In the realm of Linux servers, a number of tools exist to aid administrators in the crucial task of monitoring bandwidth. Their capabilities range from providing real-time traffic reports to charting historical data. Let’s take a journey through a list of the top 15 tools that Linux aficionados can leverage for efficient bandwidth monitoring.
1. nload
Our adventure begins with nload, a commendable command-line tool tailored to monitor incoming and outgoing traffic separately. As a bonus, it depicts these dynamics with an adjustable graphical representation, keeping the data visually understandable.
2. IPTraf
Next is IPTraf, a reputable console-based network statistics utility. With its comprehensive data collection capability, it presents a variety of statistics, including but not limited to, TCP connection packet and byte counts, interface statistics, and activity indicators.
3. NetHogs
Enter: NetHogs, an ingenious ‘net top’ tool that prioritizes insight per process rather than protocol or subnet. This intuitive feature becomes invaluable in scenarios of sudden traffic surges, where NetHogs swiftly identifies the root cause.
4. iftop
Iftop, the command-line system monitor tool, prides itself on serving up a constantly refreshed list of network connections. By default, these connections are listed in order of bandwidth usage, spotlighting only the top bandwidth consumers.
5. bmon
Bmon, a robust bandwidth monitor, leverages various input modules to deliver comprehensive statistics. Its versatile output methods and debugging capabilities underscore its multi-functionality.
6. Vnstat
We introduce vnStat, a console-based network traffic monitor known for its detailed log of network traffic. Its hallmark lies in its gentle use of system resources, owing to the fact it bases its reports on statistics provided by the kernel.
7. slurm
Next is Slurm, an open-source workload manager applicable to Linux clusters of all sizes. It performs three core functions, including resource allocation, execution, and monitoring of work on designated nodes and resource contention arbitration.
8. bwm-ng
Bandwidth Monitor NG, a user-friendly console-based live network and disk io bandwidth monitor, expands its compatibility across various operating systems, including Linux, BSD, Solaris, and Mac OS X.
9. Color Bandwidth Meter
The Color Bandwidth Meter (cbm) distinguishes itself by showing the traffic currently flowing through your network devices in a color-coded format, making it easier for your on-the-go usage.
10. Pktstat
Pktstat boasts a real-time summary of packet activity on an interface, displaying the data rate corresponding to different packet classes at any given moment.
11. Collectl
Unlike most monitoring tools that limit their focus, collectl extends its reach across a broad set of subsystems. From cpu and disk to network and nfs, this tool truly attempts to do it all.
12. dstat
Dstat stands out by presenting detailed information in easy-to-decipher columns while clearly indicating the magnitude and unit of outputs displayed. This tool is notably developer-friendly, thanks to its support for writing plugins to extend functionality.
13. ifstat
Ifstat is a tool specialized in reporting network interfaces bandwidth with the same ease as other system counters like vmstat/iostat. This efficiency is made possible by its utilization of kernel internal counters.
14. Netload
Netload stands out for its succinct report format on current traffic load, including tracking the total number of bytes that have been transferred since initialization.
15. Trafshow
Lastly, we have Trafshow, a tool designed for reporting current active connections, their respective protocols, and individual connection data transfer speeds.
Explore these tools and make your Linux server bandwidth monitoring effortless and efficient.
_Source: Efytimes_
This article was updated in 2025 to reflect modern realities.
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