Turbine Download Manager
From LOTRO Lorebook
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Contents |
[edit] What is Turbine Download Manager (TDM)?
TDM is a download manager that uses peer-to-peer (P2P) protocol. Peer-to-peer protocol allows players to download large files. What this means for our players is each person downloading these files will share a portion of their upload bandwidth, allowing other players to download the same files. This connection sharing increases overall download speeds for all players using TDM. TDM is designed to dynamically adjust to the resource availability of your PC and should not noticeably affect overall performance. The more players to use TDM, the better the download performance will be.
TDM will only download files that are specific to LOTRO. No other files will be shared or uploaded to other players, and no personal information will be obtained when using TDM.
TDM also offers the following features:
* Peer-to-peer (P2P) downloading, allowing you to download files even faster * Full control over your download experience * The ability to set overall capacity and speed limits * Scheduled downloads by time of day and day of week * The ability to set limits based on what other applications are running * The ability to pause and resume downloads * UPnP support (if your router and firewall support it and are configured correctly)
A few things to note:
* TDM's mission is to download the files into the directory you've specified.
If you move the files after downloading them, TDM will attempt to re-download them. * Turbine remains the primary provider of bandwidth when necessary,
to ensure a quality download experience instead of relying completely on peers.
The peer-to-peer portion only acts as a subsidizer. * TDM will update and restart itself shortly after installing.
[edit] FAQ
What is a peer-to-peer protocol?
Peer-to-peer protocol breaks large files into smaller partial files. This allows users to download these multiple small files from many locations rather than one large file from a single location, making the download experience faster.
What files will I be sharing using TDM?
The files that will currently be shared are the LOTRO client. Files that are not related to LOTRO including music, videos or documents will not be accessible to other players when using TDM. What are the benefits of using TDM?
There are many benefits to using TDM. You can pause and resume a download, even when interrupted. If a situation such as a computer crash or a loss of connection occurs, simply restart TDM and it will pick up where it left off. TDM performs thousands of verification checks throughout the download process against the data downloaded to ensure data integrity.
You can control the amount of bandwidth that you would like to devote to TDM to minimize its impact on your online experience.
In addition to controlling bandwidth, due to the nature of distributed downloading, you avoid bottlenecks in the Internet because you will be obtaining the files from multiple sources. Traditional point-to-point transfer is prone to network congestion issues, resulting in under-utilized bandwidth.
Is TDM secure?
Yes. Even though you will be exchanging data with other players, all data transferred is verified thousands of times throughout the process with digital signatures downloaded securely from Turbine. Malicious data will never be downloaded onto your computer.
Can I download multiple files simultaneously?
Yes. In order to maximize bandwidth effectiveness, TDM will download portions of multiple files at once.
Can I resume an incomplete download with TDM?
Yes. When TDM is restarted, the download resumes automatically.
Can I limit the amount of bandwidth used by TDM?
Yes. You can control the amount of bandwidth used by TDM through the Scheduling and Network tabs in the options menu. From there, you will be able to restrict TDM’s bandwidth use by:
Time of day When specific applications are running Constant overall performance
Can I use BitTorrent or a similar program instead of TDM?
No. While TDM does use peer-to-peer file exchange, the protocol has significant extensions beyond that of a simple BitTorrent product, providing a more secure network and reducing disk space usage on each peer.
I have multiple computers on my network. What is the best way for me to transfer the downloaded files to these computers?
The best way is to launch TDM on the other computers on your network. TDM can recognize computers which are on the same LAN and will transfer files preferentially between them, while still participating in the overall peer-to-peer network.
How do I configure my router to work with TDM?
If you have a direct connection to the internet or a universal plug and play (UPnP) enabled router, there is no configuration necessary. If you are connected via a non-UPnP router, you will need to forward a port (in the 10000 to 65535 range, both TCP and UDP) from your router to your PC, and designate that port in the TDM Options menu.
Does the port TDM users ever change?
No. Once you've set the port, TDM will not change it.
Can I stop TDM from running?
To stop running TDM, right click the TDM icon in your task bar and select Exit or click the Options menu and select Exit.
When I set the schedule, am I setting it for when the TDM will download patches/upgrades/etc. to my computer if needed, when people can P2P from of me, or both?
The scheduler applies limits to both uploading and downloading (including "Off"). The "Enable P2P" option does prevent uploading to other users at any time. When it is disabled, you will only download, and only during those times allowed by the scheduler.
TDM seems to use KB/s as Bytes in some places and as Bits in others. What gives?
TDM always uses Bytes.
Can I use the TDM if I am a Mac User?
TDM and LOTRO are not Macintosh compatible.
Does TDM only use peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing?
Turbine remains the primary provider of bandwidth. P2P is configured on by default. It can be disabled. However, disabling it can reduce your download speeds.
My network has blocked the ports required by TDM. Can I still use TDM?
Yes. Even if you cannot accept incoming connections, TDM automatically trades data with other players whose ports are unblocked.
Can I see how much time is left on my download using TDM?
Yes. TDM displays the progress of your download on the progress bar.
