NetworkCostType Enum

Definition

public enum class NetworkCostType

/// [Windows.Foundation.Metadata.ContractVersion(Windows.Foundation.UniversalApiContract, 65536)]
enum class NetworkCostType

[Windows.Foundation.Metadata.ContractVersion(typeof(Windows.Foundation.UniversalApiContract), 65536)]
public enum NetworkCostType

var value = Windows.Networking.Connectivity.NetworkCostType.unknown

Public Enum NetworkCostType

Inheritance

Enum

NetworkCostType

Attributes

ContractVersionAttribute

Windows requirements

Fields

Examples

Decision pseudo-logic:

var cost = profile.GetConnectionCost();

bool unrestricted = cost.NetworkCostType == NetworkCostType.Unrestricted;

// Base operating mode
if (unrestricted && !cost.Roaming && !cost.BackgroundDataUsageRestricted)
{
    // App-specific: enable high-bandwidth features (e.g., HD media sync)
}
else
{
    // App-specific: enter conservative mode (reduced quality / deferred background work)
}

// Progressive constraints
if (cost.ApproachingDataLimit)
{
    // App-specific: reduce bitrate / quality to stay within plan (e.g., target ~1.5 Mbps)
}

if (cost.OverDataLimit)
{
    // App-specific: pause non-essential background synchronization
}

if (cost.BackgroundDataUsageRestricted)
{
    // App-specific: defer background-only telemetry / analytics
}

if (cost.Roaming)
{
    // App-specific: compress or batch large payload transfers while roaming
}

// Optional: adapt chunk sizing based on plan type
{
    // Evaluate only when needed for this decision branch.
    bool fixedPlan = cost.NetworkCostType == NetworkCostType.Fixed;
    bool variable  = cost.NetworkCostType == NetworkCostType.Variable;
    if (fixedPlan || variable)
    {
        var chunkSizeMb = cost.MaxTransferSizeInMegabytes ?? 8; // choose smaller transfer chunks
        // App-specific: apply chunkSizeMb constraint to large uploads/downloads
    }
}

Remarks

Use ConnectionProfile.GetConnectionCost to obtain the ConnectionCost object and inspect its properties (NetworkCostType, Roaming, OverDataLimit, ApproachingDataLimit, BackgroundDataUsageRestricted) before deciding how aggressively to transfer data. Evaluate flags individually; do not rely solely on NetworkCostType transitions.

Scenario guidance:

1. Unrestricted: Perform full-fidelity sync operations unless Roaming is true (still respect user preferences while roaming). BackgroundDataUsageRestricted can still require throttling even if unrestricted.
2. Fixed: Use conservative background transfer sizes; respect MaxTransferSizeInMegabytes if provided via DataPlanStatus. Provide progressive disclosure for large optional downloads.
3. Variable: Treat similar to a fixed plan near its limit. Batch opportunistically and give users a deferral option for high-volume tasks.
4. ApproachingDataLimit: Preemptively reduce quality (bitrate, resolution) and surface a subtle UI indicator. Offer a user override for critical tasks.
5. OverDataLimit: Pause non-essential background sync. Require explicit user action to proceed with large transfers.
6. BackgroundDataUsageRestricted: Defer background-only telemetry or sync; user-initiated foreground actions should proceed normally.
7. Roaming: Avoid silent large downloads; compress or batch where possible even if NetworkCostType is Unrestricted.
8. Streaming / adaptive content: Dynamically target lower initial bitrate and ramp cautiously when any of ApproachingDataLimit, OverDataLimit, Roaming, or BackgroundDataUsageRestricted is active.

See also

• DataPlanStatus
• Network Cost sample
• NetworkConnectivity sample