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[Win7]
When using the internet connection mode does the phone have a built in firewall or port blocker? My laptop was already connected to the internet through my home's WiFI internet and I was downloading off bittorrent using µTorrent. I was getting decent download speeds on my torrents, but almost nothing on upload. Knowing that the LTE network is more balanced and generally faster than my home network I connected my phone to my laptop via usb and selected internet connection mode.
At this time I noticed no difference and opened task manager to check network utilization. Task manager showed that my home network connection was being used and LTE was not being utilized at all. So I disconnected from my home network and waited for µTorrent to adjust to my phone's connection. After tinkering with some settings in µTorrent it showed the "!" at the bottom right notifying me that either the port I've selected is blocked or some other setting is stopping my connection from being used to it's full potential. I again check task manager and as far as network utilization goes it was around ~1% and my download speeds are far from what they should be, and far worse than when I was just on WiFi.
So I connect back to the WiFi and µTorrent starts behaving how it did before I tried to use my phone. Task manager shows more activity on the WiFi connection and still around 1% for the phone's connection.
My concern is how can I maximize LTE's potential when for bittorrent. Is there some kind of built in port blocker or firewall element? Or is it some kind of protection set up by Verizon and they know I'm using their network for bittorrent? I was getting consistent 5MBps Down and Up when I tested my laptop using internet connection mode, so network stability shouldn't be the issue. Any thoughts?
I haven't tested it, but I'd be willing to bet that the built-in internet sharing mode on the phone blocks certain ports. You could try using a tethering app like EasyTether or PDAnet.
Are you rooted? You could try Wireless Tether for Root Users, and see if you get any different results with that, too. I had some issues using VPN from my OG Droid because there were some blocked ports when using USB tethering, but once I rooted and started using Wireless Tether, all my problems went away. It'd be worth checking out. If you're not rooted, I would imagine that the wifi hotspot would act the same way (although it's only free for another week or so).
Sweet! Another person who's going to get us capped.
Ya, runniNg bittorents off your phone is RETARDED
Sent from my 4G LTE Thunderbolt using XDA Premium
EEdaesung said:
[Win7]
When using the internet connection mode does the phone have a built in firewall or port blocker? My laptop was already connected to the internet through my home's WiFI internet and I was downloading off bittorrent using µTorrent. I was getting decent download speeds on my torrents, but almost nothing on upload. Knowing that the LTE network is more balanced and generally faster than my home network I connected my phone to my laptop via usb and selected internet connection mode.
At this time I noticed no difference and opened task manager to check network utilization. Task manager showed that my home network connection was being used and LTE was not being utilized at all. So I disconnected from my home network and waited for µTorrent to adjust to my phone's connection. After tinkering with some settings in µTorrent it showed the "!" at the bottom right notifying me that either the port I've selected is blocked or some other setting is stopping my connection from being used to it's full potential. I again check task manager and as far as network utilization goes it was around ~1% and my download speeds are far from what they should be, and far worse than when I was just on WiFi.
So I connect back to the WiFi and µTorrent starts behaving how it did before I tried to use my phone. Task manager shows more activity on the WiFi connection and still around 1% for the phone's connection.
My concern is how can I maximize LTE's potential when for bittorrent. Is there some kind of built in port blocker or firewall element? Or is it some kind of protection set up by Verizon and they know I'm using their network for bittorrent? I was getting consistent 5MBps Down and Up when I tested my laptop using internet connection mode, so network stability shouldn't be the issue. Any thoughts?
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Click to collapse
I'm sure they block ports, and to be honest, I sincerely hope they block torrenting on a cell phone. Why not use your wifi?
As others have already stated use your home internet connection as I like having unlimited data.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
eallan said:
I'm sure they block ports, and to be honest, I sincerely hope they block torrenting on a cell phone. Why not use your wifi?
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Click to collapse
It's because LTE's upload speeds are superior to my home connection. And for people worried about getting capped, there is no way I could get within the 10% of users who are throttled.
^_^_^
It's people like you that are going to ruin it for the legitimate rest of us. There is absolutely zero reason you should be torrenting on your phone, thats what your home connection is for. As mentioned earlier I hope that they do block the ports as I love my unlimited data plan knowing that I don't have to check my usage every 3 minutes like I would with att and their 2gb limit.
So in short, stop doing what your doing and ruining it for the rest of the U.S.
EEdaesung said:
It's because LTE's upload speeds are superior to my home connection. And for people worried about getting capped, there is no way I could get within the 10% of users who are throttled.
^_^_^
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Click to collapse
Neither matters soon Verizon will take away the unlimited tethering plan and you will be sol. Even if you use a rooted wireless hotspot Verizon will know when you start racking up the gbs.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
I didn't realize it was such a big deal. Especially since it's a service I pay for, and I wasn't planning on torrenting the entire internet.
Since there are so many concerns of losing unlimited data, I'll think twice before using my phone's network to do any heavy downloading or uploading.
^_^_^
EEdaesung said:
I didn't realize it was such a big deal. Especially since it's a service I pay for, and I wasn't planning on torrenting the entire internet.
