Large file transfer times

[jake60]

Hello, newbie here.

I am hoping someone with more technical experience than myself can give some advice.

I have 5 domains on a home server. They do not have much traffic so my dsl connection is fine.

One domain however I am going to have to move to a faster connection server like bluehost.

My situation is this. I need to have 600 people download 2 - 4gb files per week year round. That is 32gb month each and a lot of bandwidth and transfer time.

Download time is not real critical but the files are needed on a schedule.

My question is this, since bluehost is unlimited, what would be the min suggested connection for the 600 downloaders?

Thanks,

John

[Eriksrocks]

My question is this, since bluehost is unlimited, what would be the min suggested connection for the 600 downloaders?


I'm not sure I understand your question. What do you mean by "min suggested connection?" :)

[felgall]

One thing to consider is that BlueHost are offering web hosting and not file hosting. The files you put on the account are expected to be at least primarily related to web pages. If you have huge files to share you really need a file server service and not a web server.

[Eriksrocks]

Which reminds me you could be violating the Bluehost TOS (http://www.bluehost.com/terms_of_service.html).


Backup Storage

Bluehost Web Hosting intends to offer services to host web sites, not store data. Using an account primarily as an online storage space for archiving electronic files is prohibited.

[jake60]

I have talked to bluehost and yes there will be a website with links to the files. A forum, etc.

What I need to know is what the downloaders connection should be to enable a 4gb file to be downloaded in a day or two.

I know transfers are not what they seem to be as far as speed calcs goes. There is overhead, etc.

[Early Out]

In my experience, BH connections pretty much max out at 4mbps, which, allowing for some overhead, comes to about 450KB per second. So, a 4GB file would take about 2.5 hours, assuming the user's ISP can deliver at least 4mpbs.

[jake60]

Maybe what I should be asking is what is the average download speed of a cable internet connection? The type of average home user connection they have for tv, internet, etc. What do the TV cable companies offer?

[Early Out]

Cable companies are routinely offering 6-10mbps.

[Eriksrocks]

Or if you live in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, like me, you can get 50mpbs broadband from Comcast... for $150 a month! :eek:

I just have the regular service. :D