Can Coronavirus Destroy the Internet?

WILL CORONAVIRUS BREAK THE INTERNET? In the U.S., more than TWO THIRDS OF THE POPULATION IS NOW STUCK AT HOME as more states impose restrictions to slow the spread of the coronavirus* – MANY ARE TURNING TO THE INTERNET FOR ENTERTAINMENT, SOCIAL CONNECTION, AND REMOTE WORK * As of March 31. 2020 Peak Usage Is NOW THE NORM U.S. INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS ARE ALSO REPORTING RECORD-HIGH INTERNET TRAFFIC IN SEATTLE INCREASED USE IS DRIVEN BY One of the cities hit hardest by the virus, internet traffic began spiking at the end of January – BY MARCH IT HAD RISEN BY 30% +88% 000/ +75% +30% WiFi calling Online gaming VPN usage In March, AT&T reported an all-time high in Netflix streaming – On March 25th, users across the U.S. and Europe experienced outages lasting about an hour Typically this type of usage spike only occurs during events like the Olympics MORE TRAFFIC IS COMING In 2017, 12 million U.S. schoolchildren didn't have home internet access. Now that students are $ 70 telecom companies have signed the FCC's Keep Americans Connected pledge – Agreeing to waive late fees and not cut service for lack of payment: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, Comcast, Google Fiber learning from home, internet service providers are stepping in to provide internet access Offering 2 months of free access to Opening public hotspots for free use - Many of which use customers' rented WIFI routers to provide a connection COMCAST COMCAST Charter Spectrum low-income families WITHOUT CAREFUL SECURITY MEASURES, these Suspended broadband public hotspots could help a hacker gain access to your at&t usage caps home network BOLSTERING INFRASTRUCTURE AS INTERNET TRAFFIC CLIMBS, SERVICE PROVIDERS ARE WORKING TO KEEP THEIR NETWORKS AT PEAK PERFORMANCE In March, the FCC granted ATGT and Verizon temporary access to unused spectrum to expand broadband access AT&T began deploying portable cellular sites to boost data coverage for first responders in Indiana. Connecticut. New Jersey. California, and New York In the E.U., Amazon, Netflix, and YouTube have limited all streaming to standard definition video for at least Lives depend on reducing face-to-face interaction, and the internet is perfect for that. But there is a risk that usage will surge and capacity will be inadequate and performance will suffr. This is new ground for all of us." 30 days. Many have begun calling for a similar move in the U.S. JON PEHA, Professor of Electrical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University Can Our Internet HANDLE THE SURGE? IN 2011, THE FCC RESIDENTIAL INTERNET HAS LIMITS STARTED STUDYING THE FOR THOSE WITH METERED PLANS, MANY SERVICE PROVIDERS ARE WAIVING DATA CAPS AND OVERAGE FEES, BUT SPEED COULD STILL BE A PROBLEM PERFORMANCE OF RESIDENTIAL NETWORKS ) Standard home internet prioritizes download speed Download speed is essential for typical home use, like streaming video Most service providers were able to maintain performance during peak usage hours Upload speed is important for business uses, like videoconferencing Most DSL, cable, mobile wireless, fixed wireless, and satellite internet services offer fast downloads – but slower uploads. Newer cable broadband and fiber networks are more balanced Many workplace applications aren't designed to work on slower home networks Data-heavy apps could quickly overwhelm home networks' upload capacity But, the study didn't account for the effects of WiFi, corporate VPNS, and sudden, mass behavior change , 4 of the 10 largest U.S. cities have seen residential internet speed slow down during the pandemic* "We just don't know... What is sufficient bandwidth for a couple of home computers for a husband and wife may not be sufficient when you add students who are going to class all day long operating * As of March 9th, 2020 "I don't think the whole internet is going to come crashing down, but there's likely going to be some unevenness in experiences." from home." (le) Your WiFi network isn't designed for intensive use TOM WHEELER, → More people active on home networks at one time Former FCC Chairman HAROLD FELD, Senior Vice President at Public Knowledge How To Stay Connected: A HOME INTERNET TOOLKIT GET THE BEST CONNECTION Best Router Placement + Central location - for the best signal coverage Away from other tech – nearby electronics may cause interference - Never use a cabinet or closet – walls will obstruct your signal CAN YOUR MICROWAVE INTERFERE WITH WIFI? Netgear WiFi Analytics Both operate at 2.4 GHz. so interference is possible – But. if you're using a 5 GHz router. you shouldn't have any issues » Free app that works with any router Tests wifi signal as you move around your house Identifies best channel with the best signal Change Your Router Channel & DNS Find your router's IP address – Usually printed on the bottom of the device 2 Enter the IP address in your web browser and login to the interface Cloudflare: I.L.L.I or 1.0.0.I 3 Navigate to WiFi settings and enter the best channel for your home Google: 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4 4 Next, choose a faster DNS service by directing your router to use REDUCE UNNECESSARY TRAFFIC Hardwire Your Computer Use Voice Instead Of Video Change Your Streaming Settings If your teleconference is struggling to stay connected, try turning off video for everyone except the presenter A wired ethernet connection offers Many services let you adjust video quality. saving bandwidth for other activities higher speed than WiFi, simply plugging into your router could boost your speed YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video CAN'T CONNECT? THE PROBLEM MIGHT NOT BE YOUR INTERNET CONNECTION – CHECK DOWNDETECTOR.COM FOR OUTAGE REPORTS ON HIGH-DEMAND SERVICES IS IT TIME FOR AN UPGRADE? Slow Service? Your chosen internet service will limit your speed – If nothing else works, it might be time to upgrade the speed of your service Dead Spots? Consider an add-on antenna or mesh extender OLD ROUTER? CHECK YOUR ROUTER SETTINGS FOR FIRMWARE UPDATES If your router is more than 5 years old, consider upgrading Wi Fi 6 WIFI 6 routers use simultaneous streams, so loT and smart home devices off the public hotspot functionality in the won't slow down your network 5 GHz or dual band routers offer If you're renting a Comcast router, turn higher speeds and better withstand interference from other devices router settings, or buy a 3rd party router YOU MIGHT BE DUE A FREE UPGRADE FROM YOUR PROVIDER THE INTERNET IS UNDER MORE STRESS THAN EVER. LET'S DO OUR PART TO USE IT WISELY. 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