Since there are so many concerns of losing unlimited data, I'll think twice before using my phone's network to do any heavy downloading or uploading.
^_^_^
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Click to collapse
First off you are not paying for the Mobile Hotspot service it is free until May 15th.
Second as of right now there is no real threat of losing the unlimited plan. Verizon has not said anything about taking it away and as of right now you could up and download 100gb of data and Verizon may say nothing. The problem is that we just don't know. We could wake up tomorrow and all have capped plans (As it is in the contract we all signed when we bought our phones Verizon can change the details of the data plans basically at any time they want) Yes there is like a 1% chance of this happening at the PR Verizon would get from this would most likely run them into the ground but the thought is still out there. And for most of us who only use ~5gb of data per month or less just don't want to worry about that odd month when maybe some new series comes out and they use 50gb.
TLDR: As of right now its more of just a fear of losing it than anything else and not really something to be too worried about ATM.
EEdaesung said:
I didn't realize it was such a big deal. Especially since it's a service I pay for, and I wasn't planning on torrenting the entire internet.
Since there are so many concerns of losing unlimited data, I'll think twice before using my phone's network to do any heavy downloading or uploading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or at least posting here about doing so.
EEdaesung said:
It's because LTE's upload speeds are superior to my home connection. And for people worried about getting capped, there is no way I could get within the 10% of users who are throttled.
^_^_^
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Click to collapse
There is a difference in using a phone to web browse, or to watch a movie or whatever, and maxing it out 24/7 and saturating the connection to torrent.
One is a bad idea IMO.
Got it guys. I agree with all previous posts. I don't want to get capped either and I won't be a factor towards it.
^_^_^
That's bull...you pay for it you use it how you want...I dare Verizon to come at me already and I told them I'm rooted...I ruin my OG Droid and they still replaced it...they make hundreds of millions of dollars and I pay an already high phone bill...too bad there is already an Frostwire app
currensy said:
That's bull...you pay for it you use it how you want...I dare Verizon to come at me already and I told them I'm rooted...I ruin my OG Droid and they still replaced it...they make hundreds of millions of dollars and I pay an already high phone bill...too bad there is already an Frostwire app
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Click to collapse
LOL. Another reprobate weighs in.
"you pay for it you use it how you want"
So, exactly how much are you "paying" for tethering (not that which is currently offered as a freebie, but the theft of services your comment implies)? Your comment might be better phrased "you pay for it, I use it," since it's going to be paid for by someone, and if not by those who rationalize stealing it, then by the rest of us.
"they make hundreds of millions of dollars"
I'm guessing (assuming you're not still in Jr. High, as your attitude suggests), that you make thousands of dollars. So, I'd be justified in stealing from you, by your logic.
"I pay an already high phone bill"
If it's too high, it's very easy to cancel the service. Obviously, since you're posting in the TB forum, you have one, which means you've recently renewed your service. Which is it - you agreed that the value per dollar was acceptable, or you're just stupid?
You have to disable other connections after enabling internet sharing mode. Windows doesnt magically switch to a better connection on its own.
People should also remember that torrent does not mean illegal. He never mentioned what he was downloading. Apparently no one else in this thread has ever downloaded a linux distro, since bittorent is a primary way to do it. Certain games and game content are distributed legally through bittorent as well along with other software (generally opensource stuff).
The other day I didn't want to wait 30 minutes for aptitude to update my system on my 630KB/s average DSL, so I plugged in my phone to internet sharing on LTE and it was done in < 5minutes @ 2500KB/s average.
Verizon's network does not block ports as far as I know, but you are behind NAT, so you aren't going to be running any sort of server either on the public internet or easily connecting to your phone from a remote location.
Why do people take threads like this off the rails so quickly? The OP asked a simple question that didn't really warrant a philosophical decision. Imposing your will on the miniscule number of TB users who visit XDA won't make any appreciable impact on Verizon's attitude towards sanctioned network use.
OP, please report back if following "yareally"'s suggestion of disabling other connections works once ICS is enabled. Also, are you able to bridge your connection to the TB's in Windows? It'd be sweet to be able to merge WiFi (for speed) with LTE (for reliability).
currensy said:
That's bull...you pay for it you use it how you want...I dare Verizon to come at me already and I told them I'm rooted...I ruin my OG Droid and they still replaced it...they make hundreds of millions of dollars and I pay an already high phone bill...too bad there is already an Frostwire app
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Click to collapse
If you use frostwire... you probably still have a myspace...
Lol at your made-up story, VZW is here on XDA also... they just might come at you bro...
In regards to the OP, lol at anyone who thinks this one single guy is going to be the downfall of unlimited data...
Nooter said:
OP, please report back if following "yareally"'s suggestion of disabling other connections works once ICS is enabled. Also, are you able to bridge your connection to the TB's in Windows? It'd be sweet to be able to merge WiFi (for speed) with LTE (for reliability).
