How fast can files be distributed over the internet?
By happyever
@happyever (581)
India
June 29, 2007 7:53pm CST
How fast can files be distributed over the internet?
I was just curious, once I put up a file to be shared on the internet, how fast can it get shared and on average how many people can access it if the file is encouraged to be shared and doesn't break any copyright law? For instance, if I wanted to put an MP3 of my band up on the web, how many people can I expect to download it within a period of a day, or a week?
What about for larger files? Like, say, I want to upload an hour long video to be shared freely on the internet? How many people would be able to share it within the span of a day, week, and month if I was using a program like Bittorrent?
1 person likes this
1 response
@vikkramm (497)
• India
30 Jun 07
If you're willing to pay for the bandwidth, then as many people as you can afford could potentially download the file(s). However, I think you'll find that getting people to download it is much harder than running out of bandwidth. P2P networks distribute the cost of the bandwidth over lots of people, so if you become extremely popular, P2P networks are the most cost-effective way to spread around a song (in terms of low cost to you). Of course, you'll have a heck of a time earning a royalty once everyone and their brother has a copy of the song, but you can always tour and charge at the door. Worst case visibility: 0 people will download your file. Best case: Ever heard of Slayer? They have practically no airplay or other promotion, and they are a great example of just how big a band can get without that support, IF you're popular enough.
