nload – Console Network Traffic Monitor

nload is a console application that monitors network traffic and bandwidth usage in real-time with an ASCII-art visualization. It displays incoming and outgoing traffic separately using two graphs, providing instant visibility into network utilization patterns on any network interface.

The visual representation of traffic flow makes nload particularly useful for quickly assessing network load during troubleshooting sessions. Its minimal resource usage and clear display make it a favorite among system administrators for real-time bandwidth monitoring.

Key Features

• ASCII Graphs – Visual traffic representation
• In/Out Separation – Separate incoming and outgoing views
• Multiple Units – Display in various bandwidth units
• Interface Switching – Navigate between network interfaces
• Customizable – Adjust refresh rate and display options
• Lightweight – Minimal system resource usage

Installation

sudo apt install nload    # Debian/Ubuntu
sudo dnf install nload    # Fedora/RHEL

Basic Usage

# Monitor all interfaces
nload

# Monitor specific interface
nload eth0

# Display in bits
nload -u M

# Change refresh interval (ms)
nload -t 500

# Multiple interfaces
nload eth0 wlan0

Keyboard Controls

• Left/Right – Switch between interfaces
• F2 – Show options
• q – Quit

Download nload