The term turnpike problem relates to the transmission of information via electronic networks such as the Internet. Specifically, a turnpike problem refers to the congestion that can arise on an electronic route, typically involving e-mail, because of the electronic traffic that is on the route.

The derivation of the term turnpike problem is the problem with congestion of vehicular traffic on high-speed turnpikes. Traffic flow proceeds smoothly and swiftly when relatively few vehicles are moving along the turnpike and when no obstructions are present. However, traffic flow can slow or even stop when the number of vehicles present exceeds the capacity of the system or when an obstacle, such as an accident or construction, blocks a portion of the route or exit.

When messages are sent from one destination to another, they can take a circuitous route from one Internet Service Provider (ISP) to another. For...