Internet video forcing carrier network rethink

Consumer demand for video over the internet is putting strain on ISP networks, pushing telco bandwidth capabilities and forcing both to rethink how they connect both consumer and business users to the internet, according to internet use data presented by a leading hardware vendor.

According to data presented by network equipment maker Allied Telesis, the saturation of peer-2-peer (P2P) file sharing is beginning to fall, but still accounts for a the second biggest slice of internet traffic after conventional web traffic, signalling the crackdown by many ISPs on illegal file sharing and traffic shaping to cope with high-bandwidth users moving large files such as video around the net, with it clogging DSL and cable modem-based delivery networks.

"Internet traffic today is changing. Historically, P2P traffic has dominated the internet, but this is changing. It now accounts for 37 per cent of traffic versus 46 per cent for basic http web traffic," said Rami Houbby, vice president of strategic partnerships at Allied Telesis at a press conference in Portugal.

He added that the figures, compiled by Ellacoya, show that 10 per cent of global internet traffic is coming solely from the Google-owned video site YouTube. The huge popularity and demand for YouTube content is set to grow further, as companies such as Apple, mobile phone makers including Nokia and Amoi add support for YouTube and its content to mobile phones and internet TV receivers.

While this material is largely delivered to consumer users, the network operators face increasing strain and cost to cope with demand for IP-based video and TV, while still needing to maintain quality and reliability of service, particularly for enterprise customers.

"The popularity of YouTube illustrates the way that users' internet habits are changing. Video is more important than ever to the end user but represents a big problem for carriers and ISPs trying to maintain a resilient network while balancing reasonable access for all," said Houbby.

"There is a second wave of network use on the horizon. It will be driven by video demand, voice over IP, improved quality of service and the increased traffic and file sizes of high definition," added Takayoshi Oshima, chairman and chief executive of Allied Telesis.

Houbby added that user demand is also forcing through a rethink in how telcos connect people to core networks.

"Fibre to the kerb is happening, it will take time as it is a long term and significant investment, but it is coming."

There are around one million fibre connections active in Europe today, rising to two million by the end of the year, with the Scandinavian countries currently dominating Fibre adoption.

Fibre use is set to grow to 17-18 million by 2011, according to Allied Telesis.

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