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Click to collapse
Nope, cant bridge them in windows and use both (that is, it's not as simple as selecting both connections and clicking bridge). There's some ways to distribute their use over *nix and/or using a router and using them as separate connections, but it's not worth the time/effort. If you're really interested in doing it, there's some discussions about it on the xda forums already and elsewhere if you google around.
I'm just curious if ATT is just bluffing? Are there tethering solutions that hide activity from ATT? PDAnet claims it does, but you have to pay $15 to get full version that accesses secure sites. However I have no idea what PDAnet does to hide it, or it if it works.
Stock roms will have a program that sends data to att on what type of data is being downloaded. From that, they will know if you are tethering. Custom roms removes that useless program, but crazy big data usage will probably get you in hot water.
Many of us that were running stock roms got the letter/text/email
They did not change my plan....but I stopped did not tether afyer getting the warnings.
Was in a bbind last week and tethered for a few hours and nada....no warnings etc.
xdahgary said:
Stock roms will have a program that sends data to att on what type of data is being downloaded. From that, they will know if you are tethering. Custom roms removes that useless program, but crazy big data usage will probably get you in hot water.
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Click to collapse
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App
I got the message today and I called about it. I don't know how it is they know or can detect it. I stream a lot, but I haven't tethered in over 2 months. Somehow they just target big data users, apparently and assume the worst. I'm going to unroot and s-on my phone and take it in to the store and see what they have to say..
I dont have unlimted data, but i teather My laptop ALL the time at work.....watch netflix, or hulu, even download roms......i never go over 2gigs because thats all i have on my Plan......but i have never gotten a letter or text.
i think its just for the Big Data users<<<
another good reason to root/ and install a custom rom
I tethered a bunch last year when I had my iPhone, I am still currently on the "unlimited" data plan.
I just put the MIUI rom on my phone a couple weeks ago, and tethered to my wife's tablet. She only checked a couple web pages to verify it worked.
The other day I get the email telling me if I don't stop tethering after October 31st I will be charged and put on a tethering plan automatically.
I wonder if they looked back as far as a year and totaled up all my tethering..
Are they really just going after the "unlimited" users??
If that is the case, I will tether through my wife's captivate running MIUI rom, as she is on the 2GB data plan, and just monitor as to not go over...
the2rrell said:
I dont have unlimted data, but i teather My laptop ALL the time at work.....watch netflix, or hulu, even download roms......i never go over 2gigs because thats all i have on my Plan......but i have never gotten a letter or text.
i think its just for the Big Data users<<<
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Click to collapse
I've never used over 1gig and I got a letter. I only tethered very briefly 5-6 times I have had the phone. Once for a few hours but just browsing no downloading or anything (internet outage) but that was months ago as well.
Speaking of data plans, I gave my old HTC Pure to my brother. He had a "dumb" phone with no data plan previously, but when I put his sim in and fired it up, it used a little bit of data. Therefore, AT&T signed him up for a data plan automatically. He called about it to cancel and they refused to let him off of the plan because he's using a smartphone. I know AT&T requires a data plan with the PURCHASE of a smartphone, but I didn't think you had to purchase one for merely using a smartphone. I think this is down right false. What's the story?
You have to look into blocking AT&T from seeing your phone as a smartphone which is changing the IMEI which is also illegal to my knowledge. Some people call in and change the imei every time it changes.
Sent from my SGH-I997 using XDA App
You can change the imei all you want but att still ends up finding out you are using a smartphone. I get calls about the same issue everyday. Put your sim in a blackberry and use data and now u have a bb data plan. My imei shows all 1s and unknown manufacturer but still reads as a smartphone. Atts systems arent as stupid as most of you think
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium
If your IMEI number shows all 1's then AT&T shouldn't notice you are on a smartphone. If they notice then there's anothing thing with your APN settings because as far as I know the IMEI number shows up in a system not our billing system but another system where I can tell you what time and day and phones you have used and switched from to.. etc..
Sent from my SGH-I997 using XDA App
I tether all the time. Custom Rom. No calls or issues.
In all the time I've done support for my organization across all the smartphone carriers (BES setup/smartphone support/etc), I've never seen any customer have a data plan 'automatically' added to their plan. Every single time, it simply fails to load webpages unless we get on the phone and make sure their data is configured in their wireless plan. I am fairly confident that when people think this happens automatically, it's because they did something wrong or agreed to a data-as-you-go option.
Just the other day I had major issues trying to set up a Blackberry on BES after moving the SIM over from an iPhone. The network refused to recognize the change in IMEI and device information. It took a call to ATT to fix it and make sure the plan was changed from 'iPhone' data to 'Blackberry' data.
Actually I see people get data plans added everyday automatically and I have to deal with them... although I haven't seen a tethered one yet.
Sent from my SGH-I997 using XDA App
@Max. Im a tech and i handle that all day. We use 2 main systems. One will show the imei and the other is just basic t/s but it also shows what phone they are using no matter if the ime says in it. Look for all 1s on the imei and then look at the first system you pull up. It will show the model. Or take your sim and put it in a diff phone and i bet u anything that phone will show up!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium
Yup Busted!!
