Rogers [Canada] Admits its P2P Traffic Management Impacts Interactive Gaming

   

In a letter to the Canadian Regulator, CRTC, Rogers says that "Our tests have determined that there is a problem with our traffic management equipment that can interfere with World of Warcraft .. We recently introduced a software modification to solve the problems our customers are experiencing with World of Warcraft. However, there have been recent changes to the game, which has created new problems. A second software modification to address these new issues will not be ready until June .. We have determined that the problem occurs only when our customers are simultaneously using peer-to-peer file sharing applications and running the game".

See the letter, posted to openmedia.ca, site - here.

According to Roger's Network Management Policy [here]:

"Rogers manages traffic associated with certain P2P file sharing protocols for customers of Rogers Hi-Speed Internet (delivered over cable) and Portable Internet from Rogers. We use packet inspection to determine the type (but not the content) of upstream traffic only. High-volume, low time-sensitive traffic (such as P2P file sharing) is limited to ensure all customers have a high level of service for time-sensitive tasks like sending email, requesting web pages, video and voice applications. For Rogers Hi Speed Internet (delivered over cable) and Portable Internet from Rogers customers, the maximum upload speed for P2P file sharing traffic is 80 kbps at all times. There are no limits on download speed for any application or protocol .. Rogers does not manage download P2P file sharing traffic; however, some P2P applications will limit download speeds based on various factors, including the amount of P2P upload traffic and protocol acknowledgments. These factors may be responsible for customers experiencing slow download P2P file sharing speeds.."