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| | | | FAQ Revisions | Editors: File Quit  , Johkal , sortofageek
Last modified on 2008-10-11 20:42:01
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3. Other·Comcast Network Health Status
·Comcast Network Management
·Does Comcast have bandwidth use limits?
·Does Comcast publish anything about bandwidth limits?
·Has anyone received a warning from Comcast concerning infringement?
·What about Coaxial Cable Amplifiers?
·What is the LFA?
·Why has my area been upgraded from 64QAM to 256QAM?
| | | Network Health provides the current known status of Comcast's network & services. Local Network Health status is accessible by logging in.
If you are logged in to Comcast.net, this link will take you to your Local Network Health Status: Network Health
If you are not logged in when clicking the link, you will see a message in pink stating:
"Please sign in to see local Network Health messages."
Follow these instructions:
Click "Sign in" icon located at top right of page
Page opens up to sign in
Type in Username & Password
Click "Sign In" button
Page opens up to Local Network Health
Message now reads: "Network Health for user: xxxxxx"
Network & Services reported:
Internet Connection
Provisioning
Digital Voice
CSA / Abuse Security
Email
Comcast.net
My Account
Personal
Other Features/Services
Commercial
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by Johkal | | | Why does Comcast manage its network?
Comcast manages its network with one goal: to deliver the best possible broadband Internet experience to all of its customers. High-speed bandwidth and network resources are not unlimited. Managing the network is essential to promote the use and enjoyment of the Internet by all of our customers. We use reasonable network management practices that are consistent with industry standards. We also try to use tools and technologies that are minimally intrusive. Just as the Internet continues to change and evolve, so too, will our network management practices to address the challenges and threats on the Internet.
All Internet service providers need to manage their networks and Comcast is no different. In fact, many of them use the same or similar tools that Comcast does. If we didn't manage our network, our customers would be subject to the negative effects of spam, viruses, security attacks, network congestion, and other risks and degradations of the service. By engaging in reasonable and responsible network management, Comcast can deliver the best possible broadband Internet experience to all of its customers.
How does Comcast manage its network?
Comcast uses various tools and techniques to manage its network, deliver the Service, and ensure compliance with the Acceptable Use Policy and the Comcast Agreement for Residential Services available at »www.comcast.net/terms/subscriber/. These tools and techniques are dynamic, like the network and its usage, and can and do change frequently. For example, these network management activities may include identifying spam and preventing its delivery to customer e-mail accounts, detecting malicious Internet traffic and preventing the distribution of viruses or other harmful code or content and using other tools and techniques that Comcast may be required to implement in order to meet its goal of delivering the best possible broadband Internet experience to all of its customers.
Does network management change over time?
Yes. The Internet is highly dynamic. As the Internet and related technologies continue to evolve and advance, Comcast's network management tools will evolve and keep pace so that we can deliver an excellent, reliable, and safe online experience to all of our customers.
In March 2008, Comcast announced that it will migrate to a new network congestion management technique before the end of the year. (See more FAQs about that in this section.)
How will the new technique work?
The new network congestion management practice works as follows:
If a certain area of the network nears a state of congestion, the technique will ensure that all customers have a fair share of access to the network. It will identify which customer accounts are using the greatest amounts of bandwidth and their Internet traffic will be temporarily managed until the period of congestion passes. Customers will still be able to do anything they want to online, and many activities will be unaffected, but they could experience things like: longer times to download or upload files, surfing the Web may seem somewhat slower, or playing games online may seem somewhat sluggish.
The new technique does not manage congestion based on the online activities, protocols or applications a customer uses, rather it only focuses on the heaviest users in real time, so the periods of congestion could be very fleeting and sporadic.
It is important to note that the effect of this technique is temporary and it has nothing to do with aggregate monthly data usage. Rather, it is dynamic and based on prevailing network conditions as well as very recent data usage.
Will the technique target P2P or other applications, or make decisions about the content of my traffic?
