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Comment by LorenDB | Hacker News Reader

I am infuriated that practically every (US) carrier claims an unlimited data plan, but then proceeds to limit your hotspot usage. It's just data. Let me use it.

Yes, I know about (and sometimes use) the ttl=65 loophole, but I'd like to see a major carrier launch a truly unlimited plan.

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Since you mentioned it, on MacOS when tethering:

sudo sysctl -w net.inet.ip.ttl=65

When done, switch it back:

sudo sysctl -w net.inet.ip.ttl=64

I went from 0.3Mbps on T-Mobile to 50+ Mbps with this; on providers that limit hotspot speed by examining TTL, this can be an effective way to get around it.

(They assume if they see TTL as one lower than expected, data is passing through a hotspot/phone instead of directly from the phone.)

There is no harm in keeping it at 65 permanently. Unless you think that TTL somehow helps to more uniquely identify you.

Good to know! I'm not a networking expert so figured leaving the default made sense just in case.

Linux uses a similar command:

sudo sysctl net.ipv4.ip_default_ttl=65

I assume there is an ipv6 version as well, but I haven't needed it.

net.ipv6.conf.all.hop_limit=65 + net.ipv6.conf.lo.hop_limit=65

You're the real mvp on this thread. Thanks I figured this was in place but never thought through the ttl bit.

Unlimited data is gym membership model, the businesses has to change its pricing if too many members actually used it. Phones before iPhone were much less efficient at wasting data, and therefore that distinction could "save" traffic for carriers by a lot.

I'm so surprised this is still a thing, I remember it was like 10 years ago, but now you just turn on hotspot and keep going .. at least I thought.

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