Yup I was busted and it wasnt for tethering. ATT said I was tethering in Sept. I informed them that i was simply streaming music and that I used pandora rather then the radio in order to listen to music. And that it was not being used to provide internet access for my laptop. that while yes it was connected to my computer while streaming it was to keep the phone charging...nothing i could do to keep my unlimited data, was transferred to a 4GB tethering plan, when pressed as to why. they reffered me to paragraph 6,1-6.2. which basically states that if you are adversly affect their network (i.e larger amounts of data) or tether in any way (connect to ANY other device in ANY fashion to transfer data) they reserve the right to change plan as they see fit.
I Was averaging 6-8GB of data per month and would guess that at max actual tethering accounted for 1GB or less. Seems as if they are mainly targeting high data users and waiting for any excuse to change your plan
.
Furthermore, plans (unless specifically designated for tethering usage) cannot be used for any applications that tether the device (through use of, including without limitation, connection kits, other phone/smartphone to computer accessories, BLUETOOTH® or any other wireless technology) to Personal Computers (including without limitation, laptops), or other equipment for any purpose. Accordingly, AT&T reserves the right to (i) deny, disconnect, modify and/or terminate Service, without notice, to anyone it believes is using the Service in any manner prohibited or whose usage adversely impacts its wireless network or service levels or hinders access to its wireless network, including without limitation, after a significant period of inactivity or after sessions of excessive usage
Yea right i bet att told u to post that here as a scare tactic. Show prof this happen to you then i will believe that happen
. This did happen to iPhone users not androids. If this happen to android users it would have been in the media by now
socialal said:
Yup I was busted and it wasnt for tethering. ATT said I was tethering in Sept. I informed them that i was simply streaming music and that I used pandora rather then the radio in order to listen to music. And that it was not being used to provide internet access for my laptop. that while yes it was connected to my computer while streaming it was to keep the phone charging...nothing i could do to keep my unlimited data, was transferred to a 4GB tethering plan, when pressed as to why. they reffered me to paragraph 6,1-6.2. which basically states that if you are adversly affect their network (i.e larger amounts of data) or tether in any way (connect to ANY other device in ANY fashion to transfer data) they reserve the right to change plan as they see fit.
I Was averaging 6-8GB of data per month and would guess that at max actual tethering accounted for 1GB or less. Seems as if they are mainly targeting high data users and waiting for any excuse to change your plan
.
Furthermore, plans (unless specifically designated for tethering usage) cannot be used for any applications that tether the device (through use of, including without limitation, connection kits, other phone/smartphone to computer accessories, BLUETOOTH® or any other wireless technology) to Personal Computers (including without limitation, laptops), or other equipment for any purpose. Accordingly, AT&T reserves the right to (i) deny, disconnect, modify and/or terminate Service, without notice, to anyone it believes is using the Service in any manner prohibited or whose usage adversely impacts its wireless network or service levels or hinders access to its wireless network, including without limitation, after a significant period of inactivity or after sessions of excessive usage
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Click to collapse
Nope and dont work for ATT and the quotes I posted are where i was told to go by a manager from att when i called protesting the change..check out paragraphs 6.1 and 6.2 of the customer agreement that you signed/agreed to. DUH!!! its happening all over the place. I know of at least 2 other people who have gotten busted (HTC and sony erickson android devices). And NO I wasnt using app the few times i did tether it. I used the native samsung funtionality. and do yourself a favor and google it.I lost my $35 per month unlimited plan in favor of a 5GB $45 per month.
Im going to try calling and talking them out of it one more time....beware the 9am text messages from ATT
socialal said:
Nope and dont work for ATT and the quotes I posted are where i was told to go by a manager from att when i called protesting the change..check out paragraphs 6.1 and 6.2 of the customer agreement that you signed/agreed to. DUH!!! its happening all over the place. I know of at least 2 other people who have gotten busted (HTC and sony erickson android devices). And NO I wasnt using app the few times i did tether it. I used the native samsung funtionality. and do yourself a favor and google it.I lost my $35 per month unlimited plan in favor of a 5GB $45 per month.
Im going to try calling and talking them out of it one more time....beware the 9am text messages from ATT
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Click to collapse
Wait. Didn't you say the first time that you didn't tether? Now you did? So did you or didn't you tether data?
Sent from my not-an-iPod
Did the obligatory searches - didn't see anyone else in my shoes.
AT&T sent me a text and a letter in the mail telling me that they'd detected me tethering and that they would be changing my plan automatically to a tethering plan if I didn't stop.
I'm not sure how they figured it out, as I am pretty sure from past research on this forum that both tethering and cell data use the same APN. My only guess is that while on vacation, a massive data spike gave it away, as my phone was my only connection to the outside world.
This is fair warning to everyone that it seems AT&T is after tetherers.
Home from vacation, my data usage has gone way, way down so:
Was this a bluff by A&T based oin data usage?
Does anyone know the means which AT&T discerns who is/isn't tethering?
