Need some IT help

D

Daddyo16

Joined
Jan 12, 2012
Messages
4,521
I need some help from the IT gurus here.

From Nov to Dec last year, my data usage doubled from 250GB to over 500GB, and it's been over 500 since. I have 11GB left of the next 50GB that they charge you for when you go over 300GB limit. The only thing that has changed is that my son bought a new gaming PC. My wife and I haven't done anything differently. We aren't even online that much and we both work. My son works 5 days a week but when he is off he spends much of his time online. He is a gamer but says he doesn't download that much and that he hasn't changed his online activity since he bought his new PC.

I called and spoke to a Comcast Tech who told me to check and make sure that my network is secure (it is), and that no one is running any file sharing software. I'm not, my wife is not, and my son says he is not. He has been connecting an ethernet cable for faster speed, and I've noticed that whenever he does that, the data usage is higher. The only thing I can do to keep from going over the 300GB limit is to pull the plug when it gets uncomfortably close to the limit.

After ruling out a possible unsecured network and file sharing, what else can I check for? I've got to get this figured out or I'm very likely to cancel my Comcast account.
 
If you have smart phones do you connect to WiFi when in the home? Comcast limits your data on in-home WiFi?
 
Data usage doubled coincident with a new gaming PC in the house? Sounds like you answered your own question. On-line gaming IS downloading. Does he have a Steam account, and did he get some new games?
 
I would second what Error said. Specifically if he has a Steam or EA Online account. Once those accounts are setup on a new PC, they will download installers and updates from his list of games in the background. You can manually limit which games from the list are being pulled down to eliminate excess downloads.

Another thing to look at is if your router has any data usage reporting capabilities. That might give you an idea of overall household usage and if you are lucky might get as granular as per IP/MAC address which would allow you to figure out which device/PC is the culprit.
 
I believe he said something about Steam. I'll verify it with him when I get home tonight. Thanks for the information, fellas!

And, Ken - yes, Comcast just put a cap on data usage here in the Nashville area. My understanding is that it has been a test for the past three months, but they are going to roll it out nationwide. This is the last month of the grace period for us. Come March, they are going to start charging $10/50GB over the 300GB limit.
 
Comcast was doing the data cap thing here over 10 years ago. Steam as in the video game service will run 24/7 and use minimal data the entire time, but not enough to make the jump ad you indicate.
 
RevDevil said:
Comcast was doing the data cap thing here over 10 years ago. Steam as in the video game service will run 24/7 and use minimal data the entire time, but not enough to make the jump ad you indicate.
Click to expand...

Yeah, the data cap really sucks. It chaps me more than I can say that I signed up for unlimited data and now they are putting limits on it and not adjusting my bill any.:mad:
 
Daddyo16 said:
Yeah, the data cap really sucks. It chaps me more than I can say that I signed up for unlimited data and now they are putting limits on it and not adjusting my bill any.:mad:
Click to expand...
Aren't monopolies cool?
 
I worked for Comcast years ago, and remember the caps when they were implemented. The call centers were getting 1,000s of calls every day with complaints, cancellation of service, etc. Unfortunately, we are at their mercy. Recently, Cox Communications has upped their price across the board ($10-30) for almost everyone that is not on a "plan" of some sort. If you look at their Facebook page, they are getting blasted.
 
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