Verizon WiFi issues

[downsizingnow48]

I use a verizon USB727 modem plugged into Cradlepoint wireless router. About five years. On all the time. Knock on wood no unexplained data usage. Functionally I think this is similar to the newer personal hotspots.

 

[jix]

Eddie.. I had this problem with my Wi Fi too...It turned out to be that a neighbor was using it without knowing it..I installed a password and the problem was ended.

 

[jcummins]

Password it no need to unplug. Not sure.... Maybe an apple can turn it on but without the password it will not use it.

 

[MossRoad]

Eddie.. I had this problem with my Wi Fi too...It turned out to be that a neighbor was using it without knowing it..I installed a password and the problem was ended.

I think he's already mentioned neighbors aren't an issue in his location.

 

[riptides]

I changed the password and nobody else had it. Only Karen is here and she didn't change it on any of her devices. When she turns on her Ipad, it shows that there is wifi available. When I changed the email, and turned off the MiFi device, she saw it go offline on her Ipad just like I saw it go offline on my desktop. She wasn't using her Ipad to be online, she was reading an ebook. When she went to read her ebook later on in the afternoon, she said the MiFi was back on again. I didn't turn it on, I wasn't anywhere near it.

So far we have not changed access codes to use it on anything but the desktop. My goal is to see how much the usage changes by disconnecting the charging cord and removing the battery.

Eddie

This will not provide a meanigfull test. When the devices that are connected to it, sense it is available they will resume their bandwidth assault.
The devices may be looking for location services, apps that need updating, security patches, o/s patches and even backups.

You have to find out what device is sending what data. That means inspecting each device for what it is running and what data it is sending, down to each application and each version of the o/s.

 

[J_J]

You might try these recommendations.

5 Tips for Keeping Your Cell Phone Data Usage In Check [Infographic]

Go to data usage and you will see what is using data and how much.

 

[riptides]

You might try these recommendations.

5 Tips for Keeping Your Cell Phone Data Usage In Check [Infographic]

Go to data usage and you will see what is using data and how much.

The issue is, using wifi on a verizon mifi uses data. He is trying to figure out what device in his network and what apps are eating up his data plan.

 

[J_J]

If he goes to data usage, it will tell him exactly what apps/programs uses how much data.

I just looked at my usage data, and just a couple of you tube videos used the most data in the search period.

Here is a trick you might not know about.

Insert your phone in a foil lined bag like potato chip bag, and no sell signal can get to your phone. Tinfoil also works. Sort of like a Faraday cage if you know what I mean.

As soon as you take the phone out of the bag, you might have auto updating and messages data coming in.

I had about 15 items that also used data during that time frame.

Of course your friends can not get hold of you with phone in the bag, but then that might be good.

If your kids know about this, you can not track them either.

If you don't believe this, have your other phone call your phone in the bag. NO ring, no signal, no GPS, no data usage.

Works with any wireless device, wireless mics, wireless bugs, wireless tracking device , ankle bracelets, etc.

Why Does Aluminum Foil Block Cell Phone Signals? | Science - Opposing Views

You can try putting the MiFi in a silver bag, but the cord might be the antenna.

 

[Western]

Eddie,didnt read the whole thread, so this may have been mentioned already. You can download this to check if your WIFI is being highjacked. I have it and it takes little resources.
http://download.cnet.com/NetWatcher/3000-2085_4-10205205.html

I also have the Verizon Jetpack, have for around 5-6 years. Initially had the same problem you have, last year we upgraded to the 20g plan and on occasion go over. Biggest culprit I found was auto updates on programs.

I am considering something like Millenicom, you may want to look into it.

 

[tractorshopper]

I had MiFi, but signal wasn't always great, so they put the box on the side of my house. It and my wife and 2 daughters' cell phones all share 12G / month. We rarely go over, but a lot of times, I shut devices off like iPads and the computer, because as others have stated, updates will occur seemingly whether you want them to or not. I have a complicated password on the Verizon box, so I know the only items using it are ours. We don't watch movies or stream videos very much. 20G sounds like pretty heavy usage. Video streaming really puts a hurting on usage, so I'd wonder if some of your homepages are constantly updating and streaming some video or audio.