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Thread ID: 93226 2008-09-08 08:35:00 Modem never stops working TideMan (4279) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
703562 2008-09-08 08:35:00 We just got broadband at the bach. We only go at weekends, yet last week Telecom says I used a few KB each day downloading and uploading. But hey man, we weren't there! Yes, I left the modem on, but we took the laptop home. Isn't that like taking a light bulb out, but leaving the switch on? Apparently not, because yesterday I turned the modem off, and today no bandwidth has been used.
So, what is the modem doing day by day when it is switched on, but we are not there?
TideMan (4279)
703563 2008-09-08 08:46:00 receiving data. also depending on what data is sent the modem can send a reply. both counts as data usage.
not to sure as it may vary with isp but if you get DOS attacked (someone sends huge amount of crap data to you to knock you off the net) receiving the data counts as usuage that you pay for :(

if your not useing it pull the the power plug.
tweak'e (69)
703564 2008-09-08 09:08:00 Modem is not connected to computer. They take the computer home but leave the modem on.
:)
Trev (427)
703565 2008-09-08 09:33:00 When I look at the logs of my modem, every 6 hours it tries to synchronise it's time with an NTP server, so there's some data usage there.

And occasionally is says that it intercepted DDOS attacks, some more data usage.

Also your ISP itself may be sending data, could be DNS updates or whatever other ISP'y type of chatter.

So as others said, best to uplug your modem to avoid this passive data usage.
dyewitness (9398)
703566 2008-09-08 22:48:00 You haven't got a wireless modem there do you?
If not, I'd be checking Telecoms facts.
pctek (84)
703567 2008-09-09 00:01:00 Modems are always doing stuff, regardless of any device connected to it, Time sync, People sending traffic to your IP address etc etc. If you want to cut all use unplug it when your not there. kersonan (13264)
703568 2008-09-09 01:30:00 Like others have said, That small amount of data will just be things like DNS updates, Time sync etc.

Probably a good idea to turn the router off when you're not using it anyway - like most things.
Agent_24 (57)
703569 2008-09-09 01:36:00 A few KB? Of course it will, and what's a few KB anyway? As said earlier in the thread, DNS updates, time sync updates etc will account for that. "A few KB" is a tiny about of data, does it cost you anything?

You may as well switch it off.
wratterus (105)
703570 2008-09-09 06:00:00 it may not be just a small amount of data. all those little bits add up.
add in trojens searching for victims, miss directed traffic, p2p checking that IP etc especially if the firewall is not fully stealth it will also answer back which increases traffic even more.
all those little bits can add up. tho normally i would not expect it to use a lot in $$$ terms unless you get attacked and then you can chew up $$$ especially if you go over any cap and pay by the megabyte.
tweak'e (69)
703571 2008-09-09 06:50:00 I'll go with switching the modem off, the power button is the best security if you're afraid that someone might be using your internet, or modem if likes to download on its own.

I guess it also saves power too...
heni72847 (1166)
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