> Wouldn't it be a bit more efficient to skip a step and stream straight from a computer within your home?
Not if I'm away from home and can't talk directly to that computer because it's behind a firewall and my ISP won't let me run Internet-visible servers using my home Internet connection. (And even if the ISP would, while I, as a techie, might be willing to set up my own streaming server and poke a hole in my firewall for it, I'm not sure the average user would be able or willing to do that.)
> However, personal, non-commercial use of servers that comply with this AUP is acceptable, including using virtual private networks (VPN) to access services in your home and using hardware or applications that include server capabilities for uses like multi-player gaming, video-conferencing, and home security.
I know that other ISPs in the US are somewhat shittier in this regard.
Some ISPs will say they don't "support" or "allow" it in their legalese, but it's just words they never enforce. It seems ridiculous to me as a customer to have an Internet connection yet only use it for outbound connections, and I've never had a problem running public-facing services on my "consumer grade" home connection.
Not if I'm away from home and can't talk directly to that computer because it's behind a firewall and my ISP won't let me run Internet-visible servers using my home Internet connection. (And even if the ISP would, while I, as a techie, might be willing to set up my own streaming server and poke a hole in my firewall for it, I'm not sure the average user would be able or willing to do that.)