Excess data usage with Mi-Fi

[cbj2248]

I just began using the Mi-Fi unit two weeks ago but am told that we have already used 75 percent of our data allotment. How do we reduce our data usage. We have been keeping two laptops connected all of the time.

[rcschnoor]

If you are on a computer, hover your mouse over the name of the person you would like to follow. A little window should open up with some info about the forum member. There should also be a button which should say "Follow" click it and it will send a follow request to the forum member.

Once they accept your follow request, if you hover your mouse over their name there will be a button which says "Following". If that same member sends you a follow request and you accept it, there will be a button which says "Following" and a button which says "Direct Message".

[RidgeRider]

I just got a call from a Verizon employee. He obviously had my file in front of him. I told him I hadn't had any problems since the start of my billing period around Thanksgiving. He said that Verizon would give me $30 for the overage charges, and $20 to help pay for my computer check-up cost. I had previously been given $50 credit for the computer check-up. I told him the check-up cost me $125. In addition, I was without internet service for over three weeks in November and December. My plan is $100.08 for a month. I told him I figured I was owed $150 credit. He said he couldn't do that, but he would offer me $50 credit. I told him good-day, and hung up. I hope the others having troubles with Verizon are getting some help. Wade

[Travelers2]

I have the same problem.  I had the old little USB device and one day was in a Version store and they told me that I could 'upgrade' to this MiFi where 5 things can be on at a time.  They checked my usage and said, oh you are not using much. Well for almost a year there was no probem and then all of a sudden it has just gotten out of control.  Now when we first got this device we were both on line more, I played games and on and on but then starting about last March it started going over the limited amount.  I went into Verzion and asked why?  Was told I we just use more than we think. HA  This month we have gone over FOUR times and have not used it much at all. I feel like we are being raped by Verizon and they do not listen to what you tell them, they just check their little data non-sense and tell you that you are the problem.  No Verizon you are the problem and you are getting too big for your britches and I am changing companies when my contracts are all up.  Never thought I would do this as we have been with Verizon for years and have been very happy up until now......but this is huge and since we live in an RV this has been so nice to have our own wifi. But not at the amounts they are charging for data that I know we are not using.  There is simply no way.

I am so sadden by this........I have always expected Verizon to be an honest and caring company and now I just see them as dishonest and greedy.

[wildcatphoto]

I, also have used 75% in a very short time.  Not because I use that much.  Something keeps downloading.  Long ago, I turned off the automatic updates, even McAfee off, nothing helps.  I have used the spyware removal thing.  I shut off my Windows messenger.  I don't know what else to try except pay my $175 fee to get out of Verizon and bunch it and go back to very slow telephone service.  There has to be an answer if someone would figure it out.  Microsoft has been no help.

[ttb_62]

I come close to limit in the last few days of the cycle. I have a girlfriend who like to stream. Leave's the web page open and walks off. Besides Microsoft updates. Adobe reader can have large updates, java plug in, flash, and google chrome. The video driver software, sound drive software there are a lot of non-Microsoft apps that quietly update. Some apps like to send anonymous statistic.

If you open a command prompt with no other apps open (browser) and type netstat hit enter. It will tell you the all connection. You may be able to determine what is using 192.168.1.1.  

I notice and you would not think it to be much. But depending on what mode MiFI you have there is a setting that stops it from auto scanning for the best signal. I also shut it down when I'm not using it and I think that was my biggest saving in usage.

[VerizonFraudInvestiga]

I saw this forum after I had posted

in Broadband & Netbook Community

similar subject & post for some more information and feedback

Bandwidth Usage excessive????? HELP

[evdotech]

You can moniter your usage more carefully, get a peplink balance 20 or 30 see screenshot you can monitor by day, month, hour and assign names to see what is download and uploading.

[IMG]http://i49.tinypic.com/1z90ra.png[/IMG]

You can get the gear here:

http://3gstore.com/product/2808_peplink_balance_20.html

[D_Art]

There are relatively simple bandwidth monitors that might help you keep track of usage.  Networx is a free example http://www.softperfect.com/products/networx/

[VerizonFraudInvestiga]

Networx is what I just got this week--- I saw with my own eyes the crazy Verizon data trackings

and tried to connect with you....

I have tried several times to reply to you with a THANK YOU for sharing this kind of info

I'm having a hard time staying connected and posting

Check in here again if you get a chance -- and any feedback would be appreciated-

even if you don't 'see' a reply

https://community.verizonwireless.com/message/827045

Re: Bandwidth Usage excessive????? HELP https://community.verizonwireless.com/message/827043#827043

and maybe here too

Re: mifi data theft, fraud by verizon class action lawsuit 2012 https://community.verizonwireless.com/message/805945#805945

Networx

[RidgeRider]

Yeah. I downloaded NetWorx because of your suggestion. To date it shows vast differences between what it displays and what Verizon shows. Verizon's is much higher. From Dec. 24 to Jan 2 my total on NetWorx up and down was 802.8 MB. I took out Jan. 3 usage because it is continuing. I will go back and count Verizon's usage total and will report the difference.

