P2P Software

@Information Services

So, here are the questions:
Why did the network speed die?  Why can't I connect to Instant Messenger?  Why can't I download music?  What are p2p programs?

The answers:  
When the 2002 fall semester began, WCU's p2p filters were still in place, but p2p applications got smarter over the summer: instead of consistently using the same ports, new versions of popular p2p applications started "port hopping," that is, changing the ports they use to find the fastest available outbound lane on ResNet. Despite the cap imposed on p2p traffic the previous year, the bandwidth consumption rapidly rose to unacceptable levels. So WCU put a cap on outbound traffic for the entire residential student network.

Here's a list of p2p programs and how to disable sharing.

So, what do I do now?

• Disable uploading/sharing in your p2p application.
  This is the most important step.
  Doing this should NOT affect your ability to copy files to your computer from other locations. But it will prevent others from copying files from your computer.
  
  Disabling uploads is important because the adverse effects of file sharing on WCU ResNet do not stem from what's coming in over the network, it's what's going out over the network that's causing problems.
  
  Why does it make a difference in speed if data is coming in or going out? In a word, volume. Data transfer speed over the Internet is highly sought after. Because the WCU network is very fast and easily accessible, large numbers of Internet users who are looking for files to copy are drawn to WCU. The volume of traffic generated by all these users connecting to the WCU network consumes bandwidth that should be used by WCU faculty, students, and staff.
   
• Use virus-checking software.
  You're downloading files from unknown sources. What better reason to use virus-checking software and update your virus definition (DAT) files often. See WCU's Anti-Virus page for more information, free downloads, and configuration tips.
   
• Turn off your computer.
  When you're not using it, shut it down. This ensures there is no unmonitored network activity originating from your computer. Several popular p2p applications run in the background even if you think you've turned them off. Turn off your computer so you don't have to worry about it, and you'll save energy too.
   
• Turn off your p2p application.
  If you're using your computer, but you're not using your p2p application, make certain the application is turned off and not running in the background. (See instructions for your particular utility.) Several p2p applications continue to run in the background even if you think you've quit the application.
   
• Do not use automatic startup for p2p applications.
  Do not set up your p2p application to start automatically when your system starts. You may have done this when you installed the application. With this configuration you may not realize your p2p application is running and using system and network resources.
   
• Queue your downloads.
  Queue your downloads so that only one file is transferred to your computer at a time. Consider all the other WCU network users—they need bandwidth too.
   
• Download during off-peak hours.
  Try to schedule file downloads during periods of low network use (weekends, early morning, late night).