Bandwidth Quota Prophecy plays out at Comcast.

December 2, 2009 — netequalizer

A couple of years ago we pointed out how implementing a metered usage policy could create additional overhead.  Here is an excerpt:

To date, it has not been a good idea to flaunt a quota policy and many ISPs do their best to keep it under the radar. In addition, enforcing and demonstrating a quota-based system to customers will add overhead costs and also create more customer calls and complaints. It will require more sophistication in billing and the ability for customers to view their accounts in real time. Some consumers will demand this, and rightly so.

Today two years after Comcast started a fair use policy based on Quota’s they announced a new tool for customers that allows customers to see their usage and  gives them a warning before being cut off.  I suspect the new tool is designed to alleviate the issues we mention in our paragraph above.

NetEqualizer customers can usually accomplish bandwidth reductions fairly without the complexity of quota systems , but in a pinch we also have a quota system on our equipment.

Posted in Bandwidth Monitoring, Commentary and Editorials, News. Tags: , , , , , . Leave a Comment »

APconnections’ NetEqualizer Reaches Three Million Users and Growing

November 16, 2009 — netequalizer

LAFAYETTE, Colo., November 16, 2009 — APconnections, a leading supplier of plug-and-play bandwidth shaping products, today announced that over three million Internet users have been served by companies implementing its NetEqualizer technology.

The NetEqualizer is a plug-and-play bandwidth control and WAN/Internet optimization appliance that is flexible and scalable. When the network is congested, NetEqualizer’s unique “behavior shaping” technology gives priority to latency sensitive applications, such as VoIP and email. It does it all dynamically and automatically, improving on other bandwidth shaping technology out there. It controls network flow for the best WAN optimization.

Since being introduced in 2003, the NetEqualizer has been successfully installed in businesses, libraries, universities, ISPs, and office parks around the world. Administrators have found the technology to be extremely effective in networks both large and small.

“We switched to a NetEqualizer in 2006 after previously using a high-end solution and have been very pleased with the results ever since. It’s been exactly what we were looking for and has worked just as advertised,” said Derrick D’Gama, director of Information Services at Lewis University. “We provide Internet service to over 5,000 students and have now effectively minimized any bandwidth issues. To have such a low-maintenance product work so well has made my job that much easier.”

In order to match its proven track record, the NetEqualizer is constantly evolving to meet the developing demands of the technology industry. Over the past two months, NetEqualizer has released software capable of name-based shaping and shaping over VLAN. The NetEqualizer is also now able to serve as a CALEA probe, offering ISPs an affordable, yet effective, answer to recently introduced law enforcement regulations.

To better demonstrate the NetEqualizer’s capabilities, APconnecitons is now offering a free online live demo of the technology at its Web site, http://www.netequalizer.com.

APconnections is a privately held company founded in 2003 and is based in Lafayette, Colorado.

Posted in Press Releases, Testimonials. Tags: , . Leave a Comment »

NetEqualizer Software Update 4.0 — Carrier-Class Shaping

November 3, 2009 — netequalizer

Continuing the constant evolution of the NetEqualizer line, we’re pleased to offer the most recent NetEqualizer software release – Carrier Class 4.0. In addition to providing the features and quality found in past NetEqualizer releases, among its many enhancements Carrier Class 4.0 will now support three times as many shaping buffers, translating into smoother shaping for up to tens of thousands of users.

For example, you will be able to take a one-gigabit pipe and break off 1,000 users into a subnet mask to share 100 megabits (with smoother results than current versions). Most routers that break out chunks of bandwidth use harsh rate control methods such as dropping packets when the limit is reached. Although there will be a small margin of error, the optimizations and techniques used to break off larger chunks of bandwidth and shape them smoothly without dropping packets rivals that of carrier class shapers sold for 10 times our cost.

