Connected Home Devices and Internet Usage
Discussion
So we've only a small number of connected devices in the household, and I periodically check their internet traffic, just out of pure curiousity.
The first device I've noticed moving larger than expected amounts of data is a Sony smart TV. It's not a typical Android TV platform, and runs some other interface and bespoke apps installed on it from the factory, with no app store for finding additional apps for installation.
We don't use its smart functionality at all, but it has been connected to WiFi since installation.
We use two MiBox 3's and an Nvidia Shield TV to stream to the TV's over HDMI.
In the last two months it's started uploading small amounts of data, so I can only guess it's sending data home on typical TV use and what's been viewed ? Is that a somewhat correct guess ?
Incidentally two months ago coincides with when we also started using the second HDMI port on the Sony for Amazon Prime video. That way it feeds the audio back to the sound system over the HDMI1 cable for convenience. (MiBox 3 on HDMI1 throughput via Samsung soundbar. HDMI2 feeds back through HDMI1 for audio output/control etc)
My solution will be to disconnect the Sony TV from the WiFi network. It's only used as a display and doesn't need connectivity. I can't see what impact that will have on its usage.
The other device with unusual internet traffic is a Xiaomi air purifier, with remote control via Android/iOS apps.
It was 'quite' following initial setup but in recent weeks that too is uploading MB's of data over random days. The app control won't be creating that much traffic, so what on earth could an air purifier be uploading over its connection ?
I might disconnect that too, but the app control is handy for when you're not in the same room and can't see the display.
We've circa 15 devices in total connected to the WiFi, and the remaining devices show traffic typically expected of their use, but the two mentioned above seem out of kilter for their use and intended application.
Any ideas from those more clued in with this kind of stuff ?
The first device I've noticed moving larger than expected amounts of data is a Sony smart TV. It's not a typical Android TV platform, and runs some other interface and bespoke apps installed on it from the factory, with no app store for finding additional apps for installation.
We don't use its smart functionality at all, but it has been connected to WiFi since installation.
We use two MiBox 3's and an Nvidia Shield TV to stream to the TV's over HDMI.
In the last two months it's started uploading small amounts of data, so I can only guess it's sending data home on typical TV use and what's been viewed ? Is that a somewhat correct guess ?
Incidentally two months ago coincides with when we also started using the second HDMI port on the Sony for Amazon Prime video. That way it feeds the audio back to the sound system over the HDMI1 cable for convenience. (MiBox 3 on HDMI1 throughput via Samsung soundbar. HDMI2 feeds back through HDMI1 for audio output/control etc)
My solution will be to disconnect the Sony TV from the WiFi network. It's only used as a display and doesn't need connectivity. I can't see what impact that will have on its usage.
The other device with unusual internet traffic is a Xiaomi air purifier, with remote control via Android/iOS apps.
It was 'quite' following initial setup but in recent weeks that too is uploading MB's of data over random days. The app control won't be creating that much traffic, so what on earth could an air purifier be uploading over its connection ?
I might disconnect that too, but the app control is handy for when you're not in the same room and can't see the display.
We've circa 15 devices in total connected to the WiFi, and the remaining devices show traffic typically expected of their use, but the two mentioned above seem out of kilter for their use and intended application.
Any ideas from those more clued in with this kind of stuff ?
Edited by Corso Marche on Saturday 2nd February 12:09
Our Samsung TVs are connected to our network via WiFi and go through a little data monthly for updates etc...
I have a load of WiFi sockets (S20) that use a little as well for the same.
It’s a drop in the ocean from what the household uses though which is about 100gb a month at the moment.
I have a load of WiFi sockets (S20) that use a little as well for the same.
It’s a drop in the ocean from what the household uses though which is about 100gb a month at the moment.
I'm not worried about the amount of data used.
We typically use between 500 and 600gb each month.
What has piqued my interest here is the data uploaded is much higher than what is downloaded by each device. What info (other than requests to check for updates, and data relayed back to the app for the purifier) might each device be uploading ?
I'm just curious, and hoping somebody on here has knowledge they can share !
We typically use between 500 and 600gb each month.
What has piqued my interest here is the data uploaded is much higher than what is downloaded by each device. What info (other than requests to check for updates, and data relayed back to the app for the purifier) might each device be uploading ?
I'm just curious, and hoping somebody on here has knowledge they can share !
When one of our TVs went wrong the Samsung repair chaps who came and I were chatting about the merits of keeping it connected to WiFi or Ethernet after they had replaced the internals advised the upload is about usage statistics and system check information against certain components - how true that is I don’t know though
Corso Marche said:
Flumpo said:
Sorry for silly question, how and what are you using to get that data?
It's the app to control and monitor our WiFi router, and monitor any devices connected to it.It's the start of the big data era.
It the next big thing in society after the computer, Internet, streaming etc... Big data is a massive opportunity and currently most big companies are in a race to obtain as much as possible so that when they do know what they can do with it, they have data already stored to play with.
My previous employer sent out a few big questionnaires asking average Joe employee for ideas on monetising big data, and ways they could use it. I suggested targeted advertising & consumers profiles to better target marketing campaigns at them.
Tescos was one of the first to nail it with their club card scheme. They get MUCH moreover out of the it then us consumers do with our points & vouchers
Yeah, the TV I can understand. Content recognition and data return exists, and most, if not all, TV manufacturers are involved.
But the air purifier ? What could that be returning?
Air quality, humidity, & temperature for sure.
But what else ?
Location ?
Ext IP ?
Descriptions of other devices on the same network ?
That device has me stumped to a degree....
But the air purifier ? What could that be returning?
Air quality, humidity, & temperature for sure.
But what else ?
Location ?
Ext IP ?
Descriptions of other devices on the same network ?
That device has me stumped to a degree....
All those boxes you tick to get your new shiny toy set up.
Then you see all the stories about Facebook and google harvesting your data
So your politicians introduce GDPR legislation to protect you
At which point you wander into currys and buy another smart device and hand over all your data again
Orwell was partially right, big brother is watching you but he isn’t your government.
Then you see all the stories about Facebook and google harvesting your data
So your politicians introduce GDPR legislation to protect you
At which point you wander into currys and buy another smart device and hand over all your data again
Orwell was partially right, big brother is watching you but he isn’t your government.
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