Whirlpool

Ok I've noticed today and tonight that our peak downloads are going up and up at a alarming rate even tho we're not doing jack except browsing.

Was on 6000mb at dinner time and now were on 6929mb

Thats alot of megs for 1 hr of bf2 and some basic web browsing..

Whats optus doing ??? counting uploads ? (Not that we've)

Yeah something seems a little fishy.

My internet has gotten slower but my downloads are getting higher???

I've just emailed support

Now in the last 5-10 mins its gone up a few hundred more meg

Data Used 36% 7335meg

i think theres obviously a major issue with the system that counts etc

I dont think the system is instantaneous, it could be downloads from hours or days before hand.

enough with the bloody conspiracy bs here, its tiring to say the least...

Umm its not downloads from hours or days before....

At best we have downloaded 3-4 gig which is what it was monday night when we logged off etc

Then yesterday it just started going up and up and I saw it but at first wasn't alarmed but as it went past 5gig then 6gig i started looking at it a bit more. then as i was emailing optus about it, it hit 7335mb (7.3gig) and i knew something was up as we had totally stopped using the connection and was doing nothing.

Optus have sent their normal standardized replies so far and as i sent them more info and logs to prove I'm right. but will have to wait and see, anyone got any suggestions ?

Baked Nut writes...

Optus have sent their normal standardized replies so far and as i sent them more info and logs to prove I'm right. but will have to wait and see, anyone got any suggestions ?

You usually gotsa do something like... Turning your modem off for 48 hours.... Then ring Optus Tech support and tell them that you are turning off your modem on that call and will turn it on in 1/2 days. And that your current usage is x.xxx GB. Tell them to note it down on your account, and you write it down too. Then you call them in 1/2 days. Plug in the modem on the call and check your usage. Then compare. If it is higher, they can escalate it THERE AND THEN. If they don't, TIO that shit. (providing the usage is a fair amount larger than what it was when u turned the modem off... like not a few MB's).

If they tell you that it is your problem, go to the supervisor and tell them what's happening.

Yeah i turned it all off overnight just incase it did it to our off peak as well.

Today it seems fine only used 40meg which is spot on the money.

just checked mine.. I've actually been getting a lot closer to my limit (ie, a few MB off being capped) the past few months! and I'm not doing much different.. anyway, my peak is just bellow 1GB which seems pretty right, but off peak is already at 25%, which I don't recall using (that's quite a bit to use whilst everyone is asleep! lol) so HMM.. I guess I'll keep an eye on it!

TereTech Emproyee writes...

You usually gotsa do something like... Turning your modem off for 48 hours.... Then ring Optus Tech support and tell them that you are turning off your modem on that call and will turn it on in 1/2 days. And that your current usage is x.xxx GB. Tell them to note it down on your account, and you write it down too. Then you call them in 1/2 days. Plug in the modem on the call and check your usage. Then compare. If it is higher, they can escalate it THERE AND THEN

I highly support this move. To be honest the high majority of people discussing the unknown excess usage most likely stems from one of the following:

- Hacked or unsecured wireless access.
- Computers infected with trojans (botnets, etc...)
- Kids and YouTube, Torrents, Limewire, etc...

Since all this talk of "conspiracies" has surfaced i have been watching the optusnet usage page and comparing it with results from my router every few days... it is fairly spot on, so i can say that i have not been having issues.

You would think that this reported "fault/bug" in the usage meter would be affecting everyone as you would think there is some centralised database storing the usage for all cable customers.

Because of the sheer size of the whirlpool community, if there was an issue with the usage meter you would expect a high majority of "expert" users reporting it is happening also.

Alimon Jukar writes...

To be honest the high majority of people discussing the unknown excess usage most likely stems from one of the following:

- Hacked or unsecured wireless access.
- Computers infected with trojans (botnets, etc...)
- Kids and YouTube, Torrents, Limewire, etc...

1. No wireless connection

2. No infections I run a hardware firewall plus each pc has its own software firewall, 2 anti spyware apps and Symantec Antivirus Corporate Edition v10.2 defs updated twice daily, Plus done 2 web scans just to be sure.

