What is the difference between traffic shaping and throttling?

What is the difference between traffic shaping and throttling?

Traffic shaping is a technique used to control the flow of data to ensure optimal performance, while throttling limits the bandwidth available to a user or application.

Can you give me an example of when I would use traffic shaping?

Sure! Traffic shaping is often used by ISPs to prioritize certain types of traffic, like video streaming, during peak hours.

And what about throttling? When is that typically applied?

Throttling is commonly applied when a user exceeds their data limit, slowing down their connection to manage network resources.

Are there any downsides to using these techniques?

Yes, both can lead to reduced user experience if not managed properly, as they may cause delays or limit access to certain services.