Has anyone else gotten this warning?
Well if you went over their cap it probably set of a few alarms.
It's possible to detect heuristically, if you're looking for it. If you're using deep packet inspection (which they probably aren't), it's dead easy (look for things like desktop browser user agents).
kenikh said:
Did the obligatory searches - didn't see anyone else in my shoes.
AT&T sent me a text and a letter in the mail telling me that they'd detected me tethering and that they would be changing my plan automatically to a tethering plan if I didn't stop.
I'm not sure how they figured it out, as I am pretty sure from past research on this forum that both tethering and cell data use the same APN. My only guess is that while on vacation, a massive data spike gave it away, as my phone was my only connection to the outside world.
This is fair warning to everyone that it seems AT&T is after tetherers.
Home from vacation, my data usage has gone way, way down so:
Was this a bluff by A&T based oin data usage?
Does anyone know the means which AT&T discerns who is/isn't tethering?
Has anyone else gotten this warning?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is an issue that has been coming up in a lot of android/ios threads, and everyone has their own theory, but my guess is they're conducting individual (automated) audits when they detect subscribers with high usage. It would take a ridiculous amount of computing power to look at the IP packets & track every TTL hop of every subscriber with a data plan, but if your usage is over a certain amount, or in the arbitrary "top 5% of consumers", they're probably flagging your account for an audit of TTL hops.
That's the only way I can think of that would affect iOS, Android, Blackberry and WP7 all in the same way. Some people have been saying it's mostly iOS users, and others say its mainly Android or WP7 or whatever, but there's no evidence for any particular platform versus the others. I'm sure they're capable of figuring out each platform's standard TTL, so if they know what device you're using, they can easily identify any device you connect via your phone.
The only exception to this seems to be the Blackberry Playbook bridge feature, which is essentially just projecting the phone's browser session onto the Playbook's screen (albeit quite effectively). As far as I can tell, the only way they're identifying Playbook tethering is when people download the bridge app from App world as opposed to rroy's OTA method.
Were you tethering via internet sharing? I've received the same message from AT&T but only after turning on internet sharing for the first time. I tethered for over USB for 10 months before that with no problem. When I first got the message I stopped tethering completely because I didn't know what caused it (though it could of been the 13GB of data I was using). After discussing it on here I came to the conclusion that the message from AT&T was only received after tethering over Wifi, and that there were no issues with USB tethering. I've tethered since then and haven't heard anything from AT&T. So what method were you using? And if you say only USB it will prove my theory wrong.
Searching first is great, reading the sticky post would also be a good idea.
No Questions in the development section please.
Thread moved to WP7 Q&A
I received a text, an email, and a letter from AT&T. They just want more money from people to change to the 4 GB with tethering.
Sent from my SGH-i917 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
jkern10 said:
I received a text, an email, and a letter from AT&T. They just want more money from people to change to the 4 GB with tethering.
Sent from my SGH-i917 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
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Click to collapse
Same here...I have only tethered once since getting these warnings, I wonder if they would actually change my plan though.
wow I had gotten the htc titan but i switched to tmobile and the radar 4g just because tmo seems to turn a blind eye to tethering...
i just got an android tablet wi-fi only but i need to access important docs on the road, if i enable wi-fi tethering on my Samsung Focus and use it just once do i get a warning telling me to stop?
No. You have to be brazenly stupid like I was and eat gigs of data first.
thanks for the quick reply, so what i need it for it wouldn't send any red flags that i'm using wifi tethering
Just keep your data below the throttling threshold of your plan and they'll have no reason to do deeper inspection. You should be home free.
Its still stupid that they have special plans for tethering, I have unlimited data, but I'm not allowed to use it how I want. Bull****. Its criminal.
Sent from my Focus S (SGH-i937) using Board Express Pro
ATnT has definitely strayed away from customer satisfaction. I understand that the need to keep there Data Plan operating at peak efficiency requires them to throttle back certain users, but the way they go about doing it....for shame.
I know this is a frustrating subject for all AT&T users. Does anyone know what they are using to track tethering. I ask because I have been with AT&T over 10 years and have in the past tethered without a plan. However today I received notice that I am going to loose my unlimited data plan if I do not stop tethering, sad part is I am not tethering or have I been tethering at all in the last several months. I do stream A LOT so I know I am on their list, but honestly I generally go over 3GB so I am not a data hog. I spoke to AT&T's version of customer service and request that they tell me the exact technical specification of the test they are using to determine I am tethering, the answer was, "I don';t know, my system tells me that so it must be true". I then asked what app on my device is causing the issue, "I don't know". Finally I asked how can I stop a behavior my phone is doing if I do not know what if causing the problem? "I don't know". The one thing he (a "supervisor") did know was that I could fix everything by changing my plan and paying more. I am now waiting for his manager to call with an explanation, but it would be good if I actually had some facts to fight with. Most everything I know about AT&T and their policies is completely subjective and open to interpretation.
