Problems with connection (R0) lag

[Raist]

The issue isn't typically "throttling" in the sense that everyone normally applies it (where traffic is shaped simply because of what type of data is detected in the packets). It is traffic shaping though... but the flow is being restricted because of congestion, not because they think it is peer-to-peer data.

Markets have been grossly oversold and networks have been poorly maintained over the years, and this problem keeps cropping up for various services. Spend a few minutes looking at the charts, maps, and comments for the services tracked at downdetector.com and you will see the pattern forming across specific regions. Don't really need to look at many... can usually see it quite clearly on just a few of them like XBOX Live, PSN, or Time Warner. Here is a snapshot for one of those maps for Time Warner Cable--it will update periodically as this post is refreshed:



There are known issues with specific corridors in North America (Chicago, LA, Seattle, at times it is widespread in some states like Ohio and NY), and if you are getting routed through those areas you will be more likely to have delayed delivery or elevated packet loss. Couple that with SE's on-going battle with stability problems with instanced content, and you have a pretty nasty combination that can render the game unplayable.

There is a well documented systemic problem going back a good 15 years or more within the US... it gets cleaned up, then goes bad again over and over. It's nothing new for those that have been around a long time and experienced it multiple times. Thes are issues that the ISP's need to address, we just need more people putting their feet to the fire to get them to take action.

Here's some other interesting webapps you can use to see some interesting data on internet usage:

Akamai Real Time Web Monitor
(can drag the little window on the big map over an area to see a zoomed in view in the lower pane)

Akamai Net Usage by Industry comparison to normal usage
(can change the "Net Usage Index" in the blue band to see volume deviation from average for different industries like Gaming and Social Media, and also filter by specific region in the tabs across the top of the frame. The lower charts are an indicator of usage patterns over time.)