New version of Bittorrent threatens normal internet use

Technologyblog the Register warns for the effects of the latest Bittorrent implementation on normal internet performance. Reason for the warning is the new Bittorrent client uTorrent that will use UDP instead of TCP as transportprotocol. This choice is controversial because while it will increase performance for Bittorrent users, it spells disaster for normal internet users, especially those using latency sensitive applications such as VOIP, streaming video, and online games.

TCP has built in congestion control mechanisms. ISP’s can use these mechanisms to throttle and prioritize traffic in order to avoid congestion and ensure stable network operations. UDP on the other hand has no congestiomn control mechanisms, therefore this protocol is typically used for latency sensitive applications. UDP allows users of these applications to remain in the ‘fast lane’ thereby ensuring an optimal experience.

With the shift from TCP to UDP uTorrent has managed to bypass ISP control at the expense of other internet users. Internet users that want to use VOIP, stream video, or play online games will now have to share their fast lane with huge volumes of non-latency sensitive Bittorrent traffic.

Bittorrent inc. has reacted to the post on the Register and claimed it is "utter nonsense". They feel the congestion control mechanisms they built into their client should suffice.