acm sigcomm

HTTP (Hypertext Transport Protocol) was originally primarily used for human-initiated client-server communications launched from web browsers, traditional computers and laptops. However, today it has become the protocol of choice for a bewildering range of applications from a wide array of emerging devices like smart TVs and gaming consoles. This paper presents an initial study characterizing the non-traditional sources of HTTP traffic such as consumer devices and automated updates in the overall HTTP traffic for residential Internet users. Among our findings, 13% of all HTTP traffic in terms of bytes is due to nontraditional sources, with 5% being from consumer devices such as WiFi enabled smartphones and 8% generated from automated software updates and background processes. Our findings show that 11% of all HTTP requests are caused by communications with advertising servers from as many as 190 countries worldwide, suggesting the widespread prevalence of such activities. Overall, our findings start to answer questions about what is the state of traffic generated in these smart homes.