Network throttling refers to the intentional reduction of internet speed or bandwidth by network administrators or internet service providers (ISPs) for various reasons. It can be implemented to enforce data usage policies, manage network congestion, or control access to network resources.
In a local area network (LAN), connecting multiple devices simultaneously can strain the available bandwidth and lead to congestion, resulting in decreased internet speed or even server crashes. Network throttling is commonly observed in crowded public Wi-Fi networks, such as those found in schools, hotels, and airports. By throttling the network, administrators aim to ensure fair access for all users instead of a few individuals monopolizing the available bandwidth.
ISPs may also employ network throttling in certain situations. They might reduce network speed during periods of high traffic congestion, such as peak hours, or when users engage in activities like torrenting that consume a significant amount of bandwidth. Additionally, ISPs may throttle bandwidth for users who are close to reaching their monthly data cap.
If you suspect that you are experiencing network throttling, you can look for signs such as noticeable drops in browsing, upload, and download speeds, frequent buffering during streaming, or high latency in online gaming. Another method is to conduct an internet speed test both with and without using a virtual private network (VPN) and compare the results. If you achieve slower speeds without a VPN, it indicates that your bandwidth is being throttled.
To bypass network throttling, you can utilize a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that encrypts your online activities, preventing your ISP from monitoring them. Another option is to use a proxy server, which hides your IP address and the websites you visit from your ISP.
If you’re experiencing throttling due to data limitations, you can consider upgrading your existing plan to obtain more data, which can result in faster internet speeds. It’s also beneficial to monitor your monthly data usage and plan your internet activities accordingly. If these solutions don’t work, you may want to explore switching to a different ISP that offers more favorable terms.
Network prioritization, on the other hand, involves assigning varying levels of importance to different types of network traffic. One common technique used for prioritization is Quality of Service (QoS), which prioritizes real-time activities like voice or video calls over less critical traffic such as emails or large downloads. By implementing QoS, important traffic can function smoothly and efficiently even during times of high internet traffic or congestion.
Certain routers, such as TP-Link and Netgear, feature QoS settings that allow you to manually allocate priority levels (bandwidth) to specific types of traffic or devices connected to your router. This ensures that activities like video calls, online gaming, and video streaming receive a higher share of bandwidth compared to less important tasks like email sending, file downloads, or web browsing.
Paid prioritization is a controversial practice where ISPs charge content providers for faster content delivery to their customers. In this model, content providers pay for “fast lanes” as an upgrade from the standard “slow lanes.” As a result, the traffic of customers accessing content from providers who have paid for fast lane services is given higher priority on the network. This translates to faster load times, smoother streaming, and better overall performance of the content being delivered.
To bypass network prioritization, you can follow a few steps. Firstly, you can run a speed test to determine if your ISP is giving priority to certain websites or apps. If you notice that some websites or apps perform faster than others on the same network, it could indicate network prioritization. Additionally, using a network monitoring tool can help you track the quality and speed of your internet connection over time. If there is a significant difference in connection speed between different websites or apps, it may indicate prioritization.
If you are dissatisfied with your ISP’s use of network prioritization, you have a couple of options. One option is to switch to another ISP that doesn’t engage in prioritization practices. Alternatively, you can file a complaint with your country’s communication commission or regulatory authority to express your concerns and seek resolution.
It’s important to note that network throttling and network prioritization are distinct concepts. Network throttling involves intentionally slowing down the upload and download speeds within a specific timeframe, often as a means of enforcing data usage policies or managing network congestion. On the other hand, network prioritization assigns varying levels of importance to different types of network traffic, ensuring that certain activities receive preferential treatment over others.