Thread: Warning on Limited Plans and Always-on Connection

The other day (Jan-27) to be exact I was facing an issue with BSNL BB. The DSLAM circuit was down and hence I was unable to connect to the internet. While trying to resolve my issue and talking to the CSE I found some interesting side-facts.

The CSE was asking me all about the dial-up errors (error 678). I explained to him that I have setup my modem/router in the always-on condition (PPPoE). He told me that BSNL does not recommend this. I asked him why. He could not explain but this is also what he said:

In an always-on condition there is a constant exchange of data (packets sent, packets received). The modem also dials in to fix a broken connection whenever such an event occurs.

All this adds to the usage.

He said that I do not have to worry as I had UL900 plan; but he also said that it is advisable to switch off the modem when not in use.

i was also told by the person who installs the modem to use bridge mode but he didn't tell me anything about usage worry.i personally tested both modes & found out that at least in my location bridge mode works better than pppoe.also personally i found brigde mode better if there is only 1 computer to connect as no hassles of port forwarding.

I know a guy who is using BSNL limited 250 home plan and used to leave his computer and modem always on position for most of the time and he had not used much on that month except occasional browsing but ended up using more than his limited usage and had to pay more for this mistake he did.

its true tht for limited connections always on is highly unrecommended!

but if you have ulimited plan then its a little more secure to use always on,since you hav your routers hardware firewall + windows firewall!

also depending on the modem & its firmware's pppoe driver, the connection would be more stable and not reliable(dont use bsnl modems for stable and reliable always on connections)

correct. But it will not reflect huge usage.