5 ms·

s/last mile/first mile/

• supermatt 12y ago
  As the issue is data flowing FROM Netflix TO the end user, I think your 'correction' may be incorrect, as it is indeed the 'last mile' that is in discussion.
  • notdonspaulding 12y ago
    "last mile" doesn't have to do with which direction the bits are flowing (although there may be a loose correlation). It has to do with the fact that the customer is on the outside edge of the network. A connection from Verizon to Cogent isn't considered last mile because there are other networks on the other side of Cogent. Since you aren't providing a connection from your ISP to some other network, you are the last mile.
    • oconnore 12y ago
      From the point of view of a carrier, yes. I think you missed the point.
      • notdonspaulding 12y ago
        At the risk of diving too deep into a semantic discussion... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_mile http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_mile "Last Mile" is a common telco industry term. It's not about framing, it's the correct term for the connection. It does not connote any specific value to the connection relative to others, nor is it derogatory. It's simply saying where in the network the connection lives. A "last mile" connection is not an inter-network connection, it's a specific link within the network that your ISP has built from the rest of their network to you, the individual customer.
  • oconnore 12y ago
    Saying "first mile" re-frames the conversation from the point of view of the customer, and is important because the Verizons and Comcasts of the world are very good at framing the debate in terms that benefit them. Last mile is from the POV of the carrier, and implies that something is being delivered to you. First mile is from the POV of the customer, and implies that this is the first mile of your internet connection. The direction data is flowing is irrelevant.