My ISP (Internet Service Provider) prohibits and/or limits the amount of P2P (Peer-to-Peer) that can be used .What can I do?
In the TDM Options panel, un-check the "Enable peer-to-peer game file sharing" option.
What is UPnP?
UPnP stands for universal plug and play. By enabling this setting on your router, your router will now adjust itself to work with any installed software.
My download speeds are lower than they should be, based on the network connection I have.
Is your connection speed properly configured? Check the "Network" tab in the Options dialog box, and make sure the value in the "Download capacity" field is correct.
Are you running other applications which are bandwidth intensive? If so, TDM will attempt to "get out of the way," improving the other applications' performance.
If you have a router, have you properly forwarded the port specified in the "Network" tab? If you do not have UPnP enabled, you will need to do so manually to ensure optimal download speeds.
Have you enabled peer-to-peer data transfer? If you have unchecked the "Enable peer-to-peer game file sharing" checkbox on the "General" tab of the Options dialog box, then your download will progress more slowly than it would with P2P file sharing enabled.
My other applications' performance is negatively impacted when I run TDM.
Is your connection speed properly configured? Check the "Network" tab in the Options dialog box, and make sure the values in the "Download capacity" and "Upload capacity" fields are correct. If the values are higher than your actual connection speed, TDM will not be able to properly balance its network usage to make your applications take precedence.
Is the impact on network availability? If the actual problem is contention for, for example, hard disk resources, then you may wish to limit TDM's speed via the "Schedule" tab in the Options dialog box.
If you have idle time on your machine that you would like to make use of, try using the "Limit by Time of Day..." settings on the "Scheduling" tab in the Options dialog box.
If you find that a particular application suffers particularly when you run it alongside TDM, try using the "Limit by Application..." settings on the "Scheduling" tab in the Options dialog box.
What does the yellow question mark icon in the lower left of the TDM user interface mean?
The question mark means that you may not yet have received an inbound connection from another TDM user. That does not necessarily mean that you have a problem -- it may just mean that nobody has tried to swap data with you yet -- but, if it persists, you should double check that your port, specified in the "Network" tab in the Options dialog box, is properly forwarded through any routers or firewalls you may have enabled.
TDM says my content download state is at 100% completion, but I have not gotten a "Play" button with which to launch it.
If TDM is unable to remedy the problem itself within five to ten minutes, try shutting down and re-launching it.
Which version of .NET Framework does TDM use?
TDM requires .NET Framework 2.0 and .NET Framework 2.0 SP1.
How do I uninstall TDM?
To uninstall TDM entirely, go to 'Add or Remove Programs' in your computer's Control Panel, and choose to uninstall 'Turbine Download Manager' (it will also remove your live LOTRO client).
[edit] TDM TuneUp
[edit] General
Enable peer-to-peer game file sharing
This enables the P2P function of TDM. This mean that TDM will download the content from Turbine and P2P, it will increase the download speed.
If your ISP don't allow P2P then you shall disable this option.
Start with Windows
If it is checked TDM will run when Windows Starts.
It's recommended because TDM will keep your game updated.
"Exit" terminates the Turbine services
If it is checked when you "exit" TDM the download services will be closed too.
If you don't like to have the download services working in the background after closing TDM then this option is for you.
"Hide" allows the Turbine services to continue running
If it is checked when you "exit" TDM the download services will continue running in the background, updating or sharing.
Include Download Manager status in the main window
If it is checked, the status of the Download Manager will be displayed in the main window.
This helps if you like to know the download status of the TDM or if the TDM is up to date.
[edit] Scheduling
Here you can pause or limit the orperation of TDM by Time of Day or by Application
Limit by Time of Day
Here you can limiting the operation of TDM by Time of Day, there are 3 possible states:
- High-speed: TDM will download and upload at the maximum speed (defined in this category)
- Low-speed: TDM will download and upload at the lowest speed (defined in this category)
- Off: TDM will be turned Off
Limit by Aplication
Here you can limiting the operation of TDM by Application, this mean that if X application is running then TDM will change its state to:
- Low-speed: TDM will download and upload at the lowest speed (defined in this category)
- Off: TDM will be turned Off
If you would like to pause TDM while LOTRO is running:
- Click the "Add" button
- Browse to your LOTRO folder ("C:\Program Files\Turbine\The Lord of the Rings Online" on my machine)
- Select "lotroclient.exe" in the file list
- Click the "Open" button
- Notice the new entry defaults to "Off"
- Click the "Close" button
- Click the "OK" button
- Play the game
Limits defined as a porcentage of Network Capacity
Here you have to set which will be the "Highest Speed" that TDM could reach and which will be the "Lowest Speed" that TDM could reach.
[edit] Network
Interface
Here you have to select the network/device that you use to connect to Internet.
Port
TDM assigns a random port the first run time.
This is crucial for the P2P function!
Here we have two options:
* Map Port Via UPnP * Manual Port Forward
If our router has enable the UPnP function then when you press on "Map Port Via UPnP" it will auto Forward the port.
