Internet Overload Predicated For 2010
Even though we all seem to take the internet for granted, there has been a massive increase in the speed and capacity of the UK internet system to quench the thirst of the UK consumer for more bandwidth and bigger and better services. The likes of YouTube and the recently launched BBC iPlayer have ensured that a new breed of internet surfer hits the virtual super highway, but is all set to go wrong? Is the internet becoming to busy? Can systems in the UK cope with the ever increasing demand?
Some experts are predicting that unless radical technology upgrades are put in place now, the internet could literally grind to a halt in 2010 if it continues to increase in size at the current rate. While there is no problem with the fibre optic lines which carry the signals too and from your home, it is the last mile of highly inefficient copper wiring which is causing the most concern. It is this area of the link which is seen to be at most risk with many systems already pushed to the limit.
When you consider that YouTube in 2007 used more capacity in that year than the whole internet used in 2000 ? a frightening figure and one which should start to ring alarm bells ? the situation may become a little clearer. It is not just YouTube which is exerting intense pressure on the system with other services such as the BBC iPlayer starting to have a real impact. Many Internet Service Providers are being forced to slow down their systems at peak points of the day to ensure that their servers do not crash.
This fear of internet meltdown is no scare story and while developments in technology may well see us through this tricky period, current concerns are real and need to be addressed.
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