No. The new technique is “protocol-agnostic,” which means that the system does not manage congestion based on the applications being used by customers. It is content neutral, so it does not depend on the type of content that is generating traffic congestion. Said another way, customer traffic is congestion-managed not based on their applications, but based on current network conditions and recent bytes transferred by users.
How does the new network management technique impact me and my use of the Comcast High Speed Internet service?
With this new technique, most customers will notice no change in their Internet experience. The goal of congestion management is to enable all users to have access to a fair share of the network at peak times, when congestion occasionally occurs. Congestion management focuses on the consumption activity of individual customer accounts that are using a disproportionate amount of bandwidth. As a result, and based on our technical trials of this technique, we expect that the large majority of customers will not be affected by it. In fact, based on consumer data collected from these trials, we found that on average less than 1% of our high-speed Internet customers are affected by the approach.
How often does Comcast expect to use this technique?
Based on market trials to date, Comcast expects that select portions of the network will be in a congested state only for relatively small portions of the day, if at all.
During these trials, Comcast did not receive a single customer complaint that could be traced to this new congestion management practice, despite having publicized the trials and notifying customers involved in the trials via e-mail.
Comcast will continue to monitor how user traffic is affected by these new congestion management techniques and will make the adjustments reasonably necessary to ensure that our Comcast High-Speed Internet customers have a high-quality online experience.
Can you give me some "real world" examples of how much bandwidth consumption would be considered too much? For example, how many movies would I have to download to be affected by this new technique?
Since the technique is dynamic and works in real time, the answer really depends on a number of factors including overall usage, time of day and the number of applications a customer might be running at the same time. First, the local network must be approaching a congested state for our new technique to even look for traffic to manage. Assuming that is the case, customers’ accounts must exceed a certain percentage of their upstream or downstream (both currently set at 70%) bandwidth for longer than a certain period of time, currently set at fifteen minutes.
A significant amount of normal Internet usage by our customers does not last that long. For example, most downloads would have completed within that time, and the majority of streaming and downloading will not exceed the threshold to be eligible for congestion management. And the majority of longer-running applications, such as VoIP, video conferencing, and streaming video content (including HD streaming on most sites) will not exceed these thresholds either.
The point of the technique is to deliver the best overall online experience possible. The technique should help ensure that all customers get their fair share of bandwidth resources to enjoy all that the Internet has to offer and that includes surfing the web, reading emails, downloading movies, watching streaming video, gaming or listening to music.
How will customers know they are being managed?
We are exploring ways to create new tools that will let customers know when the management is occurring. In the short term, our efforts are focused on transitioning to the new technique as soon as possible.
We believe this sort of congestion notification should be an Internet standard and have been discussing this issue in technical bodies like the Internet Engineering Task Force. We believe the use of Internet Standards for such a real-time notification is important as applications developers can write for networks beyond the Comcast network. However we are planning to develop a capability that may enable a customer to see if they were managed in the past, though this is not yet ready for testing.
Does this technique apply to both Commercial and Residential services?
Yes
How is this announcement related to the recent 250 GB monthly usage threshold?
The two are completely separate and distinct. The new congestion management technique is based on real-time Internet activity. The goal is to avoid congestion on our network that is being caused by the heaviest users. The technique is different from the recent announcement that 250 GB/month is the aggregate monthly usage threshold that defines excessive use.
Is Comcast Digital Voice affected by this technique? What about other VoIP providers?
Comcast Digital Voice is a separate facilities-based IP phone service that is not affected by this technique.
Comcast customers who use VoIP providers that rely on delivering calls over the public Internet who are also using a disproportionate amount of bandwidth during a period when this network management technique goes into effect may experience a degradation of their call quality at times of network congestion. It is important to note, however, that VoIP calling in and of itself does not use a significant amount of bandwidth. Furthermore, our real-world testing of this technique did not indicate any significant change in the quality of VoIP calls, even for managed customer traffic during periods of congestion.
What about Fancast.com and streaming video or video downloads? What will happen to them?
