Miya Pearson
Dropbox's LAN sync feature allows users to sync files stored on their local network, which may speed up the process. However, it is important to note that LAN sync only works when the computer is awake and active. If a computer enters sleep mode, all applications, including Dropbox, are suspended until the computer is reactivated. This has prompted users to seek solutions to prevent their computers from sleeping until after Dropbox has synced its files. While there are programs available that can keep a computer awake, Dropbox itself does not currently support LAN sync on computers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does Dropbox LAN sync work while PC sleeps? | No, it doesn't. No application can run while a computer is asleep. |
| How to enable LAN sync? | Go to Preferences in the Dropbox desktop app, click the Bandwidth tab, and check the box next to Enable LAN sync. |
| What is LAN sync? | LAN sync works across two separate accounts that have shared folders between them. It only syncs file contents. |
| How does LAN sync work? | LAN sync uses UDP "broadcast" packets that each client sends out on a regular interval, advertising information about which user accounts and shared folders that client has locally. |
| LAN sync compatibility | LAN sync only works within a single UDP broadcast domain, which is usually a single router or smaller. Dropbox is bound by firewall rules configured by the network admin. |
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What You'll Learn
- Dropbox LAN sync is not supported on computers running on Windows Firewall
- LAN sync works across two separate accounts with shared folders
- Syncing is suspended when a computer enters sleep mode
- Power Nap-compatible computers can sync Dropbox while asleep
- LAN sync may increase congestion on the local network
Dropbox LAN sync is not supported on computers running on Windows Firewall
To ensure that LAN sync works properly, it is recommended that you only turn on LAN sync when you need it. Having it on all the time may cause congestion on your local network and a slower internet connection. If your network type is Public, LAN sync will not work. Changing your network to Private may help get LAN sync working.
Additionally, if your network only supports IPv6, then LAN sync cannot be used. It requires a specific port range for discovery and data transfer, which is only compatible with IPv4.
It is also important to note that LAN sync will not function while your computer is asleep. This is because no applications can run while a computer is in sleep mode. Syncing will resume once the computer wakes up.
To circumvent this issue, you can use programs like Caffeine, which can keep your PC awake during sync.
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LAN sync works across two separate accounts with shared folders
Dropbox LAN sync works across two separate accounts with shared folders. It only syncs file contents and does not sync file names, directory structure, sharing permissions, or other information. It uses UDP "broadcast" packets that each client sends out at regular intervals, advertising information about which user accounts and shared folders that client has locally, without sharing any private information.
Other clients on the same LAN can look for this broadcast packet and use the information to determine which clients to contact if they want to download data from that shared folder. An encrypted HTTPS connection is formed between the users, using unique credentials issued by Dropbox and only given to users with legitimate access.
LAN sync only works within a single UDP broadcast domain, which is usually a single router or smaller, depending on the router configuration. It is recommended to only turn on LAN sync when needed, as it may otherwise increase congestion and slow the internet connection.
Regarding your question about LAN sync working while a PC sleeps, it seems that Dropbox sync is suspended when a computer is asleep. This is because no applications can run while a computer is asleep. However, there are programs available that can keep your PC awake, such as Caffeine for Mac and Windows.
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Syncing is suspended when a computer enters sleep mode
To address this, users can explore solutions such as keeping their PCs awake with specialised programs like Caffeine, which is available for both Windows and Mac. By disabling the default sleep settings, users can ensure that their computers remain active during the sync process, even when left unattended.
Additionally, Mac users with Power Nap-compatible computers can take advantage of certain background services while their devices are asleep. As of March 2019, Dropbox appears to be Power Nap compatible, allowing for syncing even when the computer is in sleep mode.
It is worth noting that LAN sync in Dropbox can be enabled to utilise the local area network for faster syncing. However, this feature is designed for use within a single UDP broadcast domain, typically a single router, and may not be relevant to the sleep mode issue.
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Power Nap-compatible computers can sync Dropbox while asleep
Dropbox will not sync if your computer is asleep. However, Power Nap-compatible computers (Macs and Mac Minis from Late 2012 onwards) can sync Dropbox while asleep.
Power Nap is a feature that allows your Mac to perform certain tasks while it is asleep. It was introduced with OS X Mountain Lion and is easy to set up. To enable Power Nap, open System Preferences, click on Energy Saver, and then the Power Adapter tab. Check the box beside "Enable Power Nap when plugged into a power adapter". If you want to use battery power, you can also check the box in the Battery tab to enable Power Nap while on the go.
It's important to note that Power Nap operations are initiated hourly, not every few minutes. The following activities can occur while your Mac is asleep: Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Reminders, Notes, Documents stored in iCloud, and Photo Stream. VPN on-demand also continues working, allowing your corporate email to update securely.
As of March 2019, Dropbox appears to be Power Nap-compatible. A user reported starting a 14GB sync before going to bed, closing the lid, and finding that it was all synced by morning.
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LAN sync may increase congestion on the local network
Dropbox LAN sync allows users on the same network to connect via a UDP broadcast and form an HTTPS connection to transfer data directly. This is a useful feature, especially in an office setting, as it may speed up file syncing. However, leaving LAN sync on at all times may increase congestion on the local network.
When LAN sync is enabled, Dropbox will override your bandwidth settings to speed up file syncing. This increased data transfer can lead to higher network congestion, potentially slowing down your internet connection. The impact on network performance is more noticeable when multiple devices are simultaneously syncing large files or when the network infrastructure is not adequately provisioned.
To illustrate, consider an office with 20 computers, all connected to the same local area network (LAN). If all these computers have LAN sync enabled on Dropbox, they are constantly broadcasting their presence and looking for other Dropbox clients. This constant communication generates additional network traffic, increasing congestion on the LAN.
Furthermore, if several users are syncing large files simultaneously, the network congestion can become more severe. The limited bandwidth within the LAN may struggle to accommodate all the data transfers, resulting in slower transfer speeds for all devices. In some cases, critical applications may be inadvertently impacted, causing unexpected performance issues.
Therefore, it is recommended to only turn on LAN sync when necessary. By using LAN sync judiciously, you can balance the benefits of faster file syncing with the potential drawbacks of increased network congestion. This ensures that your local network remains efficient and responsive, particularly in environments with multiple devices or limited network resources.
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