3. We dont allow our kids on any of the pc without us being there and they are ALWAYS password locked

uTorrent is only on durring off peak hours

Optus have looked into it and agree theres a issue as they can see over our years of usage we NEVER download more than 300-500 meg a day durring peak. There seems to be a problem on the 6th 2.1 gig and 900 meg the day before. PS the computers we're off during the day and we we're out so theres either a issue with the data monitor or the connection has been hijacked somehow.

Technician is coming out and they are looking into the 2 days in question for us.

This was al after acussing their customer of course, oh then they told my misses she had 2 accounts, then said our account wasn't active that the technician must not have connected us, I laughed and said well what have we been using for the last 4yrs lol

Good job Mr Abdul lol

Optus don't know what customer service is thats obvious, why risk losing a customer who always pays their bills for years and years over a few gig.

I'm going to start logging everything from now on any suggestions on software ?

DU Meter used to be good is it ok ? or is there something better.

I assume I'll have to run it on all computers so its got to be XP & Vista compatible etc

Baked Nut writes...

1. No wireless connection

2. No infections I run a hardware firewall plus each pc has its own software firewall, 2 anti spyware apps and Symantec Antivirus Corporate Edition v10.2 defs updated twice daily, Plus done 2 web scans just to be sure.

3. We dont allow our kids on any of the pc without us being there and they are ALWAYS password locked

Sound good... just a question. How many PC's are networked and have access to the internet?

uTorrent is only on durring off peak hours

You really gotta be careful, the amount of times i have started torrent downloads at 12:15am and found the next morning my peak usage has taken a 4 gig blow isn't something out of the ordinary.

Baked Nut writes...

I'm going to start logging everything from now on any suggestions on software ?

The problem you'll face is that you can't capture the same counter information as is used by optus for their accounting. Any software you run on your PC will only capture packets at your computer interface. Optus capture their counters at the cable modem's interface on the CMTS.

The two interfaces will always see different amounts of traffic.

Alimon Jukar writes...

You really gotta be careful, the amount of times i have started torrent downloads at 12:15am and found the next morning my peak usage has taken a 4 gig blow isn't something out of the ordinary.

Yep I have it set to start at 1am and turn off at 11am :) (obviously different during DST)

Jack.Daniels writes...

The problem you'll face is that you can't capture the same counter information as is used by optus for their accounting. Any software you run on your PC will only capture packets at your computer interface. Optus capture their counters at the cable modem's interface on the CMTS.

The two interfaces will always see different amounts of traffic.

Yep but surely packets to keep the connection alive and stuff cant be that big ?

So the difference between what we (Really) download and what optus count at the modem shouldn't be that different right ? Id guess at a hundred to few hundred megs a month.

If its more than that they'd be guilty of false advertising because after all we're not downloading that data THEIR cable modem would be not us.

BTW Since 2:30pm today we wen't from 8580mb to 8589mb at 4:20pm

8megs is ok for 2 pcs just browsing :) Much more like it.

The usage was reset on the 25th April..since then Data Used 76% (15310 MB) has been used (out of 20gb). My brother has his own computer and I have my own...but I'm starting to get worried that we will go over the limit (as after 20gb's used its 15c per mb). Can't believe that amount was used this fast!

When I was with Soul (argh) our limit was 12gb and that would be used within 3 weeks then we went back to dialup speeds. I thought 20gb would last longer than that (I don't even do much on the computer..I browse forums, use myspace, sometimes go on youtube etc).

I'm not sure if this is our fault that its going up or if Optus is playing up (were having problems with the net & phone...the net has been cutting out and the home phone hasn't been working properly)

Baked Nut writes...

Id guess at a hundred to few hundred megs a month.

It's not a matter of 'what you choose to download' though, it's whatever traffic passes to the modem. This doesn't include ARP traffic and such, because the CMTS wouldn't include these packets in the counters (by design)

It would include other traffic, like the millions of connections attempts initiated by running the bittorrent protocol, or the traffic from a DOS attack.

