Monitoring Network

Monitoring Network Traffic: Bluetooth Network Monitor

You can read about the newer version of the Bluetooth network monitor here, but I suggest you continue reading this article.

I often encounter slow download speeds or online gaming lag, and every time I have to log in to my router’s web page or via SSH to check if it’s because of others in my household downloading/uploading, unstable network connections, or simply a server issue. It’s really frustrating. So, I decided to create a device that displays network statistics in real-time, making it more convenient to monitor network traffic.

The monitor consists of an ATmega328P @ 20MHz, a 160×128 1.8-inch color LCD, and a Bluetooth module, powered by 5V USB. It has a button that long-presses to adjust the LCD brightness and short-presses to switch display modes. Since it’s powered by USB, I added support for V-USB.

Enclosure Design:

  • Uses an A8 paper display holder
  • Removes the back clip part
  • Adds rubber feet

Monitor Modes:

  • Display Mode 1:
    • Downlink sync
    • Uplink sync
    • Download rate
    • Upload rate
    • 25-second historical chart
    • Flat
    • Packet loss
    • WAN IP
    • Time
    • Email notification
  • Display Mode 2:
    • Download rate
    • Upload rate
    • 40-second large historical chart

Future Plans:

  • Add more