Aerial view of campus with Williamsport, the Susquehanna River and Bald Eagle Mountain as a backdrop

Disabling File-Sharing and Bandwidth Usage

What is bandwidth?

Bandwidth is the communication capacity of an electronic pathway, such as a communication pipeline. Data flows quickly and smoothly when the amount of traffic traveling in the pipe is small relative to the size of the pipe. When the amount of traffic exceeds the capacity of the pipe, the speed at which data travels begins to drop.

However, when lots of students are sharing lots of music and movie files, the speed of the network decreases for everyone.

Why should I care?

When lots of students on the residence hall network are sharing lots of music and movie files, the speed of the network decreases for everyone.

Many people exceed bandwidth quotas because they are sharing copyrighted material without permission. Copyright violation is against the law and you may be prosecuted.

Why is my Internet so slow?

When the amount of traffic exceeds the capacity of the pipe, the speed at which data travels begins to drop.

Usually, this happens when lots of students are sharing lots of music and movie files, the speed of the network decreases for everyone.

What can I do to Help?

Don't Download Large Files in Excess

Don't download large files like mp3's, movies, games, or game demos in excess. Also, remember that pirated movies and software are illegal. If you violate copyright law, you are subject to College and criminal sanctions.

Avoid the Internet During Peak Hours

Weekdays from 6pm to 2am, the Internet is at its peak time. Downloading large files and playing LAN games during this time is probably not the best idea. It's like driving in traffic. Avoid the information superhighway during its respective rush hour. Keep in mind that there are many alternatives to using the Internet during peak times.

How to Disable File Sharing?

Most file sharing programs hide rather than close upon request. To ensure that a file sharing program has really been shut down in Windows, check the system tray to see if the program's icon is still there.