How to Increase FTP Transfer Speed

FTP allows you to transfer files between your computer and a Web server.

The Internet File Transfer Protocol (FTP) was established specifically to transfer files between two locations on the Internet. What was once a complicated command-line function is now fully integrated into your operating system. Copying files between a computer and Web host is similar to copying files between two storage devices on your computer. Unfortunately, FTP in Windows does not allow you to adjust settings that can dramatically improve transfer speeds. Because broadband providers limit upload speed to a fraction of the download speed, you need to know what steps to take get the most out of your Internet connection.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• FTP transfer software

1. Eliminate all other Internet activity. Streaming video or browsing websites will use some of your available bandwidth during an FTP session. If other computers are using the same broadband connection on your network, make sure they are not engaged in bandwidth hogging activities like Web cam chat or movie downloads.

2. Increase the number of concurrent transfers. By default FTP assigns only a small portion of available bandwidth to upload or download a single file. FTP transfers in Windows will not allow you to adjust these settings. Download and install an FTP client that permits you to increase the number of concurrent (or simultaneous) file transfers. Configure the software options to allow at least 10 concurrent transfers. More is better.

3. Download and install FTP software that supports file segmenting. FTP software that uses file segmenting splits large files into smaller files that all upload at the same time using more of the available bandwidth. Adjust the number of segments large files will be divided into using the options menu in the FTP software.

References

• Filesharefreak: Increase FTP Speeds With Segmented Downloading
• Softhorizon: How to Increase FTP Connection Speed