I've heard of this happening before, and I don't think they really "track" it at all. I think all AT&T is doing is going by your bandwidth. They assume if you're regularly pulling down that much data that you must be cheating somehow.
If you're regularly using 3GB a month, that's probably what's on their radar screen. Keep complaining and insisting that you've done nothing wrong, and they should back down. Ask for some proof, which I doubt they can provide.
I tether all the time, but keep my data usage down, and I've never gotten a warning.
SMH at your story. This is ridiculous! Keep fighting, man. Don't succumb to the beast! :sly:
Sent from my One X using xda app-developers app
Lol, I got a letter in the mail... Apparently they track... Now the question is .. disabling ARMS?
WCX HTC One "Hell of a fast phone" X
I got a warning to seems they can track it better now.
Sent from my One X using xda premium
Any of you guys using the Foxfi app from the Play store and the proxy addon? I've been using it on At&t with my Nexus 7 and haven't been notified.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Also, if the new share data plans work out for you, i believe tethering is included. I'm switching my wife and I over to that plan today (supposed first day they are turning it on). It'll save us about $25/month. But the plans aren't for everyone... Some it increases their price.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
I've seen this discussed on other device forums here on XDA. No definitive answer was ever given on how AT&T determines whether you are tethering. One person who seemed to have a good degree of technical knowledge stated that every single data packet coming from a tethered computer are tagged differently than just phone use, and that any carrier can detect that tagging easily. Other people disputed that statement. I personally don't have the technical knowledge to say either way, but it seems feasible.
I personally doubt they go by bandwidth alone. I frequently go over 3 GB per month, sometimes close to the 5 GB throttle limit. Sometimes download close to 1 GB a stuff in a single day. But all on the phone (not tethered), and have never gotten the warning. Maybe they look for patterns, but not bandwidth alone.
redpoint73 said:
One person who seemed to have a good degree of technical knowledge stated that every single data packet coming from a tethered computer are tagged differently than just phone use, and that any carrier can detect that tagging easily. Other people disputed that statement. I personally don't have the technical knowledge to say either way, but it seems feasible.
I personally doubt they go by bandwidth alone. I frequently go over 3 GB per month, sometimes close to the 5 GB throttle limit. Sometimes download close to 1 GB a stuff in a single day. But all on the phone (not tethered), and have never gotten the warning. Maybe they look for patterns, but not bandwidth alone.
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Click to collapse
I've seen that theory as well. But being able to identify tethered packets is not the same thing as being able to monitor all of them all the time. It's the latter that I am not certain is feasible given the number of smartphones on AT&T's network.
One thing that is certain is that AT&T is not consistent in how they do this. I've seen people get nailed after a single tether; others--like me--have been blithely tethering for years without any trouble. I've also heard of people like the OP, who get tagged even though they aren't tethering at all.
I continue to think that bandwidth has to be the biggest part of it. I suspect they watch for heavy usage, then pay closer attention to those accounts.
Another thing: AT&T is known to give certain perks and leeway to larger accounts, such as letting you upgrade more frequently. I have a big family plan with three smartphones, unlimited texts, Family Map, etc. I've often wondered if I'm on some kind of "let them alone for now" list given how much I tether.
In any case, I'm switching to the new sharing plans (which launched today), which include tethering, so it will be moot for me at least.
iElvis said:
I've seen that theory as well. But being able to identify tethered packets is not the same thing as being able to monitor all of them all the time. It's the latter that I am not certain is feasible given the number of smartphones on AT&T's network.
One thing that is certain is that AT&T is not consistent in how they do this. I've seen people get nailed after a single tether; others--like me--have been blithely tethering for years without any trouble. I've also heard of people like the OP, who get tagged even though they aren't tethering at all.
I continue to think that bandwidth has to be the biggest part of it. I suspect they watch for heavy usage, then pay closer attention to those accounts.
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Click to collapse
Completely know what you mean when you talk about being able to identify the packets vs. actually monitoring all accounts. My feeling is that this is the main reason the enforcement is so inconsistent, that AT&T simply does not have the resources to monitor all the accounts this way. As you suggest maybe bandwidth is the first red flag, then they look at the tagging after that. And whatever the system is, it seems to be evolving ("improving" in the eyes of AT&T), as more people are getting caught.
Interesting feedback. I think I have figured it out. I was just guessing at my data consumption at 3GB, I actually pulled a report and looked. I average between 1 and 2 GB of data a month (pretty shocking to me, guess I use wifi more than I realize), last month it doubled to 4GB. It must be because I doubled my usage in one month, that must have set off a flag.
Still waiting for that manager to get me proof.
On a side note it felt really good to answer their survey texts with a 1 and not a 10.
I will update this thread if I get more information from the "manager". I am to stubborn to let AT&T win this one. Almost makes me want to start tethering again.
cyber_pete said:
I will update this thread if I get more information from the "manager". I am to stubborn to let AT&T win this one.
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Good for you, man. Be interested to see how it turns out. Good luck.
