how-to block ads
|
JLakeCharles
@suddenlink.net
|  Suddenlink Throttling Bandwidth?
Many of the games I play require the use of bittorrent to download the game itself, expansions, and patches. Bittorrent is widely used by these gaming companies, along with other software and media companies, to reduce the amount of bandwidth they have to use sending out all of these files.
For two years I've not had any problems using bittorrent, but as of ~1-2 months ago, any time I use it, I cannot get very good speeds at all on the torrent itself, and my browsing speeds become abysmal. Browsing becomes so slow that nearly every other page that I try to load times out - this with bittorrent downloading at speeds even as low as 5k/s, with uploading limited to 1k/s.
I went through a number of steps to diagnose the problem:
- I tried a different bittorrent program; that didn't solve the issue so I reverted back to my favorite, utorrent.
- I tried my laptop, same issue.
- I bought a new modem. Didn't solve the issue.
- When visiting family in Oklahoma I used my mom's cable internet there on my laptop. Everything worked fine, with bittorrent being fast and browsing still possible while it was active.
- Called suddenlink to check my connection. It's adequate. I was then told that there's really nothing else that can be done - the connection was good - everything worked great when I was not using bittorrent, on both computers, and using both modems. I was told by a representative to discuss the issue here to see if I could get any answers.
Obviously it wasn't my issue.
I had recently read about companies throttling bandwidth usage that affects programs like bittorrent and the subsequent lawsuits brought on by customers, so I have been suspicious that that was the problem. It turns out that I know a few folks here who work at suddenlink (and even one that I didn't know!) tell me they suspected this to be the central issue as well because they use bittorrent and it has become basically useless within approximately the last 6 months.
It's almost as if bandwidth is limited based on the number of peers connected, though I have limited the number in my bittorrent software significantly and still get horrible speeds.
While I can understand the rational of throttling bandwidth for programs like these, I don't understand why such an issue would not be disclosed. I am not getting the service that I'm paying for when I use a specific downloading method - I am not getting near the bandwidth I should be getting. And I am getting very upset about this issue. I don't think legal action is the best course; a disclosure and possible change in the way bandwidth is allocated and charged for is the best route. I'm hoping that will happen if this is the central issue.
I live in Lake Charles Louisiana and would like any feedback from suddenlink representatives or users on this issue.
This problem needs to be escalated and handled. I am sick of paying for a poor performing service when I should be getting high quality high speed internet.
-Justin | |
cerealrat
join:2007-09-04
Lubbock, TX
edit:
August 27th, @09:26PM
| There's no doubt that Suddenlink throttles your connection, especially the bittorrent protocol.
You can try enabling encryption in your client, or try limiting your upload speed to a rate about 60% of your fastest upload. Of course, if you have an option for another ISP, that might be a better route to pursue. | |
-
|
