Upload from Dropbox Sync overloads connection

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Level 1

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Upload from Dropbox Sync overloads connection

I've recently started having a problem where I'm working in QuickBooks, and when the data file syncs (aprx 40 MB), the download side on my network goes down. I'm alerted to this by an app, Network Logger Pro, and also by the fact that I can't open any web pages.

I have a VDSL connection that gets about 30mbps download and 4 mbps upload. Network Logger Pro shows that the full 4 mbps upload bandwidth is being used by the Dropbox sync. My ISP says that the upload just overwhelms the entire connection taking everything else down.

This happens not only when I close the QuickBooks file, but Dropbox is also updating it while I'm working on the file.

Are there any router settings that could prevent this behavior?

Maybe QuickBooks or Dropbox works differently than it used to, but I would think the network should be able to handle this traffic.

Thanks

Posted on Sep 3, 2021 4:18 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Bob Timmons

Community+ 2024

Level 10

168,800 points

Sep 3, 2021 4:55 PM in response to djborden

Are there any router settings that could prevent this behavior?

Not on any of the Apple AirPort routers, but even if there were, it would not likely help.

I have a VDSL connection that gets about 30mbps download and 4 mbps upload. Network Logger Pro shows that the full 4 mbps upload bandwidth is being used by the Dropbox sync.

It's going to take a lot more than 4 Mbps upload capability to keep up with modern equipment and applications. A bare minimum would be something in the 20-30 Mbps upload range, but that still may not be enough.

but I would think the network should be able to handle this traffic.

The network can probably handle things unless your router is 10+ years old, but your 4 Mbps upload limitation will not. It's likely not the router that is the culprit here, it is your Internet service. Recommend that you take a look at a significantly faster Internet connection option, or a new fiber connection for your network.

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Answer 2

rccharles

Level 6

12,969 points

Sep 3, 2021 8:47 PM in response to djborden

A collection of four throttling/firewall apps

https://www.murusfirewall.com/

a quick glance, Snail seems to be what you need. Try it for free:

https://www.murusfirewall.com/snail/

more to check out:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/8647687

command of interest:

sudo lsof -i -P

google search I used.

throttle internet traffic per application macos

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Answer 3

djborden Author

Level 1

57 points

Sep 3, 2021 4:59 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Thanks, I thought that might be the answer. Unfortunately I live in a rural area with a small regional phone company for my ISP, and they are the only option, and I have the fastest speed they offer. Someday we'll get fiber, but it's a ways off. Maybe if Starlink proves reliable I'll try that.

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