During periods of congestion, any customers who are using a disproportionate amount of bandwidth – no matter what type or content of the online activity (for example, it does not matter if the content is coming from a Comcast owned site like Fancast.com or not) – may be affected by this technique.
Our technique also has no ability to determine the applications or protocols being used or the content, source or destination.
Does Comcast block peer-to-peer ("P2P") traffic or applications like BitTorrent, Gnutella, or others?
No. Today, Comcast does not block P2P traffic or applications like BitTorrent, Gnutella, or others as part of its current network congestion management technique.
It is important to note, however, that the current network congestion technique, which will be replaced by the end of 2008, may on a limited basis temporarily delay certain P2P traffic when that traffic has, or is projected to have, an adverse effect on other customers' use of the service. We do this because, in certain situations, that type of traffic consumes a disproportionately large amount of network resources.
Does Comcast discriminate against particular types of online content?
No. Comcast provides its customers with full access to all the content, services, and applications that the Internet has to offer. However, we are committed to protecting customers from spam, phishing, and other unwanted or harmful online content and activities. Comcast uses industry standard tools and generally accepted best practices and policies to help it meet this customer commitment. In cases where these tools and policies identify certain online content as harmful and unwanted, such as spam or phishing Web sites, this content is usually prevented from reaching customers. In other cases, these tools and policies may permit customers to identify certain content that is not clearly harmful or unwanted, such as bulk e-mails or Web sites with questionable security ratings, and enable those customers to inspect the content further if they want to do so.
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by Johkal | | | The short answer is "yes." This has been a known fact for our members for years now and you will find below a sampling of the most recent discussions on the topic.
Do not post another thread on this topic. After reading the posts in the links below, if you're sure you have something new to add, post it here --> »Bandwidth Limits - All discussion here
While not actually a bandwidth limits/abuse thread, this one may be of interest as a related topic ---> »Bandwidth Monitor for Computers-Suggestions?
Consider reading the following threads to see if your information has already been posted or your questions already answered:
»Is "measurement" subject to state weights & measurements law
»Today's Bandwidth Limits Thread
»Did anybody else get the new AUP in their email?
»Comcast 250GB limit
»[Speed] Comcast to throttle individual users; all protocols
»[POLL] Do you agree with Comcast's new AUP ?
»Comcast switches CNET reader to an unlimited account??
»Comcast has new Acceptable Use Policy besides the 250GB cap
»Comcast + Olympics = Termination?
»IMPORTANT: If you are planning on canceling because of caps
»It's official: Comcast starts 250GB bandwidth caps October 1
»Another bandwidth limits abuse discussion
»Got a warning from comcast? use tvtonic or utorrent?
»Comcast Bandwidth Abuse/Limits - Discuss here only
»Concerned about Comcast HSI download limits
»Data transfer limit not changed on 50/6 tier service in MN
»Got 'the call' again... haven't had internet for 8 months...
»Well it happened... large digital downloads
»[News] Comcast Clarifies Bandwidth Banning - Invisicap Revealed!
»[News] Comcast Shows How Not to Win Friends
»[Business] Comcast Bandwidth Bullies!
»Well Just Got my First Bandwidth Notice From Comcast.. LOL
»Washington Post On Comcast Caps
»Washington Post: Shutting Down Big Downloaders
»[Connectivity] comcast drops/ban my connection.....
»New information about bandwidth limits!
»[Newsgroups] Newsgroups How much is too much?
»Mysterious Caps?
»if you think comcast's unwritten download caps are bad.....
»Comcast gave me a number for bandwidth usage
»I got "the call" from Comcast. Another Cap story.
»I want Comcast to take my money. Any non-standard options?
»Invisible Cap Would Comcast suspend account without warning?
»[Connectivity] Contacted by Comcast Abuse Dept Today...
»What providers have the highest dl ul caps or no caps?
»Comcast throttling high bandwidth users secretly.
»How much is too much
»Abuse line calls us because we CONTACTED the business dept?
