Bandwidth Usage Vary with Listeners?
 

This is a confusing question, but let me try to clarify:

Does Shoutcast server use any upstream bandwidth if no one is 'tuned in' to the server at that particular moment in time?

Two issues:

It seems my upload speed when I send large files to an FTP server is at full speed when the Shoutcast server is running but has no one tuned in. When I had a listener tuned in and I ran an FTP session, my upload speed seemed to be less by the approximate bitrate of the Shoutcast stream.

My ISP has a 'no servers' rule in the ToS. I would like to know if an idle Shoutcast server eats up bandwidth continuously or not. Since most of my traffic is sporadic, my average bandwidth usage MAY be okay ASSUMING Shoutcast doesn't really use bandwidth when there is no stream being listened to from an outside computer.

Can anyone provide an informed answer to this question? I just want to avoid being detected by metering /ISP /bandwidth snooping that look for continuous longterm bandwidth hogging.

If there are zero listeners (real and relay), then the DNAS doesn't send out anything except some touches/information to SHOUTcast.

Is it really worth trying to sneak under the bandwidth radar?

I don't have a choice. It's either 768/128 for $50/mo or get a commercial business account for $270/mo that offers 1500/128. I'm not going to spend what amounts to over $3000/yr for internet access for a completely non-profit broadcast.

Do you have metered or unmetered bandwidth?

Is outsourcing your DNAS and option?

Are other ISPs an option? You might be in need of a new one since you're going against your current ISP ToS.

This is an expensive hobby.
Machines, music, bandwidth, time, ...

Outsourcing is not an option for two reasons:

Budget of zero
and
Still have to get the audio from my studio to their server.


We have only one option for an ISP. Cable or dialup. No other ISPs. Ours has a monopoly. No DSL. ISDN installation cost would run in the thousands. No options!!