Internet Traffic Growth: Sources and Implications

A 2003 paper essential for understanding internet traffic growth and debunking its myths.

Internet Traffic Growth: Sources and Implications

The high-tech bubble was inflated by myths of astronomical Internet traffic growth rates. Yet although these myths were false, Internet traffic was increasing very rapidly, close to doubling each year since 1997. Moreover, it continues growing close to this rate. This rapid growth reflects a poorly understood combination of any feedback loops operating on different time scales. Evidence about past and current t growth rates and their sources is presented, together with speculations about the future. The expected rapid but not astronomical growth of Internet traffic is likely to have important implications for networking technologies that are deployed and for industry structure. Backbone transport is likely to remain a commodity and be provided as a single high-quality y service. It is probable that backbone revenues will stay low, as the complexity, cost, and revenue and profit opportunities continue to migrate towards the edges of the network.

Download the paper here

Photo by Daniel Chen

Related Articles

Unlocking Indonesia’s Digital Future: Secure Cloud Adoption in Financial Services

Unlocking Indonesia’s Digital Future: Secure Cloud Adoption in Financial Services

Indonesia’s financial services sector stands at a critical inflection point. While cloud technologies offer unprecedented opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and...

17 Apr 2025 Reports
Unlocking Generative AI’s Potential: Small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) as a catalyst for growth and workforce transformation

Unlocking Generative AI’s Potential: Small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) as a catalyst for growth and workforce transformation

Generative AI has quickly become one of the most transformative technologies of our time. With its ability to process vast...

16 Apr 2025 General
Fortifying the Middle East’s Digital Future: The economic benefits of investing in cybersecurity in the UAE

Fortifying the Middle East’s Digital Future: The economic benefits of investing in cybersecurity in the UAE

Having a secure digital ecosystem is now key to economic growth and security for the UAE. Transactions and business operations...

10 Apr 2025 General
Bridging Access for All: Why does enhancing mobility matter for Japan?

Bridging Access for All: Why does enhancing mobility matter for Japan?

Access Partnership and the International University of Japan’s Centre for Global Communications (GLOCOM) Release Economic Study on Enhancing Mobility in...

25 Mar 2025 General