Verizon’s P4P software helps solve internet bandwidth problems

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.