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What is LAN sync?
LAN sync is a Dropbox feature that speeds syncing dramatically when the file exists on your Local Area Network (LAN).
What does that mean exactly? Well, when you add a file to your computer's Dropbox, the file is then synced with Dropbox servers. Dropbox will then initiate the syncing process as soon as it determines a change has been made to the file. All linked computers and shared folders will then download any new version of the file. With LAN syncing, Dropbox will look for the new file on your Local Area Network first, bypassing the need to download the file from Dropbox servers, thus speeding up the syncing process considerably.
LAN sync is an extra advantage for use in locations where computers are networked together over the same router or other local area network.
- Dropbox needs to maintain a connection to the Internet in order to determine when to sync. To take advantage of LAN sync, all computers need to be connected to a LAN and the Internet at the same time.
- If you are installing the Dropbox desktop application for the first time, Windows firewall might ask you for permission to allow Dropbox access to the internet and/or your LAN. Press Access to allow Dropbox to sync properly
- If Dropbox detects a firewall preventing access to your LAN, it will turn off LAN sync in your Dropbox preferences automatically. To turn it back on, change your Firewall settings to allow Dropbox access to the Internet and your LAN, then manually turn on LAN sync in your Dropbox preferences
- LAN sync only works with computers that share your broadcast mask. For example, usually all computers connected to a single router share a broadcast mask. If your LAN uses multiple network devices to extend its network, you may want to adjust its settings to broaden your broadcast mask between devices. If this sounds foreign to you, you may want to consult your network device's documentation or a network administrator for help.
- LAN sync was introduced in version 0.7.97. You can select Preferences from the Dropbox menu on your system bar or menu bar to find out which version you're running. Usually, Dropbox updates automatically. However, if you find you're running an old version, you can reinstall the latest Dropbox manually
Last updated 7 weeks ago Categories: Connectivity, Syncing