Traffic Management
In order to deliver an acceptable quality of broadband service to all users, Entanet manages the transfer of traffic across its network by utilising the Anti-Loss Tool, or ALT.
What is the ALT (Anti-Loss Tool)?
The ALT is an innovative tool that was created by Entanet to maximise performance for all users and to ensure latency and packet loss is kept to a minimum at times of stress on the network. Whereas other providers control and restrict several key protocols, Entanet believes that it is not for the provider to decide which traffic is a priority for the individual user. As such the ALT still allows end users to utilise their connection for their required purposes.
How does ALT work?
The ALT operates on a per interconnect basis, with each interconnect having a different limit of bandwidth capacity. As usage approaches these bandwidth limits, typically at between 95-99% of capacity, the speed of all connected users is initially reduced by 10%. Thereafter the ALT continues to sample data and, if necessary, reduces connection speed in increments of 300Kbps every minute until the bandwidth demand stabilises. These reductions are first applied to connections with the highest synch speeds, encompassing lower synch speeds as the incremental reductions are made. The reduced speeds then remain in place until sufficient spare capacity becomes available. At this point the ALT increases throughput in increments of 100Kbps every minute to ensure stable bandwidth availability.
Please note:
1. The maximum capacity available at each interconnect will not be published
as this is commercially sensitive information.
2. The Kbps increments and frequency of alteration are subject to change.
Marking high bandwidth users
Entanet monitors the interconnects on a 24/7 basis, taking 10 minute samples of radius accounting data. Data taken at times when the ALT is in operation on an interconnect up to midnight is then accumulated. From this data the top 2% of bandwidth users on that interconnect will be marked on our systems. If a user is marked 5 times, then an alternative set of rules will apply to this individual user's connection when the ALT is next in operation until they have not been marked for a period of 14 days.
Marked users' speeds will be reduced as per the standard rules of the ALT as described above. However, speeds will be reduced by an additional 100Kbps. To remove any mark those customers must remain out of the top 2% of bandwidth users on their serving interconnect for 14 consecutive days.
At Entanet's
http://noc.enta.net site (and in the near future on the e-billing site) all customers are able to see the status of their account. If they have been marked as a top 2% bandwidth user on their serving interconnect this information will be clearly displayed on their account.
Please note: The above information is subject to change.
