Hi -

I've used Skype for several months, and have been quite happy. The quality can be variable, but I've had no real issues. Until now, that is.

I've been noticing recently that the light in my system tray that shows that my internet connection is active has been on a lot, even when I'm not using an internet program (ie, even if I'm not net surfing or getting e-mails, still the "little tv" lights on the system tray are often on - sometimes continuously for 10 minutes or more).

I've checked the obvious - are there any Windows Updates being automatically downloaded? Is my network being hacked by an outsider? The answers to these are all negative.

Yesterday, I had to go out for the afternoon. Just before I left home, I switched the computer on and collected my e-mails - nothing of any size or significance. Then I went out.

When I got back, I found that during the afternoon (when I wasn't there!) I'd used 17Mbs of bandwidth - roughly 10Megs downloaded and 7megs up. So, I thought I'd do a bit of serious checking.

I downloaded an evaluation version of a rather effective program called Port Explorer. Amongst other things, this analyses in real time the Port activity on the computer.

To cut this rather long story short, I don't have any bugs; no Trojans; no spyware. The culprit is Skype! That's what's eating the bandwidth. It's sending and receiving stunning amounts of stuff all over the world. It's been in touch with about 20 countries in the time it's taken me to type this post!

In real terms, it doesn't matter, because my bandwidth isn't capped. But for folks who are capped, or who don't like the thought of dynamic activity going on outside of their control, I guess this level of activity could be a bit unnerving.

Has anyone else had this experience? Am I doing anything wrong? All my privacy settings are set to "only people from my contacts".

Any thoughts appreciated.

Network Bandwidth Usage

http://forum.skype.com/viewtopic.php?t=325...=bandwith+usage

http://support.skype.com/index.php?_a=know...ndetails&_i=151

Thanks for those links.

However, in answer to the question, "How much bandwidth does Skype use when there are no active calls?" the response is, "On average Skype uses 0-0.5 kilobytes/sec while idle."

That really doesn't equate to my recent experience. So, I guess I'm still asking, am I doing something wrong?

[quote=TrevorM]Thanks for those links.

However, in answer to the question, "How much bandwidth does Skype use when there are no active calls?" the response is, "On average Skype uses 0-0.5 kilobytes/sec while idle."

That really doesn't equate to my recent experience. So, I guess I'm still asking, am I doing something wrong?[/quote]

No you are not what I would suggest it untick use port 80 & 443 in tools.>options..........>connections........>save then check again in a few days.

Rocketman -

Thanks, I've unticked "use port 80 & 443" and, so far so good, everything seems to have calmed down.

Another Skype user has offered the opinion that I was being used as a supernode.

I suppose the questions are:

1) is that likely?
2) If so, why?
Also
3) how could that happen without my consent?

Any help or giuidance you can give will be appreciated.

[quote=TrevorM]Rocketman -

Thanks, I've unticked "use port 80 & 443" and, so far so good, everything seems to have calmed down.

Another Skype user has offered the opinion that I was being used as a supernode.

I suppose the questions are:

1) is that likely?
2) If so, why?
Also
3) how could that happen without my consent?

Any help or giuidance you can give will be appreciated.[/quote]
1) No I doubt it
2) You will get background traffic, some is for chat and syncing.
3) You DID consent in agreeing to SKYPES EULA, when you download EVERY time

I'm having exactly the same problem, Skype seems to start generating lots of up- and downstream traffic after being idle for a while. Couldn't find an explanation on the Skype FAQs, and Skype for OSX doesn't have the check box for port 80/443 use.

Anyway, no program should start just generating this kind of traffic, there should be some sanity checks in the code to prevent this. Smells like bad programming to me. Or they just haven't given enough info in the FAQs about the protocol. :evil:

[quote=LN12345]I'm having exactly the same problem, Skype seems to start generating lots of up- and downstream traffic after being idle for a while. Couldn't find an explanation on the Skype FAQs, and Skype for OSX doesn't have the check box for port 80/443 use.

Anyway, no program should start just generating this kind of traffic, there should be some sanity checks in the code to prevent this. Smells like bad programming to me. Or they just haven't given enough info in the FAQs about the protocol. :evil:[/quote]

Network Bandwidth Usage

http://forum.skype.com/viewtopic.php?t=325...=bandwith+usage

http://support.skype.com/index.php?_a=know...ndetails&_i=151

Rocketman, I have no problem with bandwidth usage when I'm having a call. The keywords in this thread are "IDLE" and "NOT IN CALL" for which the Skype FAQ claims the following:
"How much bandwidth does Skype use when there are no active calls?"
"On average Skype uses 0-0.5 kilobytes/sec while idle."

There should be at least a mention in the knowledge base that Skype is capable of hogging your connection when idle. An obscure clause in an EULA that A) nobody reads anyway B) is not legally binding worldwide, isn't enough unless they want to deceive the users. At the minimum this is a question of honesty and manners, at worst it's stealing your bandwidth.

BR,
LN

hi. I have seen this same thing. I have a 2.3Mbit Connection...SHDSL, both ways...now today, i went for a walk..when i come back i notice my SHDSL modem is going nuts...constant yellow lights, and extremly frequent red light on the collision LED.

Now...collisions only happens on my line if the line is maxed out at the degree i saw now..that means that about 255KB/s transfers either direction would need to be in use.

I closed skype. All lights stopped.

In other words. Closing skype stopped my line from using 255KB/s which was indicated by the collision light.

How on earth can skype hog 2.3MBIT for idling..when i

a. Have no chat's going
b. have no transfers going
c. it's totally supposed to be dorment.

I see alot of other people have had the same problem, and I therefore
demand to know why skype, this little puny application can hog 2.3MBIT of connectionspeed when idling.


Toffy