»Comcast Workplace
»Comcast cut us off
»[Connectivity] Class action against Comcast for not disclosing c
»You think Comcast is tough on caps? Check out Speakeasy
»Comcast again starts to cut off Internet bandwidth hogs
»[News] Comcast Terminating Service of Power Users
»Internet got cancelled
»[Connectivity] Account Suspended?
»Whine, whine, whine...
»Article on Comcast Download Limits
»[Bandwidth Abuse] comcast asked us not to use VPN
»Comcast & using too much bandwidth
»Comcast Admits Caps @ 200GB/month!!
»Comcast Bandwidth limit?
»Unlimited Bandwidth Entitlement - Who pays?
»Comcast Representitive said no transfer limit
»Any New Updates on Comcast Abuse Calls
»May have a problem after the Comcast switch....
»Comcast usage "Abuse"?
»Comcast Does It Again - HSI Cancellation
»Comcast abuse phone call.
»Booted from Comcast
»[Connectivity] Do Support and Abuse dept talk to each other?
»Got Calculator?
»Acct suspended - Abuse Dept?
»Comcast Suspend Service for "Security Reasons"
»[Split] A Bandwidth Cap Discussion
»Should I Be Concerned About Download Cap
»"monthly bandwidth limits"!?!?
»[Connectivity] My account was suspended for exceeding the in
»[News] Comcast imposing invisible caps again
»Is Comcast still sending bw abuse letters?
»[Speed] U/L and D/L limits? Caps? Etc.
»Anyone got "The Letter" or call since the upgrade?
»Comcast Bandwidth Exceeded Notice!!!
•Those are only a sampling of the most recent threads on this topic, just in case somebody thinks this is news to us. If, after reading all those, you honestly think you have something new to report or discuss, please contact a forum mod before starting yet another thread on this subject.
Archive: Bandwidth Abuse Suspension Information:
Q: Does switching to a "Pro" account keep you from getting the letter?
A: The following BBR users have reported getting the letter with a "Pro" account:
Reddking »Re: anyone got a letter on a pro account? jsbthree »Re: My experience with Comcast bandwidth suspensio
Q: If I want to complain to someone, or ask questions who should I talk to?
A: A good source of information:
»A Resource Guide for Complaints Against Comcast
Q: How can I estimate my internet usage?
A: Try this tool:
»www.numion.com/Calculators/index.html
Q: How can I monitor my internet usage?
A: This thread has a lot of information about monitoring software:
»Banned Users Need Network Monitoring Software?
Q: What is the "limit"?
A: The following is a non-exhaustive list of people's reported bandwidth usage who have received a letter:
(Warning: Most of the reported numbers are stated to be estimates)
Reported usage is for a month’s time and the date is when the letter was received.
95GB Down 61GB Up
Irving TX, December 03?
»Re: Help Please..I got the dreaded "letter"
60GB Down 20GB Up
»Re: My experience with Comcast bandwidth suspensio
60GB Down 30GB Up
»Re: My experience with Comcast bandwidth suspensio
100GB Down 14GB Up
Los Angeles, CA, December 03
»Re: My experience with Comcast bandwidth suspension
110GB Down
Albuquerque, NM, December 03
»Re: My experience with Comcast bandwidth suspension
40GB Down 11GB Up
Millville, NJ, December 03
»Re: My experience with Comcast bandwidth suspension
180GB Down 10GB Up
Naperville, IL, January 04
»Re: My experience with Comcast bandwidth suspension
135GB Down 1.5GB Up
Monongahela, PA, January 04
»Re: My experience with Comcast bandwidth suspension
250GB Down
Manassas, VA, August 03
»Re: Comcast Bandwidth Exceeded Notice!!!
100GB Down 17GB UP
Philadelphia, PA, September 03
»Re: exessive use of service ----WHAT I DID TO GET
»Re: Comcast Account Suspended for going over "limi
80GB total
December 03
»Re: My experience with Comcast bandwidth suspension
Unconfirmed Comcast comments on what the limit is:
Q: What is the excessive bandwidth use threshold?
