Excessive usage on home broadband

Forums › Vodafone New Zealand › Excessive usage on home broadband

vimfuego

76 posts

Master Geek

Topic # 96345 25-Jan-2012 23:02

Hiya, just wondering if anyone is having an issue with excessive usage on their broadband. I have been with Voda for about 5 months, and when I first came over they said I had used over my cap. Turns out it was their issue with some bad reporting of data.

Now 5 months later, I used over 20 gig in a month, and when my new month ticked over, I used the 20 gig limit in a week! I have contacted Voda and they say it was definitely me, and it all happened overnight between 2 and 5am, over a number of days. Altho my pc is on, it doesn't download or upload anything.

I have changed my wireless password, but the odd thing is that when I went on hols away from home, the usage dropped to almost 0 so it isn't just someone stealing my wireless, it has something to do with my pc.

Is there anyway I can have something dodgy on there that is streaming or uploading?

Or is anyone else having the same issue?

Ta

ZollyMonsta

2688 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 225

Trusted

Reply # 573357 25-Jan-2012 23:33

Running any torrent software?

Check out my LPFM Radio Station at www.thecheese.co.nz

vimfuego

76 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 573358 25-Jan-2012 23:38

Sorry I should have said that as it is an obvious question.

Yes and no. I use utorrent evrey now and then and don't keep the torrent once I have finished downloading. I have had this formula for ever and has only been an issue this month.

mthand

148 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 573394 26-Jan-2012 06:36

For about $100, if you don't have one already, get a compatible router and install gargoyle. Give all your network devices fixed IP's and you can see for yourself what is causing it, and gives you peace of mind.

Ragnor

8027 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 387

Trusted

Subscriber

Reply # 573475 26-Jan-2012 10:15

vimfuego:

Is there anyway I can have something dodgy on there that is streaming or uploading?

I would start with:

Doing a scan for malware with the free version of malwarebytes
http://www.malwarebytes.org/

Record your PC's internet usage with Networx (remember to exclude local LAN traffic in the options)
http://www.softperfect.com/products/networx/

Ragnor

8027 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 387

Trusted

Subscriber

Reply # 573476 26-Jan-2012 10:17

mthand: For about $100, if you don't have one already, get a compatible router and install gargoyle. Give all your network devices fixed IP's and you can see for yourself what is causing it, and gives you peace of mind.

This is a good long term solution if you are comfortable with flashing third party open source firmware on a device and voiding your warranty etc.

gehenna

5099 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1213

Moderator

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

Reply # 573495 26-Jan-2012 11:02

Malware or other such virus would be my best guess initially too. Give your system a complete scan and see what's what.

Also perhaps turn off the PC and modem for a couple of nights and measure usage, then turn it on again and measure usage the next couple of nights...etc. That way you'll know for sure if it's a problem with their usage meter.

tdgeek

13902 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2526

Trusted

Reply # 573535 26-Jan-2012 12:23

Is it mainly upload?

Reinstaleld the torrent software recently?

If your PC is on and doing nothing, but the ethernet and/or Wifi light and DSL light flashing, there is activity

Jaxar

383 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 132

Reply # 573691 26-Jan-2012 16:13

Just to give you a quick heads up from VF we do not have any known bandwidth issues at the moment.

Please note: I have a professional bias towards Vodafone.