The following features and enhancements will also be available with Carrier Class 4.0:

  • Full one- to 32-bit mask fields for hard limits  — You can now take any IP address and specify a mask in x.x.x.x/y format where y is the number of bits you wish to mask. All IP addresses in the masked range will receive the specified hard limit (Hard limits are individual rate limits for an IP address).
  • Pools support masks – You can now add members to a bandwidth pool using a mask field of the form x.x.x.x/y, Y can range from one to 32. The NetEqualizer will automatically add members of the range specified as they become active and retire them if they become inactive. This optimization will allow users to specify large ranges without overwhelming the system.
  • Full one- to 32-bit masking for traffic masking – You can now use the NetEqualizer masking function with odd numbered mask specifications, prior to this release only /24 and /16 masks were allowed.
  • Pool number displayed in active connection table – You can now see if a connection is part of a pool, the pool number will be displayed in the last column of the connection table.
  • Release 1.0 of our URL-based blocking feature – Now you can block a list of URL’s. This feature is commonly used by libraries and private institutions where there is a mandate to block particular recreational sites. In the initial release, customers need only supply a config file with all URLs by name that they wish to block and then hit the start button. In future releases, we will be contracting with providers that supply updated lists on a regular basis. There will be no charge to enable our URL-blocking feature, however there will likely be subscription charges to use third party URL lists.
  • Connection limit masks now fully supported – You can specify a connection limit mask of the form x.x.x.x/y where y is an int from one to 32. Prior to this release, only /24 and /26 were supported.
  • New Automatic detection of license overruns – The NetEqualizer will now automatically report any new license overruns. Any time you log into the GUI, a message will be displayed indicating how many license overruns you may have incurred since your last reboot. If you do see a license overrun, you should call support and see about upgrading your license.
  • New license levels available for enforcement in kernel
  • URL-based shaping

For more information on the Carrier Class 4.0 update, contact us at admin@apconnections.net or 303-997-1300.

Posted in New Features. Tags: , , . Leave a Comment »

University of British Columbia IT department chimes in on Layer 7 shaping and its fallacy

October 27, 2009 — netequalizer

Editors notes: The following excerpt was pulled from the Resnet User Group Mailing list Oct 17 , 2009

Most subscribers to this user group are IT directors or adminstrators for large residence networks at various  universities. Many manage upwards of tens of thousands of Internet users.   If you are an ISP I would suggest you subscribe to  this list and monitor  for ideas.  Please note vendor solicitation is frowned upon on the Resnet list

As for the post below The first part of the post is Dennis’s recommendation for a good bandwidth shaper, he uses a carrier grade Cisco product.

The second part is a commentary on the fallacy of layer 7 shaping. No we do not know Dennis nor does he use our products , he just happens to agree with our philosophy after trying many other products.

Dennis OReilly <Dennis.OReilly@ubc.ca
reply-to Resnet Forum <RESNET-L@listserv.nd.edu> to RESNET-L@listserv.nd.edu date Sat, Oct 17, 2009 at 12:35 AM subject Re: Packet Shaping Appliance unsubscribe Unsubscribe from this sender

At 9:22 AM -0400 10/16/09, Brandon Burleigh wrote:

We are researching packet shaping appliance options as our current model is
end-of-life.  It is also at its maximum for bandwidth and we need to increase
our bandwidth with our Internet service provider.  We are interested in
knowing what hardware others are using on their Internet service for packet
shaping.  Thank you.

At the University of British Columbia we own and still use four PS10000’s.   A year ago we purchased a Cisco SCE 2020 which has 4 x 1G interfaces.  The SCE 2020 is approx the same price point as the PS10000.  There is also an SCE 8000 model which has 4 x 10G interfaces, also at a decent price point.

Oregon State brought the SCE product line to our attention at Resnet Symposium 2007.  A number of other Canadian universities recently purchased this product.

The SCE is based on P-Cube technology which Cisco acquired in 2004.