If your router has disable or can't support UPnP then you have to Manual Forward the Port. Here are some guides that explain how to forward a port in our router: PortForward.com
Maximum throughput of your network connection
This depend of your network speed, if you don't know the value you can use the "Detect" button or do this simple calculation: If your ISP provide you with 3MB then (1024 = 1MB) 1024 * 3 / 8 = Your download speed in KB/s.
In the case of the Upload capacity in most cases is less than the download speed. If you are using DSL between 1MB - 8MB then the upload speed usually is 256K (256 / 8 = 32KB/s).
If you are not sure, contact your ISP
[edit] Dev Tracker
skorpion352: Is it possible to change the tdm so that the files are compressed when they sent and then uncompressed when they are recieved?
RagTop: We appreciate the suggestion, but we're way ahead of you...
For the most part, the content of the game files (the great majority of the data) is compressed when it makes sense to do so (some data is already in a form where compression may increase the storage requirements, making things worse).
Thanks!
MontyMan: Will there be an option to disable TDM from starting when loading the game client?
RagTop: Not really. Just as the Launcher attempts to patch the game each time you run it, TDM will need to ensure you have the latest patches. However, if you are up-to-date, you should not be "pestered" by it at all.
Gigglefart: Please supply us a link to the torrent file so I can use a MUCH smaller Torrent client that I can configure and know to be secure.
RagTop: It's interesting you say that, because a .torrent file is BitTorrent's biggest security hole, and only one of the reasons we do not use BitTorrent.
Sure, you know the hash codes in a .torrent file prevent you from committing to your hard drive any pieces which do not match the hash codes.
However, how do you know the hash codes are correct?
The .torrent files are plain-text files which are subject to man-in-the-middle attacks. Also, anybody can publish .torrent files and the payload can contain all sorts of malware. The .torrent file hash codes merely ensure the malware arrives on your machine, intact.
All of the meta data (our .torrent file equivalent) and all of our server messages are digitally signed, so you can be sure the hash codes TDM is using are those which Turbine issued. That's more security than any BitTorrent client can provide.
Thanks for your input!
MataTahu: Sadly P2P is out of the question for me; I would have to jump through a lot of hoops to get campus network services to open a port.
RagTop: P2P is not out of the question for you. Opening an inbound port allows other peers to connect to your machine. You can establish outbound connections to other peers, and share with them, without the inbound port being opened. However, you will likely get faster download speeds with an open inbound port.
MataTahu: Is the terrible direct download speed right now just because there are a bunch of other people downloading from you as well?
RagTop: As to the current download rate... what you're seeing is far lower than I'd expect. It's entirely possible the throughput capacities TDM detected are incorrect. Open TDM's Options window and click on the Network tab. At the bottom of that tab is the "Maximum throughput of your network connection" group. Please ensure the capacities in both of those boxes reflect your actual network capacity. Do not use these settings to limit TDM's usage of your network. Rather, to control TDM's bandwidth usage, set these to the true network capacity, and use the Limit controls found on the Scheduling tab.
To clarify: TDM makes every effort to "get out of the way" when other applications are using the network. To do this, it needs to know just how big the "pipe" is. TDM will monitor network usage and dynamically reduce its network usage to ensure other applications get the bandwidth they need.
MataTahu: Does the port TDM uses ever change?
RagTop: No, once you've set the inbound port, TDM will not change it.
weirdfish: Manager says 99.9% complete for 4 hrs now, downloading at average of 45KB/s and just keeps downloading. details on download state way more info rcvd than supposed file size.
RagTop: Please select the TDM "Pause" option, click OK, then select the TDM "Resume" option. That may help.
Shamdir: What about those of us with comcast and the other isp's that deliberately throttle and randomly shut down p2p file sharing?
RagTop: In the TDM Options form, un-check the "Enable peer-to-peer game file sharing" option.
beepa: I get an error message after downloading the full game. After loggin in I get the first two flash screens and then it gives error on black screen, " can not patch " with only an option to quit?
RagTop: Within TDM, right-click on the "Lord of the Rings Online" row (where the progress is displayed) and a popup menu should appear. Select "Validate & Repair", view the wall o' text, and click OK. TDM should then check every file in the game and, if anything is incorrect, TDM should re-download the damaged portions.
spintz: The TDM consumes 100% of my bandwidth causing internet to go slow, etc. It's fast, but I don't want it to be that fast. It's currently downloading at 815k/sec, I would rather it take 400k/sec so that it doesn't monopolize my internet connection.
RagTop: Go to the TDM Options dialog. In the Network tab, ensure the Capacity settings are correct. In the Scheduling tab, set the Limit values to whatever maximum throughput rate you'd like to impose on TDM.
When the Capacity settings are correct, TDM is able to properly monitor network usage by both TDM and other applications. TDM then dynamically adjusts its network usage to ensure other applications receive the bandwidth they need.
dafyd: I certainly know the difference and I got confused because TDM uses KB/s as BYTES in some places and as BITS in others. In the options ui it uses KB/s as BITS but the status displays use KB/s as BYTES.
RagTop: TDM always uses Bytes.
