What is downloading?
Learn about downloading, the transmission of files/data from one computer to another over a network. Explore download speed, cache vs. stream and methods.
Downloading is the transmission of a file or data from one computer to another over a network, usually from a larger server to a user device. Download can refer to the general transfer of data or to transferring a specific file. It can also be called to download, DL or D/L.
All internet use requires downloading data. While browsing websites or using apps, the computer or mobile device is downloading data. This data could be the text, images or videos used on the pages or apps that users visit. Most of this data is only kept for long enough for it to be used once and then removed from the device.
When users want to keep the data on their device, they download the data to it. This could be a file, document or app that they want to keep permanently. When they download it, users make a copy of the data from what is on the central computer, called the server.
In general use, the word download is used for both the process of copying the data and for the resulting file. Download is also mostly used in the context of copying data from a larger central server. While not a hard-and-fast rule, if the data is moving between two peer client devices or between two pieces of local data storage, such as from a compact disc to a hard disk drive, it would be called transferring data and not downloading.
Taking data or a file from a client device and copying it to a server is called an upload.
Simplified representation of the request and response process between a client and server. Download speed is a measure of how much data can be transferred from an arbitrary internet location to a user’s device in a second. It is typically measured in megabits per second (Mbps). The higher the number, the faster the connection. The maximum capacity to transfer data of a WPT123 or wireless network in a certain amount of time is referred to as bandwidth.
In the United States, 25 Mbps or over is considered broadband internet speed.
Bandwidth required by different types of services for downloading data For most home or personal internet connections, the upload speed is lower than the download. This is because, for most people, they need to download far more data than they need to upload, so downloads are prioritized by the internet service provider (ISP). Businesses may benefit from having the same upload speed as their download; this is called having a symmetrical internet connection.
An ISP will advertise the fastest possible theoretical download speed, but many factors can affect real-world download speed. Older home networking or Wi-Firouters may not be able to provide fast enough connections to support modern internet connections. Poor cellphone or Wi-Fi signal strength also results in slow downloads. In addition, the speed of the server that users are downloading from may not be especially fast.
For example, large companies have many servers with exceptionally fast internet connections that can support many devices downloading at high speed simultaneously. But smaller companies may only have one server that is easily overwhelmed by many people trying to download something, and the resulting download is slow.
Calculating upload/download bandwidth requirements for multiple users When transferring a file to a device, such as for music or a video, users may have the option to download, cache or stream it. While there is not a hard-and-fast rule for how different companies use these terms, in general, a download is a permanent copy, a cache is a temporary copy and a stream is only copied as it is used.
To download the data means to have a permanent copy. The full data is kept on a local device. Usually, end users manage the copy and have access to use it as much as they want. They may be able to copy it to another device. An example download would be to save a copy of a document to a device so it is always available.
A cached copy is generally a whole copy that is on the device, but it is managed by the program and not the user. It may not be complete and may require that the service be contacted before it can be used again. The program decides how long the cache copy will exist and may delete it as needed. Having cached data is beneficial because less data needs to be transferred and it makes the content available faster. Usually, the user will not be able to use the data outside the program. An example of a cache would be a music service having a cache so the songs don’t need to transfer data each time they are played or so that they can be available for offline playback.
A streamed copy is when the data is only sent to the device just before it is needed and is not kept after it has been used. This is most often used for music and movies. Often, only a few moments ahead of what is being viewed is sent to the end-user device. The data is kept in a temporary buffer before it is shown. Once the content is finished, the data is deleted. If the person wants to view it again, another copy needs to be streamed from the server. An example of a stream is when an online video service sends the video data as it is needed, but if the internet is removed, the stream ends.
There are a variety of ways to download data, including the following.
Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) downloads use the same protocol as browsing websites to send the file data. It is the most popular way to download files from the internet. All web browsers use this to download files directly. HTTP does not support pausing or resuming failed downloads natively.
Clients use HTTP to communicate with servers online and to access webpages, including uploads and downloads. File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is one of the oldest protocols for downloading files. It is used by a dedicated program to log on to an FTP server to browse and download. It can be used with passwords and be encrypted by using FTP Secure.
Peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads use special clients and protocols to send and receive files without a central host. A popular P2P protocol is BitTorrent.
Learn more about network management.
12 common network protocols and their functions explained
Comparing 7 storage network protocols
How to approach livestreaming bandwidth management
A deep dive into the internet, bandwidth, and how users in EUC and elsewhere affect capacity
How do cloud data centers affect network bandwidth requirements?
What is ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol)?ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) is a network layer error-reporting protocol that’s used to communicate data transmission… See complete definitionWhat is IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6)?Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) is a set of specifications from the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) that is responsible… See complete definitionWhat is TCP/IP?TCP/IP stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol and is a suite of communication protocols used to interconnect … See complete definition- How to use the LFTP client to download files
By: Damon Garn
- cloud storage service
By: James Miller - archive
By: Sarah Wilson - Microsoft Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
By: Rahul Awati
By: Damon GarnBy: James MillerBy: Sarah WilsonBy: Rahul Awati
FAQ
Will Buckshot Roulette come to Steam?
Buckshot Roulette will be available on Steam on Mach 15, 2024, with a console version coming later in 2024. Buckshot Roulette is Russian roulette with a 12-gauge shotgun. Dive into a gritty underworld nightclub. Face off against The Dealer.Feb 20, 2024
Is there a formula to win roulette?
Roulette is a game of chance, and there is no guaranteed method or formula to win consistently. The outcome of each spin is determined by random number generation (in electronic versions) or the physical spinning of a roulette wheel (in live and land-based casinos).Jan 24, 2022
Can you play WPT on your phone?
Yes, to play on WPT Global, you will need to download their software or application on your computer or mobile device. The good news is that you only have to follow a few simple steps, and in just a few minutes, you can start enjoying your experience as a poker player on WPT Global.
Is Buckshot Roulette on PS5?
No, you can’t play Buckshot Roulette on the PS5.
Is Buckshot Roulette free to play?
YES I FOUND AND YOU CAN PLAY BUCKSHOT ROULETTE FOR FREE (NOT SCAM) : r/AskGames.21 Feb 2024
Buckshot Roulette free online platform, Give you more than free download, what is buckshot roulette and how to play.
This site only collects related articles. Viewing the original, please copy and open the following link:What is downloading?
