Traffic Shaping Opinions.

[pedantic]

I've just learned today, that my beloved Nildram, has indeed felt the full force of the Pipex influence. According to a thread over at Adslguide traffic shaping has been implemented. I've always steered clear of Isp's who traffic shape, I always had the opinion of "why should I be told what I can, and cannot, use my connection for". However, recently, even browsing has become a bit of task. Now, if the basics are becoming less reliable (browsing and email), is it right to implement traffic shaping ? I must admit, if I can't even browse sufficiently, is it wrong to slow down the selfish buggers who download huge amounts of data 24/7, that make my internet experience a misery at times.

As I've said already, this does make my opinions devided on the matter. I would like things to be a fair playing field, but at the same time, I'm fiercely adamant, that I should be able to use my connection when I want, and for what I want, without being penalised.

Opinions are most welcome.

[Delta Whiskey]

In a perfect world it would be as you suggest, unfortunately the real world doesn't work like that. :-)
It's all about the contention rate (the number of people using a set amount of bandwidth). Ideally everyone would have the full 2Mb, 4Mb or 10Mb all to themselves 24/7, but the cost of such a service would be much more than you pay at the moment. NTL alongside most other ISP's (maybe all, most don't admit to traffic shaping) limit the amount of bandwidth at certain times of day to ensure all customers have some sort of service. It normally occurs between 5pm and midnight when the demand for bandwidth is at its heaviest. I try to schedule large downloads overnight or during the school hours when traffic shaping isn't in use (yet).

DW

[Chrysalis]

Traffic shaping is a good thing if utilised correctly but every isp I know off using it has made a big hash of it.