Bandwidth peak times - what happens when the clock strikes midnight?

[netgem21]

Hi

Just wondering, If I'm downloading a big file (in this case a PC game from Steam) that's over 5GB, if I start downloading at 11:30 pm, will the download switch to off-peak allowance at midnight or is it just for downloads initiated after midnight?

Thanks 

[Glenn]

As far as I'm aware, the download will switch from peak to off peak at midnight, but will not affect the download.

[netgem21]

As far as I'm aware, the download will switch from peak to off peak at midnight, but will not affect the download.

OK, thanks!

[adamr8965]

Good question, rik will know the answer if not he'll find out for you.

[Technical Ben]

Good question. I guess it's always been accepted that it is checked on the packet level. Unlike a phone call that is usually set from the start of a call. When you download from the internet, each part of a file is broken down into tiny packets. Each packet is then sent, one after the other. So if half of the packets are sent before midnight, and half after, they only register for the correct time. At least, that's how I thought it worked.  

[kinmel]

I start downloads late evening and leave them to run through the night, the meter always shows the off peak correctly

[Lance]

I would certainly expect it to be at the actual time data is passed though the network, rather than when the data request was initiated.

[Niall]

I would certainly expect it to be at the actual time data is passed though the network, rather than when the data request was initiated.

Yep, this is correct. I started a download from the EA store or Steam, and let it ran through the night as mentioned. The data records as it's downloading, so it's correctly recorded on your usage.

Which reminds me, as I'm bored and it's late/early I think I'll go check for patches/updates