What is Bandwidth Throttling?
The intentional slowing of internet speeds by an ISP, often targeting specific services like streaming or VPN traffic.
ISPs throttle certain types of traffic to manage network load or pressure users into paying more.
How It's Done
- Deep packet inspection identifies traffic types (video, torrents, VPN)
- ISP selectively reduces bandwidth for identified traffic
- Speed tests may show normal speeds while actual usage is throttled
How to Detect
- Run speed tests with and without a VPN
- If VPN speeds are faster for certain services, your ISP is throttling
- Tools like Wehe can detect throttling
Protection
A VPN encrypts all traffic, making it impossible for ISPs to identify and throttle specific services. This is one of the most practical VPN use cases.
Related Terms
Packet Inspection
The practice of examining data packets as they pass through a network checkpoint, ranging from basic header analysis to deep content inspection.
Virtual Private Network
A technology that creates a secure, encrypted connection over a less secure network, such as the public internet. VPNs mask your IP address, encrypt your internet traffic, and can make it appear as though you're browsing from a different location.
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