Hello Matt,

thank you for this question.

For a share of the information displayed you are right. This is due to the fact that the metrics page and The Onion Box both display data from Onionoo.

The relevant difference yet is that the Box attaches to the node to monitor it, whereas the metrics view is based on data that the node releases to the Tor network. As there's no demand for the Box to ensure anonymity (the dashboard is - usually - operated by s/o trustful), it does display as well enhanced and more detailled data that metrics shall not distribute. Thus the Box shows - as some examples - the configuration data of the node (as the node understood it), a live view of the up-/downloaded bandwidth (resolution 1/s vs 1/24h @ metrics), the messages that the node emits - and provides a mean to switch message levels with just one click. Some of those data - perhaps even all of it - may be found somewhere ... and the Box does what a dashboad does: It displays information from different sources in context for easier access - to support analysis and understanding.

The ControlCenter creates an even more focused survey and allows (family) operators to verify the healthyness of a number of nodes (of his / her family) on a single page - displaying for each node e.g. live bandwith data and the status flags, as well as giving access to the detail dashboard (if necessary in case of trouble). I don't think this is a feature elsewhere available in the Tor universe.

I yet know that these words just express my personal opinion. If you still have concerns I'd be happy to discuss with you - perhaps off list - what you would demand to get additonal value from an Onion Box.

Greetings,

Ralph