why do downloads occur at faster rates along the download process?
In: Technology
Networks and servers are in a constant state of flux. A service like Steam handles at least tens of thousands of downloads simultaneously. As people start and end their downloads at different times, that means that resources like available bandwidth and disk usage change constantly.
Also, different types of files move at different speeds depending on their size. Contrary to popular belief, a single, massive file transfers *much* faster than a bunch of small files. This is because the server spends less time looking up files and can focus on just getting the data from this one file out to the network. If the server has to send 10,000 small files, it has to spend time looking up the files, and assembling/transmitting the data just to let the downloading computer know that a new file is coming before it actually sends the data in the file. That will result in a drop in download speed because of the overhead this activity takes.
Networks themselves have backlogs of data packets. As routers and switches decide where data is going, they have a queue that they work through called a buffer. That buffer, of course, varies in size as demand fluctuates. If 10,000 packets arrive one second, but only 300 arrive the next, then the router/switch will have more time to catch up and your download speed will increase.
There are many, many other factors at play, but you get the idea. Everything is very hectic and constantly changing with servers and networks, so your download speed reflects the amount of demand on the whole system as a result.
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