Broadband Usage Graphs

These two graphs show percentage of 'packets' dropped in each of the queues on our broadband network; over the last 48 hours and within the last hour. The queues are used to prioritise traffic to ensure that time-sensitive data is transmitted in priority to less time-sensitive data.

Internet phone calls (VoIP) and gaming traffic, although not exclusively, is given the highest priority on the network. 'Interactive' traffic (eg. web browsing and other 'real-time' applications like streaming media) is described as high priority, whereas 'Non-Interactive' traffic (e.g. peer-to-peer and binary Usenet downloads) is given a lower priority at peak times. A detailed list of applications in each queue can be found by reading How PlusNet guarantees quality broadband

We aim to deliver a service with zero packet drops in the 'Interactive' (previously described as Gold and Titanium) queues. The Non-Interactive queues are designed to drop traffic at peak times; this is to preserve the quality of the overall service.

The percentage of packets dropped from each of six distinct traffic types is shown. For example, a peak value of 10% for 'Plus Non-Interactive' at 5pm would mean that 10% of total packets on this traffic queue was dropped at this time.

These graphs show only the part of the network where traffic management applies, and we use this as our overall indicator of how the platform is performing. It is important to note that these graphs show the traffic after it has passed through our Ellacoya platform. This explains why 'Plus' appears to be dropping a lesser percentage of its queued traffic compared to 'Premier'. In fact, Broadband Plus Non-Interactive traffic is restricted before it reaches the gateways.

When the traffic management is working correctly, there will be zero drops in 'Interactive'. If you are seeing reduced performance on your connection, and there are no packet drops in these queues, this could indicate either congestion on your local exchange or a problem on your line.

This graph shows the different types of application using our network at the moment. The different colours represent different traffic types and are detailed below. You will usually see increases in web during the day and peer-to-peer during the night.

Internet Activities Key

Web

Browsing on the World Wide Web.

FTP (non PlusNet)

Using the file transfer protocol to move files between your location and servers that are not operated by PlusNet.

Plusnet FTP

Using the file transfer protocol to move files to a file server operated by PlusNet.

Gaming

Playing any online game that isn't browser based. Games that are run through your web browser will be counted as Web usage.

Streaming

Playing online media, such as radio or TV that download as you watch or listen.

Usenet

Reading or downloading newsgroup posts, includes downloading files from the binary newsgroups.

Peer-to-peer

Downloading files using a file-sharing application.

Broadband phonecalls

Making calls using PlusTalk or another VoIP based Internet telephone.

Email

Sending and receiving emails.

Other

All other Internet activities are counted together in this category.

This graph shows the number of customers who are connected to our network. The black line is always below the red line as not everyone connected to the network is downloading at any one time. There is usually a reduction in the number of customers overnight as customers turn off their computers.