randomizing lease renewal?

[Sten Carlsen]

Scott Helms wrote:
>> If a client starts downloading a large file that takes 8 hours to 
>> download, but they are forced to change their IP every 4 hours, then 
>> they will never be able to download the whole file.  Their client will 
>> keep retrying (restarting from the beginning if the client or the 
>> protocol doesn't support resume functionality) causing unnecessary 
>> load on the server.  This is pretty bad for the Internet.
>>     
>
> Now, bear in mind that my point of view is entirely based around
> Internet access and not LAN administration.  Having said that, the
> concept of an 8 hour download is pretty far fetched and one that can't
> be managed by a download manager is even less likely.  Again, I ask the
> question, how is forcing a client to acquire a new IP address any more
> harmful than having a cable, DSL, or wireless connection drop offline?
> Now, to use your example, I completely agree that the concept of having
> everyone be forced to a new IP address on a short timer would be
> inefficient and not helpful.  Having said that, there are lots of ways
> of building inefficient networks :)
>
>   
Either way you would face a very angry customer if you had me as a
customer. I would also demand a public excuse for harassing. And no; 8
hours downloads are not that unlikely.

-- 
Best regards

Sten Carlsen

No improvements come from shouting:

       "MALE BOVINE MANURE!!!"