ResNet started a more aggressive approach in a campaign to stop file sharing by students at UR. This tactic includes the limitation of upload bandwidth of files sent from an individual’s computer, and there are potential penalties for those who abuse the fast network speeds. The goals of the policy are reasonable, and can be enacted with little change to the average student’s life.
These rules of ResNet may seem like a big change, but they will not really affect the students of UR. Downloads are not going to be affected in any way, only the uploads of files from a UR user to a user off campus. Transfers on campus will be unaffected as well. However, ResNet should create guidelines for servers which students set up on campus with legitimate reasons for transferring files. ResNet should allow such practices to continue, as long as they function according to their own set of rules and regulations.
The idea behind the limitation is good at its foundations. However, the way in which ResNet is handling bandwidth violations needs to continue to be performed in a reasonable, professional manner. ResNet needs to make clear guidelines as to what amount of bandwidth is allowed, as currently there is no easily accessible information on the ResNet Web site regarding bandwidth usage. If ResNet is going to punish abusers, they must at least make it known what constitutes “abuse.” Since ResNet is able to tell when a student is over the limit they can also tell how much a student has uploaded at any given point in time. An automated email process could be implemented when a student is approaching their limit to warn them.
The idea of creating limitations in uploads is one that is effective, reasonable and not overly detrimental to students ? ResNet could have decided to outright stop any uploads or block peer to peer file sharing altogether. Students should follow these guidelines to prevent further restrictions.
