A system configured to generate a utilization metric using a plurality of client devices coupled to a network server is disclosed. The system includes a channel condition monitor and a probe packet coordinator located on each client device, the channel condition monitor being configured to gather channel information, the probe packet coordinator being configured to format a packet train containing the channel information, the probe packet coordinator being configured to schedule or control the transmission timing of the packet train. The system also includes a network congestion calculator located at the network server, the network congestion calculator being configured to receive the packet train from each client device and generate a utilization metric based on the packet train received from each client device.