In a nutshell comparing the SCE to the PS10000:
– PS10000 reporting is much superior
– PS10000 and SCE are approx equal at ability to accurately classify P2P
– SCE is essentially a wire speed device
– SCE is a scalable, carrier-grade platform
– Installation of SCE is more complicated than PS10000
– SCE has some capability to identify and mitigate DoS and DDos attacks
– SCE handles asymmetric routing
– SCE has fine grained capabilities to control bandwidth

It is becoming more and more difficult over time for any packet shaping device like a Packetshaper, or a Procera, or an SCE to accurately classify P2P traffic. These days the only way to classify encrypted streams is through behaviorial analysis.  In the long run this is a losing proposition.  Thus, approaches like the NetEqualizer or script-based ‘penalty box’ approaches are better.   However, boxes like the SCE which have excellent capabilities to control bandwidth on a per user basis are also viable.  Otherwise the carriers wouldn’t be using these products.

Posted in Commentary and Editorials, News. Tags: , . Leave a Comment »

Network World Blog missing the boat on Packeteer’s decline in revenue

October 22, 2009 — netequalizer

The one thing bad about being a publicly traded company is that you cannot hide from your declining sales, in the following network world blog post and related comments ,the authors make some good points as to where and why they would choose Cisco Wan Optimization over Blue Coat and vice-versa. They also comment on all sorts of reasons why Blue Coat’s revenue in this area is declining , although they neglect one obvious reason.

Prices of bandwidth have fallen quite rapidly over the last 10 years. In some larger metro areas  Internet access runs for as little as $300 per month for 10 megabits. The same link 10 years ago would have run close to $5000 per month or more. Despite falling bandwdith prices,  WAN optimization solutions from the likes Blue Coat, Cisco and Riverbed, remain relatively high.  Many ptential WAN optimization customers will  simply upgrade  their bandwidth rather than invest in new optimization equipment.  You would think that vendors would lower their prices to compete, and they are to some degree; however the complexity of their core solutions requires a mimumum price floor.   The factors that create the price floor on equipment are related to, methodology  of the internal technology, and sales channel costs,  and unfortunately these fixed cost factors cannot keep pace with falling bandwidth prices .

Our prediction is that WAN optimization devices will  slowly become a commodity with automated reduced complexity. One measure of the current complexity is   all the acronyms being tossed around describing WAN optimization. The sales pitches filled with accronyms clearly corrolate that perhaps these devices are just too complicated for the market to continue to use. They will become turn key simple and lower cost or die. No player is bigger than the Market force of cheaper bandwith.

Related articles:

ROI calculation for packet shaping equipment

Does lower cost bandwidth foretell a decline in bandwidth shaper sales?

http://www.networkworld.com/community/comment/reply/46590

Posted in Commentary and Editorials, News. Tags: , , , , . 3 Comments »

NetEqualizer provides Net Neutrality solution for bandwidth control.

October 4, 2009 — netequalizer

By Eli Riles NetEqualizer VP of Sales

This morning I read an article on how some start up companies are being hurt awaiting the FCC’s decision on Net Neutrality.

Late in the day, a customer called and exclaimed, “Wow now with the FCC coming down  hard on technologies that jeopardize net neutrality, your business  must booming since you offer an excellent viable alternative” And yet  in face of this controversy, several of our competitors continue to sell deep packet inspection devices to customers.

Public operators and businesses that continue to purchase such technology are likely uninformed about the growing fire-storm of opposition against Deep Packet Inspection techniques.  The allure of being able to identify, and control Internet Traffic by type is very a natural solution, which customers often demand. Suppliers who sell DPI devices are just doing what their customer have asked. As with all technologies once the train leaves the station it is hard to turn around. What is different in the case of DPI is that suppliers and ISPs had their way with an ignorant public starting in the late 90’s. Nobody really gave much thought as to how DPI might be the villain in the controversy over Net Nuetrality. It was just assumed that nobody would notice their internet traffic being watched and redirected by routing devices. With behemoths such as Google having a vested interest in keeping traffic flowing without Interference on the Internet, commercial deep packet inspection solutions are slowly falling out of favor in the ISP sector. The bigger question for the players betting the house on DPI is , will it fall out favor in other  business verticals?