I also just got a letter like this today. I've had unlimited data for four years, and I've tethered very sparingly over the years with the likes of PDANet, WiFi Tether, etc without being notified by AT&T. The only time I've really needed to tether was for the one week out of the year when I vacation to a cottage that doesn't have an internet connection. I went on vacation about a month ago, and tethered using the built in Hotspot with CleanRom's Hotspot Hack. I called AT&T after reading the letter over, and the rep told me that they did detect tethering activity on my end. I ended up telling her that I used a tethering app from the Play Store for the one week that I was without internet, but that I only used it in that instance and that I would prefer to keep my unlimited plan. She just asked that I delete the app from the phone, and cease tethering, and assured me that I could keep the plan by doing so. So, it seems as though their plan of attack is to enroll you in plan that enables the Hotspot functionality if they don't hear from you, but if you call and insist on keeping your unlimited plan, hopefully they will honor that like they did for me. Good luck!
Is it possible they are looking at the browser type? I've heard that browsers which don't normally run on mobile devices can get you caught.
smartphonesanonymous said:
Is it possible they are looking at the browser type? I've heard that browsers which don't normally run on mobile devices can get you caught.
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That's the User-Agent factor, and yes they can get you that way, if you've gotten far enough onto their radar screen that they're reading your packets.
But no one really knows for sure how exactly they're doing it.
I, since I went to a shared data plan a few months ago, have come in from the cold.
Wow, zombie thread.
Sent from my One X using Tapatalk 2
USB tether with SSH and VPN
To carrier, it just looks like an ssh connection from your phone, everything else is encapsulated inside that doubly encrypted channel
(openvpn encrypts, so does ssh)
-- IP packet "signatures", Browser User-Agent, all invisible to carrier.
root not required, unlock/mod not required. works on stock unrooted device.
should work with any android phone, any carrier, any plan (that includes Internet access on phone)
(usage will still count against your data limit if you have a capped plan - mostly useful with unlimited plans)
carrier will still see your usage so they still might become suspicious, they just can't prove anything
use this advice at your own risk
it will use double the bandwidth on your HOME connection - everything has to go in, and
then right back out - may not be useful if your home internet is capped
.....
setup openvpn server on home PC connected with wired broadband
setup openssh server on home PC
setup proper passwords/keys for both to protect access.
use non-standard ports for greater security
(if you have a home router, be sure to forward the ports for both SSH and openvpn through it from "the outside" to the ssh/openvpn server)
if your home router is DD-WRT or similar, you may be able to do sshd and openvpn server right on the router, skip the PC.
.. EDIT: you will need to know the IP of your home connection to connect to it remotely. a dynamic DNS service can be useful for this ..
install sshdroid on phone.
install openvpn and adb on laptop
...
ok, you are out and about, and want to tether your laptop.
turn OFF wifi on phone.
enable usb debugging on phone.
connect laptop PC to USB on phone (connect type doesnt matter, charge-only is fine)
start sshdroid, have it ssh to your home PC and forward a tcp port for openvpn
use 'adb forward' command on laptop to forward the openvpn port from the laptop to the phone.
run openvpn on laptop, configure it to connect via localhost:xxx (where xxx is the port thats forwarded by adb to the phone, then by ssh to your home PC.)
use vpn tunnel for internet access
"whatismyipaddress.com" for laptop should show your HOME internet IP.
- this is just an overview, you will need to know how to setup the details of these apps and services, especially openvpn, in order to make this work. If you don't understand how to do so, find someone that does, or pay your carrier for the service.
- no wifi support, so no way to tether a tablet or anything else that can only connect via wifi; only a laptop or other PC that has a host USB port that can recognize the phone.
Tethering
I use FoxFi or PdaNet is the same. And not require Root.
I got this same letter two or three years ago. Idk but it think they are trying to scare ppl in to the new plans. I regularly use more than 5GB a month without tethering.
Sent from my HTC One X using Xparent Green Tapatalk 2
I got a letter and called them and they are using this as a way to generate more money.
For some reason, I am getting an error when I try using t0mmy (found here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1677261) one click tether enabler. I've done some searching and cannot find anyone else who has had this issue. What the heck am I missing (screenshots attached)?! Any ideas?
Info:
- Stock AT&T ROM
- Rooted
- Android 4.0.4
- Used on StraightTalk... all APNs are setup correctly... data works on the phone.
For solution, SEE BELOW
One other thing I should mention is that even when I am using `android-wifi-tether` it will not work. It just shows up as a device on my computer when it is turned on as a wifi hotspot.
I've downloaded SQLite Browser and have changed all fields with "broadband" to "pta". Still no go.
I don't understand what you need that program for...
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
When I click to activate the native wifi hotspot, it says that I cannot have a hotspot and to call 611. So I am trying Android Wifi Tether, which works for a little bit then after about 3 seconds, says "what the hell, your phone is taking over. shutting down wifi." Something like that. I'm just trying to get this phone setup so my friend can use it as a hotspot.
