INFO Network statistics monitoring

INFO: Network statistics monitoring

In Rainmeter, the NetIn/NetOut/NetTotal measures when used with the Interface=<interface index> option can show network statistics that are incorrect. A network adapter's interface index is not a persistent value and can change at almost any time (for example, by toggling airplane mode or using/installing a VPN or other application that creates virtual network interfaces). When the index changes, Rainmeter will report invalid values from that point on.

In addition, NetIn/NetOut/NetTotal measures when used with the Cumulative=1 option are very likely to report incorrect values. Rainmeter's methodology for recording cumulative networking statistics is flawed and returns incorrect results when your system configuration changes. This is because Rainmeter stores cumulative statistics by interface index, not by name. Once an interface index changes, Rainmeter will report incorrect values from that point on, and will get more inaccurate over time.

These are known issues in Rainmeter. The first issue can be corrected by always configuring your Rainmeter network skins (whichever ones you use) with the proper interface identifier, such as by using Interface=Best or Interface=<adapter name>. There is no work-around in Rainmeter for the issue of the Cumulative=1 option misreporting values, but the Gadgets suite offers an alternative method. Use the Network Meter Pro and Wireless Meter Pro gadgets to enable more precise network monitoring.

HOW TO: Configure your Network Meter gadget

There are two ways to configure your Network gadgets. Your first option is to monitor whichever network interface is currently active, including virtual interfaces (e.g., VPN connections). This mode does not support monitoring multiple interfaces simultaneously. Your second option is to monitor all active network interfaces simultaneously. This mode is the default, and supports monitoring up to five interfaces simultaneously. (The Wireless Meter gadget monitors only a single wireless adapter interface.)

To monitor only the currently active network interface, do the following

1. Open the Network Meter Settings gadget by clicking the wrench icon in the upper right corner of any Network gadget.
2. Set the value of all five of the Interface options to blank.
3. If you want to take advantage of the improved accuracy provided by the Network Meter Pro and Wireless Meter Pro gadgets, you will need to install the NetMonitor servce. Select the Install NetMonitor service option to install a Windows service that monitors your network interfaces. If the Network Meter Pro or Wireless Meter Pro gadgets are already running, you will need to manually refresh them once the service installation is completed.

To monitor all network interfaces, do the following

1. Open the Network Meter Settings by clicking the wrench icon in the upper right corner of any Network Meter gadget.
2. In the Ethernet Interface #1 text box, enter the full name of your Ethernet adapter.
   • If you don't know the name, click the gear icon to try automatic configuration (requires Windows 8 or later). This will automatically select the first Ethernet adapter found on your system.
   • Or, select the List my network adapters option to list all physical or active adapters on your system, and copy the name of your Ethernet adapter from the list.
3. If needed, in the Ethernet Interface #2 text box enter the full name of your second Ethernet adapter (if available), or click the gear icon to select it automatically.
4. If needed, in the Ethernet Interface #3 text box enter the full name of your third Ethernet adapter (if available), or click the gear icon to select it automatically.
5. In the Wireless Interface text box, enter the full name of your wireless adapter, or click the gear icon to select it automatically.
6. In the Other Interface text box, enter the full name of any additional network adapter you wish to monitor. You can select an adapter of any type (Ethernet, broadband, etc.), but you should avoid virtual adapters. Automatic configuration is not available for this setting.
7. If you want to take advantage of the improved accuracy provided by the Network Meter Pro and Wireless Meter Pro gadgets, you will need to install the NetMonitor servce. Select the Install NetMonitor service option to install a Windows service that monitors your network interfaces. If the Network Meter Pro or Wireless Meter Pro gadgets are already running, you will need to manually refresh them once the service installation is completed.

You will need to reconfigure your network interface settings if you ever rename a network adapter or install a new one.

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To reset your "Current" or "Total" values in the Network Meter, click the corresponding blue Refresh button.