The NetEqualizer decision to do away with DPI two years ago is looking quite brilliant now, although at the time it was clearly a risk bucking market trends.  Today, even in the face of world wide recession our profit and unit sales are up for the first three quarters of 2009 this year.

As we have claimed in previous articles there is a time and place for deep packet inspection; however any provider using DPI to manipulate data is looking for a potential dog fight with the FCC.

NetEqualizer has been providing alternative bandwidth control options for ISPs , Businesses , and Schools of all sizes for 7 years without violating any of the Net Nuetrality sacred cows. If you have not heard about us, maybe now is a good time to pick up the phone. We have been on the record touting our solution as being fair equitable for quite some time now.

Posted in Bandwidth Monitoring, Commentary and Editorials, Net Neutrality, News. Tags: , , , . Leave a Comment »

Burstable Internet Connections — Are They of Any Value?

September 17, 2009 — netequalizer

A burstable Internet connection conjures up the image of a super-charged Internet reserve, available at your discretion during a moment of need, like pushing the gas pedal to the floor to pass an RV on a steep grade. Americans find comfort knowing that they have that extra horsepower at their disposal. The promise of power is ingrained in our psyche, and is easily tapped into when marketing an Internet service. However, if you stop for a minute, and think about what is a bandwidth burst, it might not be a feature worth paying for in reality.

Here are some key questions to consider:

  • Is a burst one second, 10 seconds, or 10 hours at a time? This might seem like a stupid question, but it is at the heart of the issue. What good is a 1-second burst if you are watching a 20-minute movie?
  • If it is 10 seconds, then how long do I need to wait before it becomes available again?
  • Is it available all of the time, or just when my upstream provider(s) circuits are not busy?
  • And overall, is the burst really worth paying for? Suppose the electric company told you that you had a burstable electric connection or that your water pressure fluctuated up for a few seconds randomly throughout the day? Is that a feature worth paying for? Just because it’s offered doesn’t necessarily mean it’s needed or even that advantageous.

While the answers to each of these questions will ultimately depend on the circumstances, they all serve to point out a potential fallacy in the case for burstable Internet speeds: The problem with bursting and the way it is marketed is that it can be a meaningless statement without a precise definition. Perhaps there are providers out there that lay out exact definitions for a burstable connection, and abide by those terms. Even then we could argue that the value of the burst is limited.

What we have seen in practice is that most burstable Internet connections are unpredictable and simply confuse and annoy customers. Unlike the turbo charger in your car, you have no control over when you can burst and when you can’t. What sounded good in the marketing literature may have little practical value without a clear contract of availability.

Therefore, to ensure that burstable Internet speeds really will work to your advantage, it’s important to ask the questions mentioned above. Otherwise, it very well may just serve as a marketing ploy or extra cost with no real payoff in application.

Update: October 1, 2009

Today a user group published a bill of rights in order to nail ISPs down on what exactly they are providing in their service contracts.
ISP claims of bandwidth speed.

I noticed that  in the article, the bill of rights, requires a full disclosure about the speed of the providers link to the consumers modem. I am not sure if this is enough to accomplish a fixed minimus speed to the consumer.  You see, a provider could then quite easily oversell the capacity on their swtiching point. The point where they hook up to a backbone of other providers.  You can not completely regulate speed across the Internet, since by design providers hand off or exchange traffic with other providers.  Your provider cannot control the speed of your connection once it is off their network.

Posted by Eli Riles, VP of sales www.netequalizer.com.

Posted in Bandwidth Management, Commentary and Editorials, Network Speed, News. Tags: , , , , . 1 Comment »

NetEqualizer reaches 5 Gigabit milestone, strengthens market lead inbandwidth controller price performance.

September 14, 2009 — netequalizer

NetEqualizer reaches 5 Gigabit milestone, strengthens market lead in
bandwidth controller price performance.

