Network Meltdown

Definition - What does Network Meltdown mean?

A network meltdown is a scenario where a network becomes sluggish, becomes marginally functional or fails to function because of high traffic.

Techopedia explains Network Meltdown

A network meltdown can occur for various reasons. One is when planners fail to anticipate higher numbers of users or new demands on a system. Industry experts have looked at how smart phones and mobile devices can cause network meltdowns because of their heavy signaling activity, with different apps and devices sending so many requests over common networks.

Another potential cause of network meltdown is a cyberattack. For example, network systems suffering from DNS amplification attacks can see their networks start to respond poorly owing to the intensity of the activity on them.

IT industry pros offer numerous tips for better planning, to limit the chances of a network meltdown occurring. These often relate to building enough capacity in models around consumer use.

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