Lower quality video streams and delayed gaming downloads will be crucial to keeping the internet functioning optimally while the world stays home during the coronavirus pandemic, according to the head of one of the world's largest content delivery networks.

Akamai, which is responsible for delivering more than 30 per cent of the world's digital content – be it a TV stream from Stan or a video game from Sony – has recorded a more than 50 per cent jump in traffic volumes globally compared to this time last year.