How Network Bandwidth Monitoring Tools & Software Work

How It Works

Sparrow^IQ provides a simple to install software solution that will continuously monitor your network and identify bandwidth hogs, excessive usage, top conversation and more, all in real-time.

Install Sparrow^IQ

Sparrow^IQ is an all-in-one application that can be installed in a matter of minutes on virtually any Windows PC. Simply download and install it on the PC you intend to monitor your network with.
What type of machines will Sparrow^IQ work on?
Sparrow^IQ has been designed to work with PCs running Windows Vista, 7, 8, Server or within a Virtual Machine running any of these. The following minimum hardware specifications are recommended:
- Dual Core 2.0 GHz Processor
- 2 GB RAM
- 80 GB HDD
- 1 to 3 Ethernet interfaces, depending on deployment method
Connect Sparrow^IQ to your network

Sparrow^IQ does not need flow capable switches or routers and can work on even the smallest network. The best vantage point to monitor your network's traffic is your internet gateway - it is also usually the biggest bottleneck.
How do I connect Sparrow^IQ to my network?

Sparrow^IQ can be connected to the network using two methods:

Option 1 – SPAN port

This is the quickest and easiest method. Most modern switches support this capability.

Does my switch support this?

The easiest way to determine if your switch has a SPAN or Mirror port is to refer to its User Manual. The documentation will also provide instructions on how to configure SPAN port, which normally should not take more than a few minutes.

Option 2 – Network tap

If your Network Switch does not have a SPAN port, you can use a Network Tap to provide Sparrow access to your network traffic.

More on Network Taps

The network tap will allow your network’s traffic to pass-through whilst making a copy that can be sent to Sparrow^IQ. There are many variants of taps available and should you need assistance selecting the best option, we’d be happy to make recommendations – contact support@sparrowiq.com.
Sparrow^IQ analyzes your network’s traffic

Sparrow^IQ can now collect, analyze and classify your network traffic in real-time. The traffic is converted into a rich but compact format allowing for months of data to be recorded and analyzed by the user.
What information does Sparrow^IQ actually analyze and record?

Sparrow^IQ only examines specific segments of the traffic header (e.g. source and destination addresses, ports, etc.), and does not look into the ‘payload’ where user data is stored. This information is stored in a secure database on the local PC where Sparrow^IQ is installed.
Start using Sparrow^IQ

Open up the browser on your PC, Mac or mobile Device and finally gain visibility into who and what makes up your network’s traffic.
How do I access Sparrow^IQ’s user interface?

You can access Sparrow^IQ from your favourite Internet browser. If you are connecting remotely, you will need to enter the link to the machine where you installed Sparrow^IQ and simply login and begin using as usual. You can also use your iPhone, iPad or Android device to access Sparrow^IQ. Please see the manual for more specifics.