Engineering for Slow Internet (brr.fyi)

Article summary

The article discusses the challenges of using the internet in bandwidth-constrained environments, such as Antarctica, where the author spent 14 months working with limited satellite internet connectivity. The author highlights the importance of engineering for slow internet and provides examples of apps that failed to function properly due to hardcoded timeouts and chunk sizes. The article also touches on the potential solutions, including the use of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems like Starlink. However, the author notes that these solutions may not be scalable or suitable for all users.

Main themes

• Slow internet
• Bandwidth-constrained environments
• LEO satellite systems
• App development
• Internet connectivity
• Remote work

What commenters say

• LEO satellite systems like Starlink may not be a viable solution for slow internet in all areas, particularly in densely populated regions with overloaded infrastructure.
• Some commenters argue that Starlink is a game-changer for remote internet connectivity, while others point out its limitations and potential for interference.
• Many apps, including popular ones like Slack, are not designed to handle slow or intermittent internet connections, leading to frustrating user experiences.
• The importance of engineering for slow internet is often overlooked by developers, who may prioritize features and speed over reliability and accessibility.
• Some users have found alternative apps, such as Telegram, to be more resilient and functional in remote or low-bandwidth environments.
• The use of LEO satellite systems may be limited by factors such as latency, packet loss, and coverage, making them less suitable for certain applications or regions.
• The article's examples of apps failing to function properly due to hardcoded timeouts and chunk sizes highlight the need for more flexible and adaptive design approaches.
• The scalability of LEO satellite systems is a concern, as they may not be able to handle a large number of users or high-bandwidth applications.