That is the main reason why the software market has now to offer a lot of dedicated clients, more or less efficient, designed to help users download files at impressive speeds. Blocking or delaying P2P traffic is extremely tempting for cable ISPs who are faced with bandwidth constraints, but it can have far-reaching effects, not just for consumers looking to download pirated movies via BitTorrent, but for Linux users looking to get the latest release of their favorite distro and for companies like Vuze that use P2P for distribution.The BitTorrent protocol is very popular nowadays with more and more users choosing this file sharing method because of the advantages it brings in speed and functionality. With complaints, petitions, and class-action lawsuits all filed, pressure is building on the FCC to act decisively. To help our customers make the most out of their Internet experience, we take proactive measures to ensure that bandwidth intensive applications do not negatively impact their service." Cox does not prohibit the use of file-sharing services for uploads or downloads, or discriminate against any specific services in any way. In response to a request for comment on this story, Cox sent Ars the following statement: "To ensure the best possible online experience for our customers, Cox actively manages network traffic through a variety of methods including traffic prioritization and protocol filtering. It does seem clear that Cox is definitely targeting some P2P traffic, however.
Since we originally reported on the Comcast P2P blocking, we've received reports from Cox subscribers that they've suspected that the ISP has been up to something similar with BitTorrent and Gnutella traffic, but, unlike eDonkey, there's no definitive proof that Cox is targeting those apps. When the eDonkey clients attempted to transfer data, the connection was interrupted by a reset packet sent by Cox. User Robb Topolski documented Cox's activities during a transfer between a Cox subscriber and a user in Tel Aviv. Broadband Reports has unearthed evidence that Cox, another major cable ISP, is blocking eDonkey traffic via forged TCP reset packets. ISPs should be allowed to manage traffic on their networks, argues Vuze, but such management needs to be 1) based on the actual network impact and not targeted at specific protocols or services 2) completely transparent 3) and not used as a "pretext for discriminating against particular types of content or services that the network operators may view as unacceptable or potential sources of competition." AdvertisementĪnother cable ISP fingered for blocking P2PĬomcast isn't the only ISP that has been caught messing with P2P traffic. Vuze joins a handful of public-interest groups in arguing that Comcast's traffic-blocking (the ISP says it " delays" traffic, but does not block it) practices violate the tenets of the Internet Policy Statement. Vuze cites the FCC's 2005 Internet Policy Statement (PDF), which says that ISPs can engage in "reasonable network management," but that their subscribers are entitled to access to their choice of lawful content, should be able to run applications and use services of their choice, and are entitled to connect their choice of legal devices that do not harm the network. "The Commission must now undertake efforts to put reasonable boundaries on the operators' 'gatekeeper' power over applications and content." "Comcast's actions starkly raise the issue of whether broadband network operators should be permitted the unfettered discretion to restrict or block traffic carried on their networks and to censor legal content or discriminate against applications and services that they may perceive as competing with their offerings," argues Vuze. The company offers programming from the BBC and PBS, as well as A&E, The History Channel, and National Geographic, and is concerned that the traffic-blocking actions of cable ISPs like Comcast and Cox (more on that below) will interfere with the delivery of its programming to viewers.
Vuze, which describes itself as "the leading destination for downloading and viewing licensed and self-published high-resolution video content online," uses P2P tech to get its content to subscribers. Online video provider Vuze has filed a rule-making petition (PDF) with the Federal Communications Commission, asking the Commission to prevent ISPs from blocking or degrading lawful traffic. Concerns over ISPs throttling P2P traffic are growing, not only on the part of subscribers who have seen applications behaving strangely, but also from companies that rely on P2P to make their wares available to their customers.