LAFAYETTE, Colo., Sep 15 APconnections, a leading supplier of
bandwidth shaping products, today announced  the addition of a
5-gigabit  model  to their NetEqualizer brand of traffic shapers. The
initial release will also be able to shape 40,000 simultaneous
Internet users.

“Prior to this release, our largest model, was rated for one gigabit,”
said Eli Riles, APconnections vice president of sales. “Many of our
current customers liked our technology, but just needed a higher-end
machine.   The price performance of our new traffic shaping appliance
is unmatched in the industry”

In its initial release, the five-gigabit model will start at  $11000
USD. For more information, contact APconnections at 1-800-918-2763 or
via email at sales@netequalizer.com.

The NetEqualizer is a plug-and-play bandwidth control and WAN
optimization appliance. NetEqualizer technology is deployed at over
3000 businesses and institutions around the world. It is used to speed
up shared Internet connections for ISP’s , Libraries, Universities,
Schools and Fortune 500 companies.

APconnections is a privately held company founded in 2003 and is based
in Lafayette, Colorado.

Contact: APconnections, 1-800-918-2763 http://www.apconnections.net/

http://www.netequalizer.com/

Special thanks to Candela Technologies www.candelatech.com and their
Network Emulation laboratories for making this release possible.

Posted in Press Releases. Tags: , , . Leave a Comment »

NetEqualizer Demo Sale Offers 30-Percent Discount On NE2000-10

August 13, 2009 — netequalizer

Over the next several weeks, we’ll be launching our 2009 NetEqualizer demo sale, offering customers significantly reduced prices on lightly used NE2000-10 models. The sale was a resounding success last year and available units are limited, so interested parties should be quick to claim their NetEqualizers as the 2009 demos become available.

The list price for new NetEqualizer NE2000-10 models is $2,465, but the demos will be sold for only $1,750, a 30-percent discount. Each unit will be fully updated with the most recent NetEqualizer software and covered by the optional NetEqualizer Hardware Warranty (NHW). As with all units purchased directly from APconnections, the NetEqualizers will also come with our unmatched customer service and support.

The NE2000-10 is capable of shaping up to 10 Mbps and supporting 10,000 users. However, because of its versatility, the unit is perfect for universities, libraries, office parks, and businesses of all sizes. For more information on the entire NetEqualizer line, visit our Web site at http://www.netequalizer.com or view our full price list at http://www.netequalizer.com/neteqpricelist.php.

For purchasing information or other questions, please contact us at sales@apconnnections.net or 303-997-1300.

Posted in Press Releases. Tags: . Leave a Comment »

Net Neutrality Bill Won’t End Conflicts Between Users and Providers

August 7, 2009 — netequalizer

This week, Representatives Edward Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat, and Anna Eshoo, a California Democrat, introduced the Internet Freedom Preservation Act aimed at protecting the rights of Internet users and ultimately net neutrality. Yet, before net neutrality advocates unequivocally praise the bill, it should be noted that it protects the rights of Internet service providers as well. For example, as long as ISPs are candid with their customers in regard to their network optimizaiton practices, the bill does allow for “reasonable network management,” stating:

“Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit an Internet access provider from engaging in reasonable network management consistent with the policies and duties of nondiscrimination and openness set forth in this Act. For purposes of subsections (b)(1) and (b)(5), a network management practice is a reasonable practice only if it furthers a critically important interest, is narrowly tailored to further that interest, and is the means of furthering that interest that is the least restrictive, least discriminatory, and least constricting of consumer choice available. In determining whether a network management practice is reasonable, the Commission shall consider, among other factors, the particular network architecture or technology limitations of the provider.”

