Looking to Block P2P Traffic?

[g-smooth2k]

Source: Slyck

The advent of P2P has some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) interested in effectively balancing their networks while others may choose to block file-sharing completely. Those considering the latter may take advantage of NetEqualizer.

Let's face it. P2P networking takes up a considerable amount of bandwidth. Whether you are a network administrator for a college LAN (Local Area Network) or an ISP, some estimates place P2P consumption (especially BitTorrent) at 60%. However, figuring out the most practical solution for various administrators varies. Should you outright ban P2P traffic? Incorporate bandwidth throttles? NetEqualizer lets you choose from these options and much more.

ISPs are in a more precarious situation than say a college LAN administrator. If P2P traffic begins to saturate a college network, the LAN administrator does not have to worry all that much if the decision is made to filter or block file-sharing traffic. Perhaps some people may complain, but the loss of revenue is not a concern.

ISPs on the other hand must take this into heavy consideration. P2P traffic consumes an enormous amount of bandwidth compared to the amount of individuals that use it. For example, CacheLogic, a P2P measuring and network solutions firm, states P2P traffic can consume a majority of the ISPs bandwidth, easily blowing away HTTP. Comparatively, only a relative few individuals actually utilize such high consumption protocols.

So here is the tricky part. ISPs know that P2P has helped fuel the broadband revolution. While not everyone uses BitTorrent; eDonkey2000, FastTrack, Gnutella, etc. are very popular. Block P2P users, an the ISP might face a significant backlash. Throttle their bandwidth, and the ISP might have similar results.

One of the more compromising solutions has been offered from CacheLogic, which aims to make everyone happy. CacheLogic's function is to "cache" or store common P2P files based on the frequency of search queries. Instead of P2P traffic bogging down and ISPs network, it simple searches the cache server. P2P fans are left to enjoy their file-sharing bliss and web surfers can happily surf the World Wide Web.

However, say you are not interested in making the P2P crowd happy, and catering to web surfers is the priority. Say you want to throttle or block P2P traffic completely...then APConnection's Net Equalizer comes into play.

According to a press release issued by APConnection today, their product "Net Equalizer" will now be distributed on a worldwide scale. Net Equalizer aims to give priority to web based traffic, while throttling back those who utilized P2P software. When file-sharing traffic begins to slow down those surfing the web, its "fairness" algorithing kicks. For more information on Net Equalizer, read the FAQ here.

"The recently signed distributors have selected NetEqualizer primarily for its ability to deliver automated bandwidth control. Other features that have driven adoption include the enhancement of security offerings with the ability to block and control p2p traffic and unique quality of service (QoS) capabilities that enable distributors to include NetEqualizer as part of a service provider VoIP package."

NetEqualizer is a stark contrast to CacheLogic, which aims to compromise rather than block or throttle P2P traffic. Regardless, NetEqaulizer's solution is straight forward and offers and immediate solution to a network that is bogged down with P2P traffic. However, as file-sharing and P2P traffic becomes more mainstream, consumers may take into consideration whether an ISP uses NetEqualizer or CacheLogic as a network management solution.

You can read the press release here.

NetEqualizer Homepage.

[unknownpersonage]

i recently was told by isp that i might have to pay more for the amount i was downloading so i took the measure of setting bandwidth limits in my client which were 48kbt/sdown and 8kb/sup
since doing this i have had no complaints from my isp and i have not had to pay more.
perhaps if everyone did this there would be no problems

[homie_da_clownx]

yea thats the brightest ever,GREAT IDEA!!!

[rolaee]

Thanks for your post, It may be useful in 2005.

[georgezzz]

Thanks for your post, It may be useful in 2005.

:icon_joke :error lmao.

[Feather]

Thanks for your post, It may be useful in 2005.

dont bump old thread just to make asshole comments

[capto]

Ass hole comments aside, is anyone here using Netequalizer? I could be wrong, but from what I've read (http://www.netequalizer.com/nda.htm) it seems like the fairest way to go when it comes to shaping, etc. as far as the net neutrality stuff is conerned. Has anyone had to deal with that?