What is Peer to Peer?
Peer to Peer (or P2P) is a type of software sharing program typically known for using a download method called torrenting. Examples of these programs include uTorrent, Deluge, and Limewire. They are notoriously used for sharing files illegally and using them opens up your device to the risk of spyware, adware, or other types of malware.
It is against Southeast’s internet policy to use P2P, and if it is detected on your system you will risk being kicked off of the wireless network. This includes both actively downloading and seeding, so completely disabling or removing the software is advised.
Some games (Blizzard titles and League of Legends, for example) use P2P in their launcher to help speed up updates. To avoid violating the internet policy, this setting can be disabled. If you are removed from the network for a violation and have not knowingly been using P2P, your games’ updates may have been responsible.
What are the costs of using Peer to Peer software?
If your computer, tablet, or phone are detected using Peer to Peer software on Southeast’s network, your IP will be disconnected. Once you have been disconnected for a violation, any page you attempt to navigate to will send you to this page instead:
To get rid of this and get yourself reconnected to Southeast’s network, you will have to call the IT Help Desk at (573) 651-4357 and request that you be reconnected. At this point, they will check your record for other violations. The consequences are as follows:
First Offense
The Help Desk will reconnect your device.
Second Offense
You will be required to bring your device in so the Help Desk can check for the cause of the Peer to Peer violation and ensure its removal. Your device will then be reconnected.
Third Offense
You will be required to bring your device in so the Help Desk can check for the cause of the Peer to Peer violation and ensure its removal, then take a quiz over Southeast’s network policy. Your device will then be reconnected.
Legal Ramifications
There are other legal ramifications for illegally downloading software and media. Pirating movies, music, and games is illegal under numerous copyright laws. Performing these activities on Southeast’s network will not protect you in any way from these. There is some unfortunate crossfire, and some software that is not used for illicit activity that uses Peer to Peer for quicker updates winds up blocked as well. Much of this software’s Peer to Peer functionality can be disabled, allowing you to still use the program while at Southeast.
Known Peer to Peer Software
The following software is known to use Peer to Peer for torrenting or updating and will result in a violation with Southeast’s policies. For all entries marked with an asterisk (*), the Peer to Peer service can be disabled, preventing you from violating the policy.
Software List
BitTorrent
LimeWire
FrostWire
Deluge
Shareaza
Kazaa
iMesh
uTorrent
League of Legends Launcher* (Pre-2017)
Blizzard Launcher* (Pre-2015)