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Does switching my Internet off, while not utilizing the Web, save precious bandwidth and help neighbors on same ISP?

Matthew
2014-05-02 17:30:10
Unless you have something probably undesirable generating background traffic (P2P, malware), the difference between idle and off would be inconsequential.Even if you had co-channel or overlapping Wifi channels, the idle traffic would only be the odd broadcast poll.NB. As suggested, cable traffic contends per segment and channel (higher speed services typically spread the traffic across 4 channels).ADSL services DO contend, but further up the line, not at your 10-20ish megabit level
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Drsunil V
2014-05-07 16:07:36
Thanks. I understand
Oron J
2014-04-28 16:17:07
With the exception of technologies such as mobile broadband, the answer is no. Very little data is actually used when your computer/router is "idle", so the savings in bandwith would be minimal, and the effect on neighbours negligible.If you are using ADSL, you should leave your router/modem switched on24/7. This technology requires that you leave the modem on all the time, as it optimises its speed depending on the number of "resets". Every disconnection, whether for reasons of bad communication or because you switched off the modem is considered to be a reset, so if you switch your modem off at night, you will find that the next day it runs very slowly. It can take up to around fortnight for the modem to build up the optimal speed, so best just leave it alone!Your use of the internet only has an impact on your "ISP neighbours" if several of you happen to be downloading something big at the same time. The ISP buys bandwith that should suffice for its customers, and although they engage in "overbooking", they usually have enough bandwith for several users to download all they need. It's only at peak time (e.g. those hours in the evening and weekend when everyone streams large amounts) that there is an issue at all. During quiet hours, your impact on others' use will be exactly zero.
Drsunil V
2014-05-13 12:39:44
Thanks for your zeal to persist with replying on this conversation. I got your point. Jaya!
Jack C
2014-04-27 07:47:59
If you have limited bandwidth, then yes it would - for example, mobile internet on your mobile phone where your limit may be less than 1Gb. You will save a bit (and your battery life) if you turn it off at night as your phone doesn't constantly receive/check push notifications.As for your internet, referring to your modem, it's not worth the hassle. As long as your computers are off, and neighbours arn't using your WiFi, the bandwidth is only minimal. I see (with running VOIP as well) about a 1MB of data used with all computers off per night.Will it help neighbours on the same ISP, that depends on what you are using. If you are using an ADSL connection, it is independent. If you are using a Cable connection, then yes it would. But they won't see any affect if you turn yours off - it would have to be the whole street / area to make a difference, and that's only if you continuously downloading stuff, not sitting idle.So in short, the answer is NO.