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FTP Speed TipsClick here to email this page to a friend. and Troubleshooting

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is the most efficient way to upload and download files. With some very powerful features -- drag and drop transfers! auto-resume! -- there is one basic item that everybody seems to want: faster transfers.

If you've every found yourself asking why your FTP client isn't transferring files as fast as you'd expect, a key thing to remember is that there are a lot of external factors that determine FTP speed. Your FTP client is just a small piece of the puzzle.

These five questions will help you determine what may be causing slow transfers for you and may help you increase your speed. 

1. What other programs are using your internet connection?

If you're running many programs that use your connection at the same time, your connection is being shared and can be spread thin. Stopping programs that use a lot of bandwidth should result in faster transfers.

These programs include P2P file sharing programs (WinMX, eDonkey, BitTorrrent, etc.), MP3/video download programs (Yahoo! Music, iTunes), streaming media (online radio, movie trailers), multiple Web browser windows, other downloads, etc.

These programs can also include spyware or adware installed on your system (you may not be aware of this -- visit CNet's Security Center for more information).

2. Does your ISP provide slower uploads than downloads?

If you're experiencing lightning fast downloads and slower uploads, check with your ISP to see what your upload limit is. Most ISPs provide more bandwidth for downloads than uploads.

3. What is the server's limit?

You'll never experience faster transfer than the server allows. In other words, the server limit may be your limit. Check with the FTP server administrator for information on a specific server.

4. Do you have multiple connections open to the same server?

If so, you're using up more of your bandwidth at once. Generally, this allows for faster downloads at a slower rate per connection. This can be a perceived slowness, as the sum of all connections can be quite fast.

5. Who else is connected to the server?

As noted in question three above, FTP servers have a limit. If other people are connecting to the server at the same time, it will affect your transfer speeds.

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