Netgear router upgraded to Sagem and now registering Gb's of usage

[beaker141]

All,

I've hunted high and low for any info on this but haven't come up with much.

I've had an old netgear sky router since 2006, all was well, until I unplugged it overnight to stop the kids using the internet, when it was then turned back on it wouldnt connect to ADSL line any more.

Rang Sky, they said Router broke and after a bit of diagnosis etc they said they'd send me a new one, and it said on their system there would be no charge for it - the guy seemed surprised at this and said there is usually a charge, he also encouraged me to call up again and get some compensation for loss of service.

I thought this was due to me being such a loyal customer!

Sagem router all up and running now, but I've started getting emails about usage, we're on the broadband Lite, so 2Gb allowance, since the first email 2 days ago, we've used another 4Gb - so we're well over.

What I'm suspicious about - broadband usage hasnt changed in our house, only the router. Was there any issues with the old Netgear where Sky couldnt measure the usage history - my usage history has always been blank up till now (clearly I've kept quiet). Have Sky then deviously disabled the account relevant to that router/mac or something at the exchange to force me into replacing it so they can track my usage and upgrade me?

I've tried an older version of firmware on the netgear now in case it was a firmware related upgrade and it still cant get to ADSL connection. Could there be a certain component in the netgear thats fried that I could replace?

Any ideas?

Stuart.

[Scubbie]

The first thing that I would do would be to change the WiFi settings on the router, after looking to see who/what is connected to it.

When you log into the Sky router, take a look at the page which lists the connected devices. Print it off if you prefer. Check the list against everything in your home and ensure that it is all accounted for. You'll find the list of connected devices under the 'Maintenance' tab.

Next navigate to the Wireless settings page. You want to change the Wireless name (SSID), security settings (use WPA2, not WPA-WPA2, WPA or WEP) and the password. Do this when connected to the router via an Ethernet cable. Do not worry about the password being complex. The software to hack a WPA2 router is quite processor intensive and would crack any password eventually. Ensure that it is at least 8 characters long and includes both letters and numbers. As for the SSID, any name is fine but I would recommend against using family names or something relating to your property. It just makes it too easy to identify who lives somewhere and shows when you are away. Remember that since this is broadcast that you should not use any rude words or other inflammatory words.

If you do not use the WiFi choose to disable it instead.

Also navigate to the page to change the router's password.

Basically I suspect that someone may have hacked the router's WiFi password and may be using your Internet connection. Doing all the above will verify or disprove this theory and make it harder for them to try again. The default settings are IMHO too easy to crack.

[beaker141]

Scubbie - thanks for your help.

I am not in any way disputing we have used the Gb's we have, I commandeered one of my sons Nexus 7s last night and checked, there was 3Gb of iplayer, 1.5Gb of youtube - so I dont doubt it is us who have used the Gb's.

We will have always used this much though, Sky picking up on it coincided with changing the router, hence I think either something wasnt registered correctly between the old router and sky - or the netgear didnt allow them to record usage.

[Scubbie]

No problem. It wasn't clear in your first post that this was expected. I see now that you suspect that the older firmware didn't pick it up, but I suspect that there was a glitch somewhere in the settings for your account and you have been lucky and it wasn't picked up sooner.

In this case Sky will simply change your product from 'Everyday Lite' to 'Unlimited' and charge you the extra £7.50 (if you have Sky TV, else £10) per month.

[dragon2611]

I've tried an older version of firmware on the netgear now in case it was a firmware related upgrade and it still cant get to ADSL connection. Could there be a certain component in the netgear thats fried that I could replace?

Any ideas?

Stuart.

Depends what's died on it, might be worth checking the capacitors haven't failed but most of the components will be very tricky if not impossible to replace without damaging the board.

[bubblegun]

Scubbie - thanks for your help.

I am not in any way disputing we have used the Gb's we have, I commandeered one of my sons Nexus 7s last night and checked, there was 3Gb of iplayer, 1.5Gb of youtube - so I dont doubt it is us who have used the Gb's.

We will have always used this much though, Sky picking up on it coincided with changing the router, hence I think either something wasnt registered correctly between the old router and sky - or the netgear didnt allow them to record usage.

I've seen this on loads of accounts. Zero usage showing for ages then when a router gets replaced suddenly tons of usage registering. So yes I would think there is an issue with the oldest routers registering the correct usage. Replacement routers are all the Sagem wireless N routers now. They are £37 on their own or free if recontracting for 12 months.

[dragon2611]

I've seen this on loads of accounts. Zero usage showing for ages then when a router gets replaced suddenly tons of usage registering. So yes I would think there is an issue with the oldest routers registering the correct usage. Replacement routers are all the Sagem wireless N routers now. They are £37 on their own or free if recontracting for 12 months.

Id be very surprised if it's the routers themselves reporting the usage, more likely that when Sky associate the new router with your account it also happens to fix something that's broken in their backend systems.