is there a limit to my internet bandwidth

[FrankieXenon]

Recently I just called verizon to ask if hosting a server on residential is against the TOS and he/she said no. I called 2 times to make sure. And so now im hosting a ttt server with 12 people max. Is there a limit on how much bandwidth i can use? Im not planning to host my server 24/7. probably every 1 day.

[JOSEm441]

I have read various posts that indicate your are not allowed to do this. Here is one example http://forums.verizon.com/t5/FiOS-Internet/Can-I-run-a-server-off-my-residential-Internet/td-p/29091... 

This is the latest info I could find AFA data caps http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Verizon-Cracks-Down-on-Excessive-FiOS-Users-125525

[FrankieXenon]

I dont get it, so is there a cap on bandwidth? Are you able to see what my  bandwidth cap is according to my package? i have verizon fios residentail 15/5.

[Justin46]

You might want to read this document from the Residential TOS area:

http://my.verizon.com/central/vzc.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=vzc_help_policies&id=TOS

A couple of quotes from that TOS document:

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"Broadband Services" means Verizon's FiOS or DSL-based Internet services (whichever applies). Verizon's DSL-based Internet service is also known as "High Speed Internet" ("HSI").

Restrictions on Use. The Service is a consumer grade service and is not designed for or intended to be used for any commercial purpose. You may not resell, re-provision or rent the Service, (either for a fee or without charge) or allow third parties to use the Service via wired, wireless or other means. For example, you may not provide Internet access to third parties through a wired or wireless connection or use the Service to facilitate public Internet access (such as through a Wi-Fi hotspot), use it for high volume purposes, or engage in similar activities that constitute such use (commercial or non-commercial). If you subscribe to a Broadband Service, you may connect multiple computers/devices within a single home to your modem and/or router to access the Service, but only through a single Verizon-issued IP address. You also may not exceed the bandwidth usage limitations that Verizon may establish from time to time for the Service, or use the Service to host any type of server. Violation of this section may result in bandwidth restrictions on your Service or suspension or termination of your Service.

-----------------------------

Now people have posted on various forums that they are using a server or servers on a residential connection and Verizon has not objected (if they even know about it). So it certainly can be done, but it does violate the TOS and you never know, Verizon might decide to take action at any time. You have to make the decision whether you care about that.

__________________________________
Justin
FiOS TV, 25/25 Internet, and Digital Voice user
QIP7232, QIP7100-P2, IMG 1.9.4
Keller, TX 76248 (VHO 1)

[FrankieXenon]

Yes, i have read that. But the real problem im having right now is internet bandwidth, as you may not see as the title. If theres is a bandwidth cap to my internet, how do i check and how do i know if im going over it?

[Justin46]

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@FrankieXenon wrote:

Yes, i have read that. But the real problem im having right now is internet bandwidth, as you may not see as the title. If theres is a bandwidth cap to my internet, how do i check and how do i know if im going over it?

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You can't, and you won't.

Actually I read the title and the content of your post, and I think I answered all parts. Go back and read the bolded part about what Verizon might do about limits and whether you are allowed to use a server.

What part of the TOS do you not understand? Seems to me it is written in pretty clear English.

__________________________________
Justin
FiOS TV, 25/25 Internet, and Digital Voice user
QIP7232, QIP7100-P2, IMG 1.9.4
Keller, TX 76248 (VHO 1)

[FrankieXenon]

I could record the call but i wouldnt. I have called them for the 5 time this week and all say no there is no rules against hosting a server

[Justin46]

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@FrankieXenon wrote:

I could record the call but i wouldnt. I have called them for the 5 time this week and all say no there is no rules against hosting a server

---

OK, believe whatever you want. I personally would believe something official, in writing, than I would the words of some ill-informed telephone call-takers. Have you bothered to point them to the official document?

Oh, well, I think I have wasted enough time on this, I was just trying to point you to the official Verizon statement. If you don't want to believe that document, so be it, have fun (and really, I don't think Verizon is going to bother you on this, but who knows?).

__________________________________
Justin
FiOS TV, 25/25 Internet, and Digital Voice user
QIP7232, QIP7100-P2, IMG 1.9.4
Keller, TX 76248 (VHO 1)

[smith6612 · Accepted solution]

Let me chime my own two cents into this, and put the ToS into a modern stance.

In short: If you are using Verizon FiOS service with any FiOS services such as TV, or you use the FiOS router, you've already violated the terms of service. Use your residential connection in a non-commercial manner, and don't worry about it.

Long answer:

Do a port scan on 4567 for your IP address. You'll get a response back. This a server hosted by your own router for management. Do you use FiOS Remote DVR? That's a server. Do you play Xbox or PS3? Game consoles set up servers from your console by nature. Do you use Skype? Well guess what, you just set up a server. Do you torrent? Server. Do you stream content in Flash which asks for "Enhanced Streaming" permission? That's a server. Do you use TeamViewer? That sets up a server too.

The clause is there in the event that Verizon receives a complaint (DMCA, Piracy, DoS, etc) or has a network security issue that must be addressed. The wording of it is however hopelessly out of date and has been there since the early days of DSL. Realisitically speaking, host what you'd like, just don't make it commercial traffic, host anything illegal, or provoke Denial of Service attacks. Also, make sure your stuff is secure. If you can do all of this, any decent, modern ISP will not care.

For high volume traffic? Welcome to a residential network. The clause is there for those who do extensive amounts of transfer (24/7/365/???) and running with the assumption that such high volume usage is visibly causing network problems. In short, for data limits or caps on FiOS, just use the line worry-free. If you hit a point where Verizon starts calling, make sure you're logging how much data you actually use, and make them give you both a defined data limit (in writing!) and tell you how much you're actually using. Percentiles do not count. If you're hitting a point like this and they can't provide the information they're calling you out about, the contract's essentially void and you've got a way out without an ETF.

Pick your poison, I suppose...

[FrankieXenon]

You're right, skyping and gaming on a console is hosting a server. I accept your post as the answer and thanks for helping