ResNet, gaming and motorway management
If networks were motorways, ResNet would definitely be the one with all the traffic jams. At busy times, it can slow down to a crawl. The reason is down to the amount of traffic. Just like a motorway, the more people who are using it at any one time, the slower it gets.
But why is it that connecting via wireless to eduroam appears to be so much quicker? That's partly down to how the different networks are used. ResNet is often busy with users downloading videos and films or taking part in online gaming and other activities that use a lot of space. To go back to our motorway, this is equivalent to a lot more heavy traffic - container lorries and large transporters blocking some of the lanes. Eduroam on the other hand tends to be used more for web browsing. Because web pages are comparatively small and quick, there is space for more users and the traffic flows much more easily.
One way to solve the problem for ResNet users would be to expand the capacity. As with busy motorways, more lanes could be opened. But it doesn't always have the desired result - when ResNet capacity was doubled in Autumn 2009, the traffic soon increased to fill the available space.
Adding more capacity is also more difficult because of the way in which University connections differ from commercial arrangements. Sussex connects to the internet through the UK academic network (known as the Joint Academic Network, or JANET for short) and the capacity is limited to a certain level. ResNet already takes up a large percentage of the Sussex connection and if it were allowed to overflow into more lanes, there would be even less space for academic traffic.
The main purpose of University networks, including ResNet, is to support learning and study and although some personal use by residents in their homes is reasonable, excessive use of peer-to-peer file sharing or similar activities is likely to trigger a restriction on your personal connection to ResNet. If you notice a sudden change in your browsing speed, it may be that your access has been limited - you can check this and find out how to change it.
If you still feel your connection is particularly slow compared to other flats, you can always ask IT Services to check that the network is operating correctly to your room. Sometimes there are particular problems that can be resolved as a result.
Finally, there are some things that users can do themselves to help make ResNet quicker for everyone. Viruses and other malicious software can really slow the network down because they generate additional, spurious traffic. By making sure the software on your computer is updated and you have an anti-virus program such as Microsoft Security Essentials installed, you are doing your bit to keep the roads clear.
October 2011