Bandwidth Management
The university's telecommunications network accommodates several thousand
users on and off campus. The network is constantly monitored to track
network traffic volume, and adjustments are periodically made to maximize
performance. Individuals operating computers that consume an excessive
amount of bandwidth are subject to having their consumption limited to
ensure adequate capacity for the majority of users.
Although the parameters are subject to change, the maximum upload permitted
from on campus residents to off campus destinations is 4.7GB, during a
twenty-four (24) hour period. If that threshold is exceeded, the user's
bandwidth is limited to reduce the likelihood they will again exceed that
threshold. Bandwidth management continues until it is apparent the user has
returned to an acceptable rate of consumption. The threshold is one of many
administrative tools used in a very dynamic network environment. It may be
modified at any time to ensure that overall network objectives are met. The
upload threshold meets the vast majority of the academic and leisure
needs of on campus residents.
The most common reason for excessive upload demand is computers serving
peer-to-peer (p2p) or file-sharing applications, such as BitTorrent. In addition to generating a large volume of network traffic,
file-sharing applications potentially puts you in the position of illegally distributing
copyrighted music, movies or software. If you need assistance deleting
an application of this type, read the article at the following link to
the Virginia Tech 4Help (computer) Knowledge Base: http://answers.vt.edu/kb/entry/1386/.
The second most common reason is your computer has been infected with a
virus or trojan. Follow all 4 steps under the "CLEAN IT UP" section at
http://antivirus.vt.edu to clean up your computer.
The next most common reasons are on-line game playing and video/audio
chatting.
If you are not aware of any action on your part that may have led to the
excessive consumption of network resources by your computer, it is possible
file-sharing has been remotely established on your computer without your
knowledge. This is easily accomplished on computers with weak or blank
administrative passwords.
If your connection has become subject to bandwidth management, it is imperative that you locate
and remove any file-sharing programs and copyrighted files you have not purchased and, that you
immediately secure your computer. If you need assistance, call the university computer consultants
at 4HELP, 231-HELP
(231-4357).
