iOS 7 Wreaks Havoc on School Networks

Earlier today a large company that provides Internet access to K-12 schools started experiencing slow connection speeds. An anonymous source tells us a 100mbps connection down was achieving 0.77mbps during this time. The host company assumed that they were under attack from the outside. Upon further investigation, the company determined it was simply due to iOS 7 downloads!

One could imagine that on iOS 7 release day that Apple’s servers would be getting hit pretty hard for the download of the software. We covered it extensively this morning, with users receiving download errors and overall slow connection speeds.

READ: iOS 7 Software Update Failed Errors Frustrate Users | iOS 7 Errors Driving You Crazy? Put Down the iPhone and Walk Away

iPad and other iOS devices are popular in schools. (Photo: Shutterstock)

OARnet, provider of most of the bandwidth for K-12 schools in Ohio, started receiving emails and phone calls from tech coordinators about poor network performance. Shortly after, the following email was sent to the tech coordinators.

Email sent to tech coordinators regarding cyber attack.

Obviously a large number of incoming connections could indicated a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack. After some investigative work, the company returned with another email, admitting that the incoming connections were all iOS devices upgrading to the new system.

Follow-up email declaring the bandwidth issues are caused by iOS 7 updates.

For many of us, we may have only one or two iOS devices to update. The average user hears about the update today and wants to update to the latest and greatest experience. However, when those average users are all attempting to update iPad carts at a school, that can really hinder bandwidth.

Thanks in part to iOS 7, global Internet traffic was up 91% earlier today, and remains at 77% above normal at 9 PM Eastern.

Recently, Los Angeles County Schools made headlines for instituting a one-to-one program and purchased $30 million worth of iPads for their students. Imaging antsy educators looking to upgrade all their iPads and iOS devices, and it is easy to see how it could bring a network down.

By the end of the week the download fervor should stop, and upgrading should be painless and simple. This is one example of why waiting may create a better overall experience.