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Expert discusses broadband congestion
Friday 6th November 2009, by Daniel King
Although people tend to think about the internet as a virtual commodity, there are some physical constraints which can lead to broadband congestion.
Richard Webb, directing analyst for wireless at Infonetics Research, noted the idea could be likened to a motorway.
Traffic and congestion can build up, meaning users are unable to move or get anywhere, he explained.
It means certain local portions of a network can become overloaded and will slow down as a result in certain areas.
Mr Webb commented: "If you're tossing large files around or downloading mp3's and videos which are large pieces of traffic then it's the equivalent of trying to drive a large lorry down a cycle path."
Furthermore, the analyst pointed out it is usual for people at work not to feel any capacity constrains at work because of the quality of the network that is implemented there.
However, once at home on DSL or Wi-Fi, individuals may notice the speed is significantly slower.
Mr Webb's comments come after Gartner released a report about the supply of bandwidth versus expected demand.
It discovered all telecommunications companies believe they can take 40 per cent more capacity on their network. However, the local connection to major networks can be overloaded with surges in demand.
To minimise risks, Gartner recommended that organisations develop an alternative net-solution to their current infrastructure for example, using virtual servers that reduce bandwidth consumption.
Other options include installing software that optimises web use, or bypassing last residential networks by adopting wireless access instead.
Categories: Broadband, Broadband Products
