In nearly all Merkato applications, bandwidth is apportioned in one direction only. For example, if the buyers’ traffic consists of locally sourced data streams, Merkato would typically be used to apportion bandwidth from the data source hosts to the distribution network. If the dominant traffic direction is not uniform among buyers, Merkato can be configured to apportion bandwidth in both directions simultaneously. Sellers must discuss their network structures with their Merkato administrator and determine the best setting.
Should you wish to sell bandwidth in both directions independently, consider that data traffic seldom flows one direction only. Most protocols need at least a limited amount of bandwidth in the opposite direction to accommodate protocol acknowledgements. Generally, a reverse capacity of one tenth of the bandwidth in the primary direction is sufficient. Merkato has the ability to maintain a “best effort” data path for non-bidders and for bidders who receive no allocation. This best effort feature should be used to supply the necessary bandwidth for the reverse paths.