SQLite is to edit my `telephony.db`
Well, I do believe that it could be because you are using a stock rom, so att bulit in securities could be taking over. Also, I do want you to know that ATT does have advanced technology to detect tethering. without notice, they can upgrade you data plan to 5gb ($50) because you were caught tethering. it is the way the apn connects. now you can try to change your apn to BROADBAND, which is tethering, but again, but warned. if your data plan changes (esepcially if you are grandfathered into one), then that's on you...
so here are my suggestions: change the APN to broadband, get off the stock, and im sure there are a plethora of apps in the play market that should work
Herc08 said:
Also, I do want you to know that ATT does have advanced technology to detect tethering. without notice, they can upgrade you data plan to 5gb ($50) because you were caught tethering.
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Click to collapse
They will send you a warning (physical letter or SMS, can't remember which exactly) notifying you have been caught tethering without the appropriate data plan. Then, if you are caught again, they will change you plan.
Probably nobody except folks at AT&T know the exact methods they use to monitor for tethering. But the thought here is that a high amount of usage will raise red flags, then they will examine data packets for the signs of tethering.
Some folks (myself included) have been able to tether without getting caught, by just doing it occasionally, and keeping the data usage low. But even then, the system seems far from consistent. I've seen a couple of folks report on here getting the tethering warning from AT&T, despite having never even tethered.
The days when you could easily pirate tethering may be coming to an end. AT&T has really cracked down on it and improved their methods of detection. Even if you get this working, you will get caught if you start tethering regularly.
redpoint73 said:
They will send you a warning (physical letter or SMS, can't remember which exactly) notifying you have been caught tethering without the appropriate data plan. Then, if you are caught again, they will change you plan.
Probably nobody except folks at AT&T know the exact methods they use to monitor for tethering. But the thought here is that a high amount of usage will raise red flags, then they will examine data packets for the signs of tethering.
Some folks (myself included) have been able to tether without getting caught, by just doing it occasionally, and keeping the data usage low. But even then, the system seems far from consistent. I've seen a couple of folks report on here getting the tethering warning from AT&T, despite having never even tethered.
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Click to collapse
I do apologize, you are right. You will get a notice first. And then if you continue, then you will still bumped out. It is an email AND a SMS. Using small amount of data is usually the way to go. But if you trying to tether a computer, then most likely the data usage will be high. As I mentioned in other posts, as a former AT&T employee, if you want to tether, just upgrade your data plan. If you are on unlimited data, you will already get throttled at 3gb, so the Unlimited data and 3gb are basically the same thing, which is why the price is the same.
I have seem some accounts when excessive tethering is done, that the data is actually suspended, no matter what the case is. It's weird that AT&T can do that, but it is in their wireless agreement, which is at section 6 i think.
Thanks for the heads up about AT&T clamping down on this. It is good to know. I am doing this for an elderly couple who rarely use the internet. This is their first smart phone. They are savvy enough to know what that message means if they get it. I will let them know about it too.
They mainly will be accessing on the device itself but wanted the option to use it as a hotspot as well. They are already paying for data... they purchased the phone used and are under no contract (on Straight Talk). They want to use something they own, however they want. It's too bad AT&T is so mean.
It's like buying a computer and then the manufacturer says you cannot use bluetooth unless you pay them a monthly service charge.
[SOLUTION]
Oh yeah, I forgot to post that I figured a way out to get 'android-wifi-tether.apk' to work on the stock AT&T ROM.... here we go:
Get "Proxoid" from the Google Play Store
Get WiFi Tether from the Google Play Store (or from here [QR Codes in link]: http://code.google.com/p/android-wifi-tether/)
Get a mobile data widget
Once you have them installed, get them all lined up somewhere you can easily run them one after the other.
Make sure mobile data OFF before you turn anything on.
Open Proxoid and check the box to start/stop Proxoid... you want it ON
Open WiFi Tether and turn on tethering
Now you can turn on mobile data
This worked successful for me. I tested it for about 10-15 minutes, playing YouTube videos, reading some blogs, checked out some google image searches and so on. If you do not turn Proxoid on before mobile data is on, this will NOT work.
ENJOY! :laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:
UPDATE: This only worked on my Mac and Android phone. Mac picked up the HOX as a "device" instead of a wifi connection but it worked. Windows cannot find the connection at all. If someone knows how to get Windows to find the device and use it as a hotspot please let me know.
While tethering is a feature of the phone they own, the data being used is a service that is not owned and while I don't agree with what at&t does, I can understand why they would discourage tethering and it is technically within their right to limit how their data is used. They/you could have picked another company that allows tethering but as a consequence you may face saturation from all those heavy tether users.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
exad said:
While tethering is a feature of the phone they own, the data being used is a service that is not owned and while I don't agree with what at&t does, I can understand why they would discourage tethering and it is technically within their right to limit how their data is used. They/you could have picked another company that allows tethering but as a consequence you may face saturation from all those heavy tether users.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Which is the reason behind the detection. Same as throttling. With the explosion of bandwidth needed, the big companies cannot keep up. Hence why smaller companies offer unlimited data.
Sent from my Carbon-ize Evita using xda-developers app