In 2008, Comcast was found to be interfering with BitTorrent traffic for its customers. They were using an Internet congestion management practice called “Packet Shaping” which is when a network provider will purposely limit the bandwidth of certain protocols. The main problem with this is that it does not allow other types of data to get through when there is a high demand on the networks so people are unable to download and upload as quickly as they want, or at all in some cases. This article discusses what exactly packet shaping is, how it works, and what you can do about it if your ISP uses this technique!
Packet shaping is a commonly used method of internet congestion management. It involves limiting bandwidth for certain protocols in order to manage traffic on high-demand networks. The main problem with this technique is that it does not allow other types of data through when there are heavy demands on the network, which means that people cannot upload or download as quickly as they want, and sometimes they can’t at all depending on what’s happening with the ISP provider. This article discusses how packet shaping works, why ISPs use it, and ways you might be able to mitigate its effects if your service provider uses this practice!
When Comcast was found to be interfering with BitTorrent traffic, what method was being used? Packet shaping.
The main problem with this technique is that it does not allow other types of data through when there are heavy demands on the network, which means that people cannot upload or download as quickly as they want, and sometimes they can’t at all depending on what’s happening with the ISP provider. This article discusses how packet shaping works (determining which packets get priority for their destination), why ISPs use it (to avoid congestion from high demand networks), and ways you might be able to mitigate its effects if your service provider uses this practice!
Methods include using a VPN like TorGuard so your IP address is changed, or using a service like TunnelBear which can be accessed from almost anywhere in the world, and also uses encryption to make it difficult for ISPs to identify you.
If your ISP throttles speeds on torrenting when downloading files, or if they block access altogether–you should look into alternative options as soon as possible! And there are plenty of services to choose from; just do some research before making a decision.
The easiest way might not always be the best one depending on what kind of Internet connection you have available!
The easiest way might not always be the best one depending on what kind of Internet connection you have available–make sure to look into alternatives so as not to put yourself at risk when downloading torrents from sources other than official websites.
It’s also important to remember that in many cases, ISPs claim they’re only targeting illegal activity when slowing down speeds for torrenting; but it’s hard to know if this is the honest truth when it’s they themselves who are interfering with our Internet service.
Use a VPN to secure your download from any throttling or blocking, and be sure to look into other possible options as well–with so many different providers out there, you’ll want to make sure that whichever one you choose is best for your needs!
Comcast uses DPI to identify when a user is downloading files through BitTorrent and sends the relevant information back to its “Throttling” department for evaluation. If the customer’s account has been flagged as exceeding 250 GB of data during any given month (which typically only happens when someone downloads large amounts of pirated content), then they are subjected to heavy throttling–slowing down their download speeds by as much as 80%.
This method was first uncovered in 2009 after one Comcast subscriber decided he’d had enough with his slow Internet service and contacted The Associated Press about what would happen if he downloaded more than 250GB worth of data per month. After the AP sent a reporter to investigate, the journalist was able to confirm that Comcast would employ throttling techniques when customers downloaded files through BitTorrent.
The only way around being subjected to heavy throttling is by paying more money for your cable and Internet bill or changing ISPs.
The article also goes on to mention how this method of slowing down users’ download speeds has been used in other countries as well–including France, Italy, Chile, and Australia.
