FAQs - Network Quota

What is the "Network Quota?"

The network quota blocks access to all off-campus Internet resources to users who have exceeded their bandwidth usage quotas. The network quota was developed to protect the academic and research functions of the network here at Central Michigan University. Without the network quota or other network utilization protection mechanisms in place, the bandwidth available to these academic functions would be extremely limited. Before the implementation of the network quota system, this had been a serious problem.

In addition, the cost to provide this bandwidth has skyrocketed in recent years. Historically, 5% of network users consume over 90% of the University's total bandwidth. The intent of the network quota is to improve network conditions for the remaining 95% of users.

What is bandwidth?

Bandwidth is the total amount of traffic that can be transmitted across a connection in a given period of time.

How did I use this much bandwidth?

Normal web-browsing habits typically will not use enough bandwidth to put a person over their network quota. File-swapping applications, such as peer-to-peer clients, are commonly the cause of high bandwidth utilization. Many file-swapping applications allow others to download files from your computer, resulting in a high amount of upload traffic. Typically, it is this upload traffic that puts most users over their network quota.

Streaming audio or video, or using applications like iChat for video chatting, can also consume a high amount of bandwidth. Computer viruses, trojans, and worms can also cause your bandwidth utilization to be unusually high.

Is the content of my Internet traffic being monitored?

Information Technology does not monitor the content of traffic to and from the Internet. The network quota is based solely on the amount of data transferred between your computer and the Internet.

Isn't bandwidth free?

No, bandwidth is not free. CMU spends hundreds of thousands of dollars to pay for its Internet connections. As usage goes up, so do the costs.

I need full network connectivity. What can I do?

If you are over your network quota but require connectivity to off-campus sites, there are a number of computer labs available for use on campus -- including the Woldt and Grawn Computer Labs. Public-use computers are also available in the Park Library.

What is the current limit?

The current limit is set to 7 gigabytes (7000 megabytes) of total Internet traffic or 2 gigabytes (2000 megabytes) of outgoing Internet traffic in a single week. This means that, while you can have a total of 7 GB of network traffic (uploads and downloads), if you first exceed 2 GB of outgoing traffic (uploads), you will have exceeded your network bandwidth quota. These numbers may be adjusted based on available bandwidth or costs. Please note that network traffic to/from properly registered game consoles does not count towards the quota limits.

How much is a gigabyte?

A gigabyte (GB) is roughly one thousand megabytes, or one billion bytes.

7 GB doesn't sound like much. Can I get more?

Most users do not come anywhere close to this limit. Usually if they hit this limit, it is because they have been excessively downloading files, or have their computer configured to serve out material. With many MP3s being around 4 MB, this would be the equivalent of 1750 MP3s downloaded each week. Exceptions can be made if approved by CMU's Chief Technology Officer. Another option previously offered to students would be to have no bandwidth restrictions if they pay their portion of CMU's Internet bill. The average user going over their network quota would need to pay around $300 per month to cover their costs.

When does my network quota get reset?

This is done automatically at the end of the week.

I have classes that use Blackboard. How is that affected?

Currently, on-campus traffic uses a different link that is still available when you are over your network quota. There are also several labs on campus and in the residence halls that are available for use.

Can I check my network bandwidth quota?

Yes. Go to the site http://www.it.cmich.edu. Using the navigation menu on the right, go to Getting Help > Help Desk. You'll find the link to check your bandwidth usage on that page. Similarly, you can go to the page direclty at https://helpdesk.oit.cmich.edu/resnet/login.asp.

I have heard that I can have my network bandwidth quota reset. Is this true?

Yes, but only once per semester. If you find that you have gone over quota early in the semester, you may want to save your network quota exception for later in the year, in the event that you need that Internet access for class-related research. Again: each student gets only one quota exception per semester, so use it wisely.

What will happen if I try to bypass my network quota?

Information Technology watches for users bypassing the system. When identified, you will be referred to the Office of Student Life.

Where can I get additional help with network quota problems?

For additional assistance, please contact the Help Desk at 989.774.3662