To enable LAN Sync on a Windows or Mac machine:

  1. In the system tray, click the Nimbox Vault icon and select Properties. The Properties dialog box displays. Click the Bandwidth tab.
  2. In the Bandwidth tab, click the Enable LAN Sync checkbox. By default, checkbox is unchecked:



LAN Sync is now enabled for the agent.


What is LAN Sync?

LAN Sync refers to an approach that accelerates the sync process when a shared file or folder already exists on a Local Area Network (LAN).

Typically, under a standard sync method, when a shared file is created, each subscribed device begins an individual sync process with the Nimbox platform (Figure A).


Figure A, without LAN Sync enabled.

With LAN Sync, after a new shared file has been created, one agent will synchronise with the Nimbox platform, and all other agents will synchronise from one another within the LAN (Figure B). LAN Sync is a faster and more efficient process, and is particularly useful in environments with limited bandwidth.


Figure B, with LAN Sync enabled.

End users can turn on the LAN Sync option from the agent Properties dialog box on their local machines. These end users must also be connected to the Nimbox platform and operate within a Local Area Network.

Note: LAN Sync requires that agents are connected to the Nimbox platform; LAN Sync is not intended to support off-line mode.

LAN Sync scenarios

It is important to note that because an agent’s file only represents its latest version, the LAN Sync process will take effect when a new shared file is created within a LAN. More specifically, LAN Sync will take effect during the following scenarios:

A new file is created within the LAN:

  1. An agent will synchronise with the Nimbox platform.
  2. Agents that need the file will synchronise from other agents within the LAN.

A new file is created outside of the LAN:

  1. An agent will synchronise with the Nimbox platform.
  2. The new file will be distributed across the LAN. In some instances, the agent that synchronised with the Nimbox platform will distribute the file, and in other instances, multiple agents will help with the distribution process. The exact process is determined by the load balancer.

A new agent joins the LAN:

  1. The new agent will synchronise files from other agents within the LAN.


Technical details

LAN Sync enabled agents communicate with each other through TCP and UDP ports. The TCP port is responsible for reliable data transfer, and uses encryption.