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ResNet fair usage policy

What is the fair usage policy?

The fair usage policy specifies how much bandwidth (network capacity) any one person on ResNet can reasonably use without causing disruption to the rest of the community.

Why do we have a fair usage policy?

We are trying to provide the best service we can for all ResNet subscribers. ResNet is a shared network, and we need sensible rules in place to make sure it works well for everyone.

Like all Internet providers, ResNet has only a limited pipe to the Internet available. We are lucky - as part of the University of Bath we are on the high-speed JANET network that links UK universities to the Internet. Still, this isn't enough for all the potential demands - network traffic tends to expand to fill the pipe.

This pipe is shared between everyone on ResNet. A small number of people on ResNet are responsible for using most of the capacity. We don't think it is fair that 5% of people on ResNet consume as much as the other 95% of people put together.

If we can reduce the bandwidth used by this small number of people we can improve the service for all. When the pipe is full the connection gets worse. People using real time applications such as telephony, webcams and games notice this most as they will get occasional dropouts or delays.

Reducing our total traffic a bit by limiting the heaviest users delivers a smoother and faster ResNet connection for everyone.

Why did you introduce this?

There has always been provision in the Resnet Regulations so that anyone who generates excessive network traffic and continues to do so after a warning to reduce it is breaking the regulations. We have applied this occasionally in the past, to individual people or groups of people, where particularly high usage has been obvious.

We have now defined much more clearly what level of traffic is considered excessive and will apply the policy on the same basis each week. This way people will know what to expect and we can be sure we are treating everyone the same way.

The fair usage policy was adopted in September 2007.

Will the fair usage policy affect me?

At most the fair usage policy will affect less than 10% of people on ResNet (probably less than 5%).

It is most likely to affect you if you use

These are the applications which generate the most traffic. Remember if you have p2p software it is generating traffic in the background all the time. Even if you aren't personally downloading a file, other people will be uploading files from you.

If you have a typical usage pattern such as email, web surfing, MSN, and Skype, you won't be affected.

What are the current limits?

12 Mbits per second download from and 12MBits per second upload to the Internet. There is also a limit on the number of indivdual connections to/from any computer on ResNet of 400 connections per computer. Access to University based systems is not restricted.

Will you change the policy again?

Yes, if we need to. We might find that usage patterns shift unexpectedly in response to the policy.

The actual allowance will almost certainly change over time (up or down). We always try to make it as generous as we can while still avoiding congestion on the network.

All changes will be announced.

How much is a GB?

Roughly one gigabyte is about 300 songs in MP3 format, or a two hour movie.

To be exact, 1GB is 1024 x 1024 x 1024 = 1,073,741,824 Bytes.  Many Internet providers calculate 1GB as 1000 x 1000 x 1000 = 1,000,000,000 Bytes. We are calculating usage on the technically correct value of 1,073,741,824 Bytes in a GB (as this is more generous to ResNet subscribers).

How do I stay within my limit?

Reduce your bandwidth usage (uploads and downloads).

Both upload and download traffic count towards your personal usage. For most people, it is easiest to reduce your upload traffic. If you have any form of  peer to peer (p2p) filesharing program (eg BitTorrent, DC++, EMule) on your computer, or p2p TV (Joost) then your upload traffic (traffic people elsewhere on the Internet get from you) could be extremely high and you might not even realise it.

To reduce your upload usage you can

Which traffic is counted?

Traffic between ResNet users and the rest of the Internet is counted. Traffic between ResNet users and University of Bath computers is not counted.

Traffic between one ResNet user and another is not counted. For example, if you play a LAN game with other people on ResNet and a game server on ResNet, the traffic never leaves ResNet down our limited pipe and so isn't counted.

However - make sure that ResNet user - ResNet user traffic is truly local. For example:

could cause local traffic to travel (and be counted as) external.

What happens if I attempt to use too much bandwidth ?

The fairness system will limit the total throughput too and/or from your computer to the current limits. This will slow down downloads/uploads. If the limit of the number of connections is reached then the fairness system will block further connections to the Internet.

How can I measure my bandwidth usage?

You can install software that measures your bandwidth usage, but this will also measure ResNet to ResNet traffic which we don't count. An example of such a program is DUMeter.

Can I use more bandwidth than usual as a one off?

No. The fairness system is always in operation and treats every connection in the same manner.

Can I pay more and get more bandwidth?

No. We treat all users equally.

Does it matter what time of day I use bandwidth?

No we do not operate an on-peak/off-peak system. Currently the highest level of usage occur during the period 10:00 until 04:00.

I have some more questions. Who do I ask?

Please contact the Service Desk.