Measuring Internet Use

[ChrisGreaves]

I am contemplating a change-of-plan for internet access.
The potential plan promises “$10/mth for 100MB, $30/mth for 500MB, etc.”
Which prompts the question: How can I measure my current needs (in order to compare plans for the future).
Which translates into “Is there a little software doo-dad which will measure and record my internet usage?”.
(1) It would be nice to know my download usage on a daily basis; hourly would be better.
(2) It would be nice to know my upload usage on a daily basis; hourly would be better.
(3) It would be nice to know my download/upload usage in a time interval, stopwatch-wise. How much data use goes on when I [compile my web pages] [check my email] [download podcasts] etc.

[HansV]

There are several free utilities to monitor bandwidth usage, e.g.
Networx
Bitmeter OS

[Claude]

Wow, those are terribly expensive plans; I pay $50.00 a month for 200Gb. And, my ISP provides a usage page but I also have phone apps to keep an eye out on my usage.

[PaulB]

I think the plans Chris is referring to are mobile phone data plans, not ISP packages. Chris???

[PaulB]

Wow, those are terribly expensive plans; I pay $50.00 a month for 200Gb. And, my ISP provides a usage page but I also have phone apps to keep an eye out on my usage.

Out of curiosity, Claude, what is the up/down bandwidth of your plan and where does this fit in the range of plans offered by your ISP?

[Claude]

I think the plans Chris is referring to are mobile phone data plans, not ISP packages. Chris???

Of course, Note to self: Never post in the morning before having had a cup of coffee.

Our mobile plans are: unlimited SMS and phone calls, 3Gb of data, $50.00 per month and the mobile carrier has a free app which allows you to check the usage.

[Claude]

Out of curiosity, Claude, what is the up/down bandwidth of your plan and where does this fit in the range of plans offered by your ISP?

Up and down are part of the 200Gb bandwidth. After 200Gb, the services get slowed down.

[jaystarter]

There are several free utilities to monitor bandwidth usage, e.g.
Networx
Bitmeter OS

I use Networx and find it very comprehensive

[ChrisGreaves]

There are several free utilities to monitor bandwidth usage, e.g.
Networx
Bitmeter OS

Thanks hans.
I tried first with NetWorx, but I got confused by the multiple download buttons. After inadvertently downloading and installing “InstallConverter_TSV17XOPH.exe” and “InstallConverter_TSV28F3C2.exe”, I went uninstalled all three, went back to my System restore and then re-installed BitMeter.
BitMeter seems to deliver what I want, from its Summary tab.

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Whoop, as we say in the trade, dee-doo!

[ChrisGreaves]

I think the plans Chris is referring to are mobile phone data plans, not ISP packages. Chris???

No, I think it is an equivalent to an ISP package.
You rent or buy the little key thingo, then you pay so-much per month to get internet access anywhere in Canada.

I suspect that it would/will prove to be WAY more expensive than, say, BELL hooking up as an ISP to existing residential networks. Typically around $40/month in Toronto. Rogers is about the same.

The key-thingo would suit someone who
(1) regularly worked as a contractor in a large bank that inhibited general internet access
(2) spent sunny days sitting in a park with the laptop
(3) spent time looking after little-old-ladys who didn't have internet access
None of which apply to me.
Although they say the weather will improve any day now; it can't get worse.

[ChrisGreaves]

Our mobile plans are: unlimited SMS and phone calls, 3Gb of data, $50.00 per month and the mobile carrier has a free app which allows you to check the usage.

... and, Claude, I suspect your plans include a whole lot of services.
I'm guessing that by looking at a 1-item package I'm not getting any bulk-up savings which would apply if I decided to get my phone service (land and mobile) and TV-cable through BELL.

[ChrisGreaves]

I use Networx and find it very comprehensive

Thanks Jeff.
I might try it later.
As I replied to Hans, I found it confusing to download the app. Too many other buttons with "DOWNLOAD", and the two applications I tried to install were plagued with add-on snags for search engines, home pages, ...

[PaulB]

After reading your 'Turbo Stick' thread I now realize why the bandwidth you quote above is so expensive. Bell's Turbo Stick and Rogers' Rocket Stick are essentially mobile phones that you plug into a USB port on your computer. They provide a data connection to the internet through the mobile phone system. This is much more expensive than a cable or DSL connection from an ISP, but does allow for good mobility.

[ChrisGreaves]

Bell's Turbo Stick and Rogers' Rocket Stick are essentially mobile phones ...

Thanks again, Paul.
Yes; your distinction makes sense. I see now that I am essentially buying a "mobile phone" device that taps into the internet.
(Goes back to drawing board for more thoughts ...)