The uplink to the server requires higher speed in order to handle simultaneous requests from multiple clients. Switched FDDI and ATM uplinks to the campus backbone provide high speed connectivity, although performance guaranties become more tenuous the farther onto the Internet one ventures. OIT Networking Systems is evaluating switched FDDI and ATM to determine appropriate models for the rest of campus. Bandwidth Considerations MPEG II is the target distribution medium. Delivering cable TV quality video at 2 mbs and production quality video at 6 mbs, this compression scheme fits precisely within the client Ethernet specification.
Audio demands are well below that.
Compressed HDTV is projected to require 25 mbs, which would require a network upgrade to serve in real time, though the demands on the server would also be extreme.