Verizon, working with Yale University and software developer Pando Networks, recently conducted a test of new P4P software that intelligently routes peer-to-peer (P2P) traffic.

The new software reduces network utilization and speeds up downloads for subscribers by reducing the number of hops that packets have to take. Essentially, the P4P software allows data to travel shorter distances to reach the same destination.

P2P traffic (used for applications like torrents and high-def video streaming) is a major contributor to the data traveling over the internet. In fact, Verizon estimates that about half of the traffic on its network comes from P2P applications.

This new technology, if implemented by all internet providers, would make it cheaper to operate their networks and give subscribers higher speeds - especially for high-bandwidth connections such as Verizon’s FiOS.

We applaud Verizon for taking this approach to fix the growing bandwidth problem. Unlike Comcast, which resorted to blocking most P2P traffic, Verizon is trying to solve the problem on their end and provide better service for the subscribers.

Internet2, a nonprofit advanced networking consortium in the United States, is designing a new network that can open up paths with large amounts of dedicated bandwidth when they’re needed.

Currently, the Internet Protocol (IP) that’s in use breaks data into packets that are sent through fiber-optic cables to their destination. However, the packets don’t have to take the same path. Routers examine each packet individually and send it off on its way. The problem with this system is that large data transfers can clog the routers with many packets asking where to go next. This can result, for example, in skips in streaming video if the packets arrive out of order or at different times. Read more »

Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 owners rejoice! It appears that Netflix streaming video could soon be showing up on your consoles.

The speculation comes from a recent Netflix survey which asked, “If as part of your Netflix membership you could instantly watch movies and TV episodes on your TV with your PS/3 or XBOX 360, how likely would you/anyone in your household be to do that?”

The survey goes on to say that consoles would be able to play streaming media using a “special Netflix disk.” It gets even better! Netflix claims that there wouldn’t be any fees except for the subscription fee you are already paying and a one-time $3 charge for the disk.

Video on consoles seems to be a pretty small market for the rental giant, so we’re not quite sure if they’re ready to offer the service just yet. If the rumors are true, though, this would be a great alternative to Apple TV.

Netflix has announced plans to offer a Mac version of their Watch Instantly streaming service sometime this year. Netflix executive Reed Hastings dismissed Apple’s new iTunes rental service:

“You only have 24 hours in which to complete watching the movie [on iTunes], so if you watch over two nights, you pay twice. DVD rentals advantages over VoD are ubiquity of content, ubiquity of DVD players, an early window for new releases, and lower prices.”

Watch Instantly is a Video on Demand service that, for $5 a month, allows subscribers to watch as many movies as they’d like with no other charges or fees. The system is currently heavily dependent on Windows Media copy protection mechanisms, which aren’t available on the Mac.

I think this is fantastic news, seeing as Netflix has a very comprehensive library of films (although only 6,000 are currently available through Watch Instantly, that number is bound to go up as the service really takes off) and being able to access them on a Mac allows a wider audience of people to take advantage of the program. Thank you Netflix!

Photo: http://gizmodo.com