“Rising Gaming Demand: Internet Providers Struggle to Keep Pace”

When Modern Warfare 3 hit the shelves last year, it caused a surge in internet traffic, putting considerable strain on the systems of internet service providers (ISPs). The launch and pre-load period of the game led to unprecedented levels of activity across EE and BT networks, with the companies acknowledging it as the “biggest single game contribution to a broadband peak”. But what exactly does this mean for ISPs, and how do they manage sudden spikes in gaming-related traffic? To unravel this, I sat down with EE’s director for gaming and future propositional development, Sam Kemp.

Within EE’s network, much like any other ISP, lies a cache known as a content distribution node (CDN), which stores games and other media. “CDN is a content distribution node inside our network,” Kemp explains. “Whether it’s the latest release of Apple software, the newest Fortnite update, or the latest Call of Duty game, we collaborate with all our global partners to bring this content into our network… so when you download that movie, game, or maps, they are already within our network.” This infrastructure allows ISPs like EE to deliver downloads swiftly and directly, with a keen eye on key metrics that are crucial to gamers, such as “jitter, packet loss, latency, and packet sequencing,” as outlined by Kemp.

Drawing a comparison between tweaking internet signals for gaming on a smartphone and adjusting the delicate dials of a musical instrument to achieve the best sound, Kemp stresses the importance of optimizing the network for seamless gameplay experiences. The caching nodes within the network can store thousands of pieces of content and games, allowing any of the eight million broadband customers to access specific games without the need for complex prioritization based on customer location or content type.

In instances where a game is not cached, the download request follows a standard internet route, similar to a Google search, although the experience remains comparable due to lower demand for less popular content. Whether you are gaming wirelessly on a mobile device connected to a 4G or 5G mast, or at home with fixed broadband, the network infrastructure provides mechanisms to ensure efficient delivery of content. While congestion may arise within a home network, as Kemp points out, the simplicity of the path for fixed-line connections facilitates smoother data flow.

Kemp sheds light on how ISPs anticipate and manage surges in internet activity, especially during major gaming events. With a strategic partnership with Microsoft and ongoing collaborations with software developers and game studios worldwide, EE foresees spikes in network traffic and readies itself to scale up capacity accordingly. As gaming demand continues to soar, ISPs leverage technological advancements like 5G and superfast fiber-optic networks to bolster network capacity and avert congestion during peak periods. By caching content within networks and fine-tuning network optimization, providers ensure they are well-prepared for the influx of data during events like the launch of a highly anticipated game like Call of Duty.

The unpredictable nature of gaming events, such as unexpected spikes generated by specific gaming competitions or the release of trailers like GTA 6, poses challenges for ISPs. Kemp emphasizes the need for constant evolution and transformation of networks to meet the evolving demands of the gaming industry. The growth of gaming traffic, which currently accounts for nearly 10% of all broadband usage on EE, underscores the need for ISPs to stay ahead of the curve in terms of network infrastructure and optimization.

Looking ahead, Kemp envisions a future where network evolution aligns with the trajectory of the gaming industry, ushering in advancements like 5G slicing, mobile edge computing, and enhanced broadband speeds. As eSports and competitive gaming gain prominence, ISPs are gearing up to support the infrastructure required for immersive gaming experiences. Kemp highlights the importance of building networks that are future-proof and capable of meeting the demands of next-generation gaming services.

In a world where networks are set to facilitate innovative services and experiences, Kemp’s vision of a spatial computing environment akin to a scene from Star Wars signifies the transformative potential of technology in shaping