Internet Tools
Bandwidth: FAQ
This document has been developed to help users of the UW-Eau Claire network better understand bandwidth issues.
- What is bandwidth?
- How does it affect my computer usage?
- Why must bandwidth be limited?
- How can I work within the limits?
What is bandwidth?
Bandwidth is the total capacity (volume and speed) of a wire. In other words, it is the maximum rate at which data can flow between computers. You can think of bandwidth as a pipe. A four-inch pipe allows more fluid through at higher speeds than a one-inch pipe. Likewise, a wire with more bandwidth not only allows faster data transmission, but increases the number of users that can achieve that speed.
How does it affect my computer usage?
For the most part, bandwidth doesn't have a noticeable effect on your computer usage. However, there are certain limitations. If the UW-Eau Claire network detects that your computer has been sending/receiving an extremely large amount of data to/from off campus computers in a certain time frame, your bandwidth with have a temporary limit. It is important to remember that the average user will never be limited.
Bandwidth limitations can also affect overall computer performance. When a computer is transmitting data, it spends processing cycles waiting for responses from the server. If a bandwidth limit is imposed on the computer, it waits for server responses that will never come because of the limit. These processing cycles could be used for processing other user requests.
Why must bandwidth be limited?
The cost to UW-Eau Claire for Internet service has been rising steadily for the last several years. It has gone from $18,000 in 1999-2000, to $32,000 in 2000-2001, to an estimated $392,000 in 2001-2002. Growth projections show Internet traffic rising to around the $750,000 level by 2002-2003.
UW-Eau Claire is charged by WiscNet--the campus internet service provider--for all data that is sent from University users to users off campus. The reason for limitation is clear; the University simply does not have room in its budget for an enormous and constantly increasing Internet service bill. It is important to remember, however, that only data transmission between on campus and off campus users is limited. Intra-campus data transfers are not limited.
How can I work within the limits?
The best way to stay within the bandwidth limits is to pay attention to how much data is being transferred to and from your computer. The majority of bandwidth limitations are due to person-to-person (P2P) file sharing by programs such as Napster, Gnutella, LimeWire, BearShare, Kazaa, and Morpheus. If you use any of these P2P programs (or similar ones) be sure to:
-
Limit download sessions to only a few files at a time.
The more files you are downloading concurrently, the more bandwidth is used. -
Turn off the ability for others to download from your computer.
Many P2P programs automatically permit other users to download files off your machine. When others are permitted to download from your computer, you are acting as a server. Many times, dozens of users are downloading files from your computer simultaneously. This increases the amount of bandwidth you use. For instructions on denying others permission to download files from your computer, see documentation accompanying your P2P file sharing program. -
Close P2P programs when you are not using them
Most P2P remain open and active whenever your computer is running. This can cause files to be transferred and bandwidth to be used without your knowledge. P2P programs that are open all the time also slow overall computer performance.
NOTE: Users transmitting materials which infringe on copyright can and will have their network connections turned off in response to complaints.
