broadcast storm

from Jargon File (4.4.4, 14 Aug 2003)

broadcast storm
 n.

   [common] An incorrect packet broadcast on a network that causes most
   hosts to respond all at once, typically with wrong answers that start
   the process over again. See {network meltdown}; compare {mail storm}.

from The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)

broadcast storm
network storm
storm

   <networking> A {broadcast} on a {network} that causes multiple
   {hosts} to respond by broadcasting themselves, causing the
   storm to grow exponentially in severity.

   See {network meltdown}.

   [{Jargon File}]

   (1995-02-07)

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