Multimedia transmissions are driving Internet toward gridlock
Article Abstract:
Streaming media, the increasingly popular type of multimedia traffic, is turning out to be a problem on the Internet because it disobeys the traffic rules for data flow and creates congestion. Despite its potential as the future of home entertainment, capable of eventually delivering high-quality video and audio programming over the Internet, streaming data does not respond to network congestion the way other Internet traffic does. When a computer sends conventional data that encounters congestion, it greatly slows its transmission rate. Alternately, a computer that sends streaming data will reduce the transmission just slightly. So when streaming data encounters conventional traffic on the same part of the network, the streaming traffic just takes over and lets all the rest of the traffic back up. Due to its very nature, streaming media must flow continuously to the user's computer, making it unable to obey the same traffic rules as conventional data. Yet, it is possible for packets of streaming data to interact in a civil manner with other data on the Internet. The problem lies in the fact that media providers have not yet been given a financial incentive to comply with these traffic rules.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1999
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Snooping on fish causes cry of foul
Article Abstract:
A patented 'fishcam' called Aqua-Vu, invented by Jeff Zernov, Brainerd, MN, has generated a debate about the use of technology in the pursuit of game fishes. Zernov's device, which costs $1,495, uses a video camera small enough to fit inside a coffee mug. The device reportedly transmits a detailed picture of a lake's water, bottom and fishes. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources opposes Zernov's camera, and so does State Senator Bob Lessard, who wants to ban its use. Lessard says people should question how far we want to go in eliminating sportsmanship and skill. Zernov says his invention has succeded beyond his expectations. He says he expected to sell 500 cameras in the first year but sold that many in three months.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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