Greetings!

This morning I instructed the Network Services Team to discontinue Peer-to-Peer network access as well as most online gaming access and iTunes music directory publishing. As of 4PM yesterday over 200 students on campus had activated Peer-to-Peer file sharing. This type of network traffic generates huge demands on network bandwidth and within 2 hours the SAU network was overwhelmed by traffic generated by Peer-to-Peer file sharing. This resulted in printers failing, instability in the wireless network and unreliable log-in capability. Because the SAU Network is a resource we all share no Peer-to-Peer traffic will be allowed until further notice.

I also wanted to let those of you who would like Peer-to-Peer network access for legal music sharing, streaming video, gaming and file sharing we are working toward implementing a policy that would allow Peer-to-Peer traffic from 7PM to 7AM. I am also exploring the possibility of public DSL line(s) at the Fireside Room which would allow Peer-to-Peer traffic. I do not have a time estimate for when Peer-to-Peer access will be available but we are working diligently on a solution.

Thank you,

Reed

Reed A. Sheard, Ed.D
Vice President & CIO, Technology Services
Spring Arbor University