While this stipulation is extremely important in the protection it provides Internet service providers, it is likely to come into conflict with some Internet users’ ideas of net neutrality.  For example, the bill also states that it is ISPs’ “duty to not block, interfere with, discriminate against, impair or degrade the ability of any person to use an Internet access service to access, use, send, post, receive or offer any lawful content, application or service through the Internet.” However, even users of the NetEqualizer, one of the more hands off approaches to network management, don’t have a choice but to target the behavior of certain heavy customers. One person’s penchant for downloading music — legally or not — can significantly impact the quality of service for everyone else. And, increasing bandwidth just to meet the needs of a few users isn’t reasonable either.

It would seem that this would be a perfect case of reasonable network management which would be allowed under the proposed bill. Yet many net neutrality advocates tend to quickly dismiss any management as an infringement upon the user’s rights. The protection of the users’ rights will likely get the attention in discussions about these types of bills, but there should also be just as much emphasis on the rights of the provider to reasonably manage their network and what this may mean for the idea of unadulterated net neutrality.

The fact that this bill includes the right to reasonably manage one’s network indicates that some form of management is typically nececsary for a network to run at its full potential. The key is finding some middle ground.

Related article September 22 2009

FCC rules in favor of Net Neutrality the commentary on this blog is great and worth the read.

Posted in Commentary and Editorials, Net Neutrality, News. Tags: . Leave a Comment »

APconnections Study Shows Administrators Prioritize Results over Bandwidth Reporting

August 6, 2009 — netequalizer

Today we released the results of our month-long study into the needs of bandwidth monitoring technology users which sought to determine the priority users place on detailed reporting compared to the overall impact on network optimization. Based on the results of a NetEqualizerNews.com poll, 80-percent of study participants voted that a smoothly running network was more important than the information provided by detailed reporting.

Ultimately, the study confirms what we’ve believed for years. While some reporting is essential, complicated reporting tools tend to be overkill. When users simply want their networks to run smoothly and efficiently, detailed reporting isn’t always necessary and certainly isn’t the most cost-effective solution.

Detailed bandwidth monitoring technology is not only more expensive from the start, but an administrator is also likely to spend more time making adjustments and looking for optimal performance. The result is a continuous cycle of unnecessarily spent manpower and money.

We go into further detail on the subject in our recent blog post entitled “The True Price of Bandwidth Monitoring.” The full article can be found at https://netequalizernews.com/2009/07/16/the-true-price-of-bandwidth-monitoring/.

Posted in Bandwidth Monitoring, Press Releases. Tags: , . Leave a Comment »

Results From Comcast’s New Bandwidth Shaping Approach Support Long-Time NetEqualizer Strategy

August 6, 2009 — netequalizer

This week, a DSL Reports article explored the favorable customer response to the most recent changes in Comcast’s bandwidth shaping strategy. The article states:

“Last month we explored how Comcast and Sandvine’s network management technology continues to evolve. Unlike Comcast’s last system, which throttled upstream traffic for all users regardless of consumption, this new system identifies customers and throttles back consumption only if they’re on a congested node — and they’re a particular reason why. Even then, we haven’t seen complaints from users in our Comcast forum, which is a very good sign.”

Several months ago, we documented the similarities and differences between Comcast’s network management techniques and those of NetEqualizer. If you go back and read our older article, it sounds like these latest changes address many of the issues we raised and inch Comcast’s approach even closer to that of NetEqualizer. The key here is that, like NetEqualizer, they now only hit the users that are specifically breaking the camels back, and as the author points out, there are no complaints.

Although nobody from Comcast has ever conferred with us on our technology, we believe this new more specific shaping is very close to what we have been doing for years, and with similar results — no complaints.

To read the full DSL Reports article, click here.

