2014-04-26 10:52:28 -04:00
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network meltdown
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2014-04-26 11:54:15 -04:00
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n. A state of complete network overload; the network equivalent of thrash
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ing. This may be induced by a Chernobyl packet. See also broadcast storm ,
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kamikaze packet. Network meltdown is often a result of network designs that
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are optimized for a steady state of moderate load and don't cope well with
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the very jagged, bursty usage patterns of the real world. One amusing
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instance of this is triggered by the popular and very bloody shoot-'em-up
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game Doom on the PC. When used in multiplayer mode over a network, the game
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uses broadcast packets to inform other machines when bullets are fired. This
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causes problems with weapons like the chain gun which fire rapidly it can
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blast the network into a meltdown state just as easily as it shreds opposing
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monsters.
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