Alimon Jukar writes...

Since all this talk of "conspiracies" has surfaced i have been watching the optusnet usage page and comparing it with results from my router every few days... it is fairly spot on, so i can say that i have not been having issues.

Couldn't agree more. My usage has always agreed with the Opus meter. As you stated it will probably be spyware/virus or something along those lines.

Unfortunately, we now live in a society where it is just easier to blame somebody else.

Hmm.. Mine seems to be fine and accurate..

Martybuzz writes...

My usage has always agreed with the Opus meter.

So had ours until the other day maybe you should read more and open your mouth less.

As you stated it will probably be spyware/virus or something along those lines.

Unfortunately, we now live in a society where it is just easier to blame somebody else.

Obviously you missed this

2. No infections I run a hardware firewall plus each pc has its own software firewall, 2 anti spyware apps and Symantec Antivirus Corporate Edition v10.2 defs updated twice daily, Plus done 2 web scans just to be sure.

Bottom line is Optus actually agreed with us that 2.1 gig on Wednesday was way too much as we we're out most of the day and the modem was off

Will see whats happening once the tech has been out, installing a meter tonight.

And from now on we will be logging all downloads and session times.

This has taught us a lesson don't rely on other peoples monitoring programs and as a loyal optus customer for almost 8yrs + that optus are lame and always blame the customer first rather than admitting it possible the customer is right.

Baked Nut writes...

So had ours until the other day maybe you should read more and open your mouth less.

So, no one's allowed to have an opinion apart from you? /forum-user.cfm?id=16536&days=60

Baked Nut writes...

Whats optus doing ??? counting uploads ?

I'm on the old 12GB/24GB plan. My downloads according to the Optus usage meter pretty much match what I've downloaded. I've had to do quite a lot of uploads over the past week and they are definitely not counting those. This early in the month it would be obvious if they were.

Not a lot of help I know, but it might put some of the conspiracy theories to rest.

Martybuzz writes...

So, no one's allowed to have an opinion apart from you? /forum-user.cfm?id=16536&days=60

No of course they are but you made out that its a infection on my end when i had already addressed that.

Not sure what the link to all my posts has to do with any of this ....

CMOTDibbler writes...

I'm on the old 12GB/24GB plan. My downloads according to the Optus usage meter pretty much match what I've downloaded. I've had to do quite a lot of uploads over the past week and they are definitely not counting those. This early in the month it would be obvious if they were.

Not a lot of help I know, but it might put some of the conspiracy theories to rest.

Ok thats good glad to get more feedback :)

Having said that do you guys admit that just because yours are fine that its not possible others are having issues ?

Or do you believe that because its working fine for you no one else can be experiencing issues ???

Baked Nut writes...

Or do you believe that because its working fine for you no one else can be experiencing issues ???

Not at all. Just adding my experience to the pile.

There have been threads where posters have speculated that Optus are targetting people on old plans and/or counting uploads where they shouldn't. I've had an odd start to this month with a lot more uploads than normal in the first week. That puts me in a good position to verify my usage figures. My experience doesn't fit the conspiracy theories. If you have a problem it's probably local (imo) rather than policy.

Baked Nut writes...

Will see whats happening once the tech has been out, installing a meter tonight.

Any results yet?

Baked Nut writes...

Will see whats happening once the tech has been out, installing a meter tonight.

You posted this Friday night. It's now Wednesday, you should have found out what was going on ny now.

Last 2-3 days we were on 16gb and the usage was going up slowly. Changed to 17gb sometime today and have nearly used 18gb! (89% Data) wtf?!

Baked Nut writes...

Having said that do you guys admit that just because yours are fine that its not possible others are having issues ?

Or do you believe that because its working fine for you no one else can be experiencing issues ???

You can line up a dozen apparently identical personal computers, boot them up, and they will all behave differently.

I reckon its fair to say that technology is not totally deterministic.

So imho, it is very possible that different people will be experiencing different things when it comes to this sort of thing. That's why it is so hard to resolve such issues.