I also noticed that two days after Christmas Verizon showed me with no data usage. NetWorx, however did. Then a few days later, I checked again. This time Verizon showed me with usage. Obvious timing problem(s). Can this contribute to excess data usages?

Do not track me is a free blocking program. Do a search. While reading these posts again I clicked on it. It said I had 8680 blocks to date, the last being Verizonwireless.com! Facebook is also very bad about trying to track you. Wade

[RidgeRider]

I compared Verizon's data usage and NetWorx data usage in MBs for the 24th of December, 2012, to January 02, 2013.

The NetWorx was on and tracking on the 23rd of December, but didn't get a whole days usage, so I threw that day out. I also did not use today's figures because it is on-going.

Verizon usage:

12/24     349.38

12/25     202.29

12/26      36.16

12/27     243.08

12/28     340.24

12/29     232.6

12/30     200.3

12/31     289.06

01/01     127.9

01/02     112.87

Total    2246.85

NetWorx usage:

12/24     249.0

12/25      94.3

12/26      37.4

12/27      56.2

12/28     120.0

12/29      30.2

12/30      36.1

12/31      33.1

01/01      48.0

12/02      85.5

Total     875.3

Anyone know why the differences? Anybody ever check NetWorx's figures with another data counter program? Wade

[prettyppam]

Hey, Ridge Rider!

I'm still trying to sort this all out.  The Exec I talked to FINALLY on Xmas eve suggested some program linked to on their web site that I later found out my Mom uses, but it is NOT real time.  (Verizon Access Manager)  So, basically, it is worthless.  Dad FINALLY has computer back from Best Buy... boy what a run around there!!!  'Can't be fixed', 'can be (they forgot to upgrade drivers)', 'you need 700$ new computer', 'no, a 300$ one will do.'  Old computer, new hard drive with unrecognizable icons, etc.  Struggling to make it work like before!

Don't you love the comments that if a tracking program is 'free' it is suspect!!!  SO, Why doesn't VZ offer a few $$ per month TRACKING software... GEEZ!!!!  It must not be 'profitable.'

SO, I went to VZ store today to try to resolve the phone that was taken from monthly and created as a contract phone by a guy now fired by the VZ distributor he worked for.  They expect me to pay 130$ to shut it down!!   The guy today used all kinds of excuses to not help.  Basically ushered me out of the store and I WAS NOT causing a scene.  I did complain that I wasn't getting my voice messages when they were sent and he tried to claim I was in dead areas, etc.  SO, he 'reprograms the phone'  *228 I think....  claiming that needed to be done AFTER global use.  I always had called BEFORE global use for the programming and when I called VZ to turn off global once back in the US, NO ONE EVER SAID I had to call to reprogram back to the US.  He is claiming that is the reason I had terrible connection in Summit County CO and why voice messages were being dropped.  NEVER MIND the phone has worked during all this, in 'dead' areas, etc and the battery usage has been stable.  I think I got another load of VZ BS today. 

And so it goes!!!  IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE THAT CAN GIVE YOU THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH?????   I don't think so.

[saildestiny]

I would be happy to contribute to a controlled test by a real techie to prove this point.  Only with legally defensible proof will Verizon own up to their problem. 

[VerizonFraudInvestiga]

I have tried several times to reply to you with a THANK YOU for sharing this

I'm having a hard time staying connected and posting

Check in here if you get a chance -- and any feedback would be appreciated-

even if you don't 'see' a reply

https://community.verizonwireless.com/message/827045

Re: Bandwidth Usage excessive????? HELP https://community.verizonwireless.com/message/827043#827043

and maybe here too

[icerabbitje]

Connecting two laptops 24/7 and you used up 75% of? 5GB

Are they windows systems?  As I can see the variety of windows & various maintenance updates for AntiVirus, Firewall etc that run & update whenever they deem fit, eat up a GB a month across two systems.

Even without any audio or video streaming, a fairly connected person, spending their time online at night can go through a GB a week, just getting emails and browsing the internet.  So, 1/GB week x2 people x2 weeks and you're at 4GB out of the 5 allowed, if you are on the same plan as I am. 

First place I'd look at is disabling a variety of automatic software updates, and do those when you are connected to home broadband, or other.  Get FireFox if you don't already have it and look at adblock plus and other tools to minimize some data use from advertising etc. Maybe block Flash so you're very aware that flash video / ... is going to eat some MB.