Posted in Commentary and Editorials, News. Tags: , . Leave a Comment »

$1000 Discount Offered Through NetEqualizer Cash For Conversion Program

August 3, 2009 — netequalizer

After witnessing the overwhelming popularity of the government’s Cash for Clunkers new car program, we’ve decided to offer a similar deal to potential NetEqualizer customers. Therefore, this week, we’re announcing the launch of our Cash for Conversion program.The program offers owners of select brands (see below) of network optimization technology a $1000 credit toward the list-price purchase of NetEqualizer NE2000-10 or higher models (click here for a full price list). All owners have to do is send us your old (working or not) or out of license bandwidth control technology. Products from the following manufacturers will be accepted:

  • Exinda
  • Packeteer/Blue Coat
  • Allot
  • Cymphonics
  • Procera

In addition to receiving the $1000 credit toward a NetEqualizer, program participants will also have the peace of mind of knowing that their old technology will be handled responsibly through refurbishment or electronics recycling programs.

Only the listed manufacturers’ products will qualify. Offer good through the Labor Day weekend (September 7, 2009). For more information, contact us at 303-997-1300 or admin@apconnections.net.

Posted in Press Releases. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a Comment »

APconnections Announces NetEqualizer Lifetime Buyer Protection Policy

July 15, 2009 — netequalizer

This week, we announced the launch of the NetEqualizer Lifetime Buyer Protection Policy. In the event of an un-repairable failure of a NetEqualizer unit at any time, or in the event that it is time to retire a unit, customers will have the option to purchase a replacement unit and apply a 50-percent credit of their original unit purchase price, toward the new unit.  For current pricing see register for our price list.  This includes units that are more than three years old (the expected useful life for hardware) and in service at the time of failure.

For example, if you purchased a unit in 2003 for $4000 and were looking to replace it or upgrade with a newer model, APconnections would kick in a $2000 credit toward the replacement purchase.

The Policy will be in addition to the existing optional yearly NetEqualizer Hardware Warranty (NHW), which offers customers cost-free repairs or replacement of any malfunctioning unit while NHW is in effect (read details on NHW).

Our decision to implement the policy was a matter of customer peace-of-mind rather than necessity. While the failure rate of any NetEqualizer unit is ultimately very low, we want customers to know that we stand behind our products – even if it’s several years down the line.

To qualify,

  • users must be the original owner of the NetEqualizer unit,
  • the customer must have maintained a support contract that has been current within last 18 months , lapses of support longer than 18 months will void our replacement policy
  • the unit must have been in use on your network at the time of failure.

Shipping is not included in the discounted price. Purchasers of the one-year NetEqualizer hardware warranty (NHW) will still qualify for full replacement at no charge while under hardware warranty.  Contact us for more details by emailing sales@apconnections.net, or calling 303.997.1300 x103 (International), or 1.888.287.2492 (US Toll Free).

Note: This Policy does not apply to the NetEqualizer Lite.

Posted in New Features, Support. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , . 2 Comments »

Deep Packet Inspection Abuse In Iran Raises Questions About DPI Worldwide

July 10, 2009 — netequalizer

Over the past few years, we at APconnections have made our feelings about Deep Packet Inspection clear, completely abandoning the practice in our NetEqualizer technology more than two years ago. While there may be times that DPI is necessary and appropriate, its use in many cases can threaten user privacy and the open nature of the Internet. And, in extreme cases, DPI can even be used to threaten freedom of speech and expression. As we mentioned in a previous article, this is currently taking place in Iran.

Although these extreme invasions of privacy are most likely not occurring in the United States, their existence in Iran is bringing increasing attention to the slippery slope that is Deep Packet Inspection. A July 10 Huffington Post article reads:

“Before DPI becomes more widely deployed around the world and at home, the U.S. government ought to establish legitimate criteria for authorizing the use such control and surveillance technologies. The harm to privacy and the power to control the Internet are so disturbing that the threshold for using DPI must be very high.The use of DPI for commercial purposes would need to meet this high bar. But it is not clear that there is any commercial purpose that outweighs the potential harm to consumers and democracy.”

This potential harm to the privacy and rights of consumers was a major factor behind our decision to discontinue the use of DPI in any of our technology and invest in alternative means for network optimization. We hope that the ongoing controversy will be reason for others to do the same.

Posted in Commentary and Editorials, News. Tags: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a Comment »
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