Having said all that, I can't say I've ever had any real problems over the years with this. Then again, I probably wouldn't notice even large discrepancies because I usually don't get anywhere near consuming allocated monthly quota.

Cheers :)

Baked Nut writes...

Will see whats happening once the tech has been out, installing a meter tonight.

Well, it's been a week since the OP said a tech was installing a meter. Yet we've heard nothing back about the results.

Martybuzz writes...

Well, it's been a week since the OP said a tech was installing a meter.

He said that the tech was coming out... and the OP was installing a meter. Optus tech wouldn't install anything the customer's PC.

Hello all,

Newbie, but oldie. I've been on optus cable for 4 or so years, only real issue was the installer never screwed the connector on tight in the first place, easily fixed by the next tech.

From November last year I have noticed speed being an issue, and front page loading. In the last 2 weeks my speed has increas been steady around 5000 (speedtest.net) locally, on a 4100 modem.

In terms of usage I have never had an issue there either. Only once in that time have I exceeded the limit, but I use it appropriately, with the bonus data.

Even reduced my plan 12-7g, and would notice curious variations now.

A few weeks ago I got a sbg900 modem from a friend, but even though I can get into the setup, I can't change the address that it is seeking it's DHCP from. If anyone can point me where some original firmware can be got, i'd kiss you. Or maybe, wish ya good luck in yr life, mmm.

But, the FREE wireless modem offer is on again, on a netgear rather than this surfboard 900, which is essentially the same as the 5101, but not supported.

Honestly, the tech on the phone helped out a bit, even though he wasn't s'posed to. They don't have the firmware to update it on line, even though they've had the hardware for assessment for 4 years.

They really glitched the other night though, but on the TV, they did a firmware update to the set-top box, AT 9.15PM. Took 10 mins, ruined the program to say the least. NOT LOL. lol

Sorry to rabbit, but if someone can help with a way to get this thing to really look where I try to make it.

BG

GeorgeinBrizzie writes...

A few weeks ago I got a sbg900 modem from a friend, but even though I can get into the setup, I can't change the address that it is seeking it's DHCP from.

The 'DHCP Helper' is defined on the CMTS, not in the modem. The modem receives all of it's configuration from the cable provider once it comes online.

In this case the modem hasn't been provisioned to your account, so it won't come online. Optus never issued the sbg900 to customers, so they won't provision it to your account.

Thanks Jack, just poorly worded I think.

Jack.Daniels writes...

He said that the tech was coming out... and the OP was installing a meter. Optus tech wouldn't install anything the customer's PC.

100% correct....

Gotta love optus....

Great customer service!!! I hope this technician gets here this year. (We're still waiting for him)

My bet is the CSO didn't book a tech and was spinning BS to us.

Installed a meter wasn't happy with it the features I wanted from it etc. So currently we write down when we're on the PC and everything we download. We're not currently viewing any videos or sites with massive amounts of pictures etc

Its funny since i got us a new IP address, everything seems to be fine give or take a meg or 2.

Can anyone recommend a better download meter....don't care if its free or if i have to buy it. Want logging built in and be able to select which NIC's it monitors etc

i can guarentee that for my usage meter its not something at my end... my usage meter recorded over 3 gigs of download in 90 minutes. I wish i had those speeds available...

I've now been capped 20 days in when i rarely am even 2/3rds through at this stage.

I think there is something up with the usage meter - just in the way its recording download, for onpeak - because my offpeak is still at 10% :S...

Still waiting for this tech the CSO said he'd booked for us.

He must be going the long way here i recon lol

Bottom line is Optus and their reps will tell you anything to get you of the phone and shut you up. Because they know they can't prove one way or another what data is really being used by a customer.

Baked Nut writes...

2. No infections I run a hardware firewall plus each pc has its own software firewall, 2 anti spyware apps and Symantec Antivirus Corporate Edition v10.2 defs updated twice daily, Plus done 2 web scans just to be sure.

Maybe it's all all the traffic that causes :P