Network Manager

Network Manager is a network utility that allows users to monitor the current situation considering Internet traffic, as well as to configure network settings. Its interface looks like the one of a Windows gadget, and it can also detect connections in virtual machines.

The installation procedure is quick and does not require special attention on your behalf. The main app window has a clean structure that shows network details neatly, such as connection name, local and public IP, download and upload speed, together with the size of total sent and received packets.

The framn can be set to stay on top of other windows via the right-click menu. As far as other program settings are concerned, Network Manager is able to run at each system startup until further notice, and check for updates at initialization.

Displayed network details can be extended to identify the adapter GUI, MAC address, subnet gateway, DNS server and other useful information. For each network interface you can tweak options in regard to the IP address, DNS server and interface metric (enable or disable DHCP). Plus, NetBIOS can be activated over TCP/IP.

Multiple profiles are supported, meaning that you can create a profile for each configuration and easily toggle them later on. A few preset ones are included as well, such as DNS Google.

Basic load balancing can be enabled by setting all interfaces with the same metrics. The tool also integrates an option for viewing all apps currently soliciting the Internet, in order to resolve the IP and detect remote UDP IPs and ports. Meanwhile, routes can be edited or deleted, and new ones can be added by specifying the destination, mask, gateway (default or otherwise), interface index, and metric.

Network Manager does not put a strain on PC performance, as it uses low CPU and RAM. It has a good refresh rate and executes commands rapidly, without causing the OS to hang, crash or pop up error dialogs. This is a surprisingly resourceful app for viewing and editing network-related settings.