TOP  

How to speed up FTP downloads

FTP speedometer

One of the most common concerns by Seedbox users is not about the BitTorrent upload/download speeds within the server itself but rather on FTP speed at which the files are transferred back to their home/local machine.

Firstly, let’s clarify that if the download speed on your local machine is 1Mbps, you can not bypass that speed. Same with 100Mbps, for that matter. We would naturally advise upgrading your speeds at your ISP for faster download speeds.

In addition, a wired connection is ideal for this. At the same time, WiFi connections may be the bottleneck in cases where old wireless protocols are used in your router. This can be worked around by using a wired connection or upgrading to a faster Wi-Fi standard, such as wireless N.

In this article, we will try to explain two concepts that will help you maximize the download speed from your server/seedbox to your local machine via FTP.

The concepts are parallel downloads and segmented downloads.

Parallel download

Parallel downloads, also known as “concurrent downloads,” is the ability to download several files at the same time using FTP.

FTP Clients that support this option will create multiple connections to the FTP server to download files at the same time. This concept is really helpful if you are trying to download a folder that has many files. Using parallel download, you can download several files concurrently.
Let’s say that the FTP server has a bandwidth limit per session. Opening 10 concurrent sessions via parallel download will potentially bypass the per-session limit and will help you maximize your download speed.

Free FTP clients that support Parallel downloads: BitKinex, FileZilla

Segmented download

A Segmented download is essentially the ability to break a large file into small pieces (a segment), download all pieces simultaneously via multiple FTP sessions, and recombine these pieces into a single file once all segments have been downloaded.
This concept has been introduced for the first time in download managers like FlashGet and is very common nowadays. Some FTP clients have been applying this feature that can definitely help you maximize your download speed.

During active download, temporary parts of the same file will be generated which will be recombined upon completion.

Free FTP clients that support Parallel downloads CuteFTP Pro, Progressive Downloader (MAC)

Useful tutorials

If you have further questions, please contact our support department by opening a ticket in your client area.

Not sure how? Please contact us and we will help you.

Disclaimer: This material has been developed strictly for informational purposes. It does not constitute endorsement of any activities (including illegal activities), products or services. You are solely responsible for complying with the applicable laws, including intellectual property laws, when using our services or relying on any information herein. We do not accept any liability for damage arising from the use of our services or information contained herein in any manner whatsoever, except where explicitly required by law.