A: There is no predetermined bandwidth usage threshold. It is important to note that customers who are being contacted show bandwidth usage that skews quite disproportionately high as compared to overall average bandwidth use.
Q: About how much bandwidth are these “excessive” users consuming?
A: There is no predetermined bandwidth threshold. However, the amount of bandwidth that an excessive user may consume may be analogous to downloading 90 movies or 4,500 movie trailers in a single month.
»Comcast APU Customer Protocol!!
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by sortofageek
last modified: 2008-09-20 11:52:55 | | | There are some guidelines in their Frequently Asked Questions about Excessive Use FAQ .
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by sortofageek
last modified: 2008-03-13 13:46:54 | | | Yes, we have seen those reported. Recent history is here:
»comcast issued a letter to me part 2
»comcast issued a letter to me part 1
»Comcast Network Abuse Email ? Are they allowed to do this?
»Notice of Claim Copyright Infringement?
»Notice of Action under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act
»Should i be worried?
»Comcast Illegal downloading note
»Nastygram Received
»Got a good one from comcast
»Notice of Claim of Copyright Infringement
»[Connectivity] Contacted by Comcast Abuse Dept Today...
»Notice of Claim of Copyright Infrigement letter
»Notice of Action under the Digital Millennium Copyright
»Comcast usage "Abuse"?
»[Speed] NE Philly / Abington = 25 mbits!
»Notice of Action under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act
»Comcast disconnects for using P2P
»Copyright email...
»[E-mail] Comcast DMCA notice
»126 "Notice of Claim of Copyright Infringement" Emails
»Comcast is spying on me!
»Question about Notice of Claim of Copyright Infringement
»DMCA copyright E-mail from comcast? Help me please!
»DMCA Violation
»Notice of Claim of Copyright Infringement
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by sortofageek
last modified: 2008-08-15 20:31:20 | | | Signal boosters (amplifiers) usually cause more noise on the line which can result in disconnects. Also, it can kill the upstream signal (to the point where it is 'out of spec').
See also: »Cable Modems and Wiring Issues
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by Bleek edited by sortofageek
last modified: 2007-09-20 16:04:39 | | | In short, a Local Franchise Authority is the primary arm of the local community government that oversees the cable franchise. The cable franchise is the contract between the local community and the local cable operator. A cable contract is not hard to read and it is becoming more and more common to find them online.
The power of an LFA is derived from several FCC regs. LFAs are specifically allowed to regulate certain areas (basic cable rates, video quality, etc) and specifically not allowed to regulate other areas (channel choices, internet performance, etc).
LFAs have a significant amount of power in some areas and virtually none in other areas. LFAs can audit the cable operator's books, fine cable operators, or in extreme cases revoke their franchise. At the same time, LFAs have a vested interested in protecting the cable operator because the community receives franchise fees and other benefits (funds for community activities, cable channels for the public, schools, and government, etc) from the cable operator.
The degree to which LFAs do such enforcement depends on the terms of the franchise, satisfication of the citizens, and the local politicians. An LFA has a great deal of discretion in how it carries out its oversight duties and LFA quality varies greatly from one jurisdiction to another.
Some communities also have citizen committees or commissions that complement the activities of the LFA. Like the LFA, activities and quality of local citizen boards vary greatly.
Thanks to DonLibes
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by draven edited by Johkal
last modified: 2008-09-05 17:51:58 | | | 256QAM simply allows for more throughput per downstream channel than 64QAM does. This doesn't mean that the customer will see faster speeds, it just means that there can be more people on one downstream channel, or the same number of people, but with higher downstream speed caps.
The downside is that 256QAM is more susceptible to noise, and hence requires better SNR and signal strength.
For a 256QAM modulated downstream channel, shoot for SNR above 33dB. Anything below may cause connectivity problems.
Thanks to oldTDNickell
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by Nerdtalker edited by Big_D
last modified: 2005-01-01 13:38:17 |
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