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How to Check Router Data Usage – Overview
Routers facilitate internet connections by emitting wireless signals, enabling devices to connect to the internet.
The development of router technology and the expansion of wireless networking have helped businesses optimize data usage across devices and enhance shared access to internet connections.
Therefore, you must know how to check data usage on a Wi-Fi router.
Data usage encompasses the total amount transferred between your devices, including downloads and uploads.
The data usage per user depends on what they do online, for instance, using social media, streaming content, or sending emails.
Therefore, knowing how to check data usage on a Wi-Fi router is crucial, as this gives you a clear picture of the amount of data you need to fulfill your projects, either as an individual or a corporate machine.
While checking data usage on smartphones is relatively straightforward, doing so on Wi-Fi routers can be more challenging without some technical knowledge.
This article will, in detail, look at how to check data usage on a Wi-Fi router. Remember, the steps below are generally applicable, but specifics may depend on your router’s firmware version and model; hence, you may need to check your router’s documentation.
How to Check Data Usage on Wi-Fi Router
Steps to Follow on How to Check Data Usage on a Router
1. Download and Install the Router Management Software
Ensure the router management software or firmware you install is compatible with your router model.
If it is a DD-WRT, ensure your PC is connected to establish a link between the router and firmware.
Router firmware, such as DD-WRT, offers the capacity to monitor bandwidth utilization live and show which gadgets are using the most data.
This will allow you to pinpoint any gadgets hoarding bandwidth.
2. Log into The Firmware
Log into the router’s management interface. If you encounter difficulties launching the management software, you may need to refer to the router’s manual. You can always use the utility router documents for proficiency.
This process helps identify the router’s IP address, facilitating a connection between it and its management interface.
Enter the username and the default password, remembering that passwords are case-sensitive.
3. Head to The Advanced Section Within the Firmware
When you find the advanced section, click on the advanced set-up. After that, click on bandwidth meter, traffic meter, or network monitor, whichever is available in the firmware.
These steps will display a bandwidth usage interface showing downloads, uploads, and devices connected to the Wi-Fi network.
4. Check on Your Bandwidth Numbers
Access the necessary information in the statistics section to check data usage and view bandwidth statistics on your Wi-Fi router.
You can generally refresh the page to update the statistics you are seeing.
Ensure you always pick the range based on which you want to see data. This is because statistics will indicate the prior month’s usage to the present-day usage
5. Scrutinize the Data Usage
While the goal is to monitor data usage on the Wi-Fi router, simply reviewing the data won’t enable you to modify data exchange across different connections.
You may set up and enable the traffic meter if you think your data usage is excessive and want to limit it.
6. Check on The Data Traffic Interface Meter
You can activate the bandwidth or data cap meter in the router’s settings. There are several options that you can use to optimize your data usage. They include:
- Cap download data only – this feature lets you cap the incoming data.
- Cap both directions- this feature enables you to cap the incoming and outgoing data.
- No limit – You can select this feature if you don’t want any cap on your data.
7. Restart the Data Counter
After setting the data and control volume, restart the data counter to commence a new monitoring schedule. You can also set a data limit to curb excessive data usage.
8. Save The Configuration Settings
Now you understand how to check data usage on a Wi-Fi router. Next, ensure your preferences are in order and save these configuration settings.
When you are done with the firmware, ensure you log out.
Final Thought on How to Check Data Usage on Wi-Fi Router
Following the steps outlined above should enable you to check data usage on your Wi-Fi router successfully.
However, routers are different regarding brands, and the firmware will likely be other.
See Also
How to remove devices from a Wi-Fi router
Best Wifi Router for Multiple Devices