[VerizonFraudInvestiga]

I have tried several times to reply to you with a THANK YOU for sharing this kind of smart,tech info

I'm having a hard time staying connected and posting

Check in here again if you get a chance -- and any feedback would be appreciated-

even if you don't 'see' a reply

https://community.verizonwireless.com/message/827045

Re: Bandwidth Usage excessive????? HELP https://community.verizonwireless.com/message/827043#827043

and maybe here too

Re: mifi data theft, fraud by verizon class action lawsuit 2012 https://community.verizonwireless.com/message/805945#805945

also in reply to the 2 XP systems- they never run at same time - and I like your kind of thinking re:auto updates etc---- I don't allow- yet I'm thinking that that is also a part of some of the nightmare- with VZ Because IT does update - and I can't make it stop-

I also think that there are multiples running.....

if you do take a thoughtful look at my complex situation,

I would really appreciate any technical feedback

the 75% of 5 GB reply isn't for me---

I'm the one with the unlimited plan- and massive data transfers coming thru

my verizon connection -

---

> please see recent posts

because you sound knowledgable - and this thing is most definately working with Flash!!! even when disabled

and I uninstalled ALL FLASH and it recreated shockwave- but seems to have disappeared from my last run of Adobe uninstallers

i LOVE firefox and my adblock plus- I don't dare launch it- I have very important open tabs--- and more

I don't know if this is in my firefox

[D_Art]

If you use Firefox. there is a handy add-on called "Verizon Monitor" that will check and update your usage.  I've noticed in the last few weeks that the updates have been much more infrequent than in the previous months. This suggests that Verizon has changed it's data usage update system. Whether the change is system wide or is limited to my area I can't say.

[Mikeyishere]

I WENT THROUGH THIS NIGHTMARE WHEN I REPLACED A DEFECTIVE MODEM. A LETTER TO THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HELPED.

[code4food]

cbj2248,

   Yesterday, July 25th, I received text messages that my Jetpack had used up 50% of the 10GB in our plan. That was at day 13 of the 31 day billing cycle. Then, about an hour later, I received another text message that we had used up 75% of our 10 GB. Then one and half hours later, I received another text message telling me we had used up 90% of our 10GB allotment for the current billing cycle. What the...?

  I logged into the Jetpack, and looked through the logs. All of the IP addresses I found were mine. I have a small network of four wireless devices connecting to the Jetpack, and there were no other devices in the log. Still, the incredible bandwidth disappearing act went on.

One of my devices is a WiFi Ranger. It allows my two IP phones to connect to the web since it has WWAN capabilities and four Ethernet ports. I thought that perhaps someone was hacking into the WiFi Ranger to watch HD videos (my office is in a building that also has condos in it). I use the Jetpack to allow my small office of two laptops, a wireless printer, and two Cisco VoIP phones to communicate with the outside world. We normally use 9 GB per month, but to see half of our 10GB go up in smoke in less than a few hours really pissed me off.

I figured that someone was somehow connecting to the WiFI ranger. It turns out that the Ranger has a public access feature as well as a private wifi feature. It also has a commonly known Public Access Passphrase, which I did not realize at the time. So I changed it. Then later, I disabled the SSID broadcast on the WiFi Ranger to keep it from being discovered. We did not need the WiFi it provides since I only really wanted the use the Ethernet ports for the phones.

At the same time, I decided to set MAC address filtering up on the Jetpack. I retrieved all of the MAC addresses of all of the devices that would be connecting at some point, and added them to the filter list. The Jetpack rebooted to make the list active, and then Voila! the bandwidth stealing stopped immediately.

So, the moral of the story is use MAC address filtering. Its possible that someone may have hijacked your bandwidth by hacking into your Jetpack (seems pretty easy based on Google searches I conducted). It is not completely foolproof, but usually good enough to stop the (edited to comply with VZW Community ToS) out there that are constantly trying to to get wifi for free. (Edited to comply with VZW Community Tos) , every one of them.

Good luck.

Message was edited by: Verizon Moderator (C)

[John_Getzke]

Thanks for sharing your story Code!

I'm happy you were able to isolate the problem before it got out of control.  We see so many horror stories about folks who have $200.00 + in overages out of the blue and can't seem to understand how it is possible. 

Changing the MAC and hiding the SSID will prevent most novice and moderate moochers from connecting to your devices. It is a very appropriate solution to your situation.

[code4food]

My apologies to the Moderator. They had to comment out some pretty bland adjectives I used to describe hackers in general in my last post. In any case, I have a question to ask Verizon: Why did you release a device, like the 4620L Jetpack, that is so easy hacked? The people that hacked mine cost me half of my 10GB data limit in one day. We use 9 GB during an entire billing cycle, and yet, in one day, 5 GB is used up by someone hacking into my Jetpack! Yes, it was secured, but I made the mistake, as it turns out, of not changing the default, but randomly generated, PSK. During my research, it turns out that the very hack that allows hackers to get in is helped by the SSID of the Jetpack itself.

ADVICE: Please change the SSID of the device immediately upon powering it up. Do not allow it to be the default settng, because the hack takes advantge of the four character hex code in the SSID label of the device. Also, the word "Secure" is in the SSID, which is another dead give away that it is a Novatel device that can be hacked.

Since Verison does not TELL you to do these things, it is somewhat suspicious. It seems they LIKE IT when the very equipment that we buy from them can be so easy manipulated by others. It means they make more money becasue at $10 per GB for overages, they reap the benefit. Please change the SSID label of your Jetpack, and use MAC filtering as soon as you put the device online. You will protect yourself from most hacks.

Verizon, please tell me how I can get a refund for the 5GB I lost in one day, and the extra $60 I will have to pay you in overages before I could stop the moronic hackers from stealing more!?