult to track continuous usage or identify data-hungry devices over time. As a result, users seeking to monitor and manage their network’s data flow are left without straightforward options through their routers.

How to Monitor Data Usage per Device Effectively

Fortunately, there are solutions beyond the basic router interface:

Third-Party Network Monitoring Applications:
Several network monitoring tools and applications can help you track data usage per device. These can run on a dedicated machine (such as a PC or a Raspberry Pi) or within your network infrastructure. Popular options include:
GlassWire (Windows): Provides detailed network activity and data usage statistics per device.
Wireshark (Cross-platform): Advanced network protocol analyzer capable of detailed traffic analysis.
PRTG Network Monitor (Windows): Offers detailed bandwidth monitoring, including device-level data.
Router Firmware with Enhanced Features:
If your router supports custom firmware like DD-WRT, OpenWRT, or Tomato, you can replace the stock firmware to gain access to advanced monitoring tools. These firmwares often include real-time bandwidth monitoring and device statistics.
Network Management Devices or Software:
Dedicated hardware appliances or cloud-based solutions (like Ubiquiti Network Management or Netgear Nighthawk App) often provide comprehensive insights into data consumption across devices.
Implementing a Network-Wide Monitoring Solution:
Setting up a network monitor on a Raspberry Pi or similar device running specialized software like ntopng can offer detailed traffic analysis at the network level.