network meltdown

network meltdown
 n.

   A state of complete network overload; the network equivalent of
   {thrash}ing. This may be induced by a {Chernobyl packet}. See also
   {broadcast storm}, {kamikaze packet}.

   Network meltdown is often a result of network designs that are
   optimized for a steady state of moderate load and don't cope well with
   the very jagged, bursty usage patterns of the real world. One amusing
   instance of this is triggered by the popular and very bloody
   shoot-'em-up game Doom on the PC. When used in multiplayer mode over a
   network, the game uses broadcast packets to inform other machines when
   bullets are fired. This causes problems with weapons like the chain
   gun which fire rapidly -- it can blast the network into a meltdown
   state just as easily as it shreds opposing monsters.
    

network meltdown
meltdown

   <networking> (By analogy with catastrophic failure of a
   nuclear reactor) An event that causes saturation, or near
   saturation, of a network.  Network meltdown usually results
   from illegal or misrouted {packets} (see {Chernobyl packet})
   and typically lasts only a short time.  It may also be caused
   by a {hardware} fault.  It is the network equivalent of
   {thrashing}.

   [{Jargon File}]

   (2004-02-17)