Reed Phillips

I'm interested in how you are using LanSync.

Not counting D-Tools web or database updates...

How many times a day do you run LanSync?

About how many items are updated on each Sync?

How many of those items contain graphic icons?

Are you connected to the LanSync server via VPN? If so, what is the upload speed?

Thanks for the help!

jims

Usually I just run Lan Sync twice per day. Open and Close. If I'm adding items, I might do it more often because I'm on a VPN and if I wait it takes a long time to run.
My upload is about 720ish and dl is 1 to 1.5mbps. Same thing on the other end, so really I'm never any faster than 720ish.
Yes, the graphics take the longest.

Lansync works well over vpn you just have to change the ini file to use ip instead of "computer name"

Reed Phillips

I assume the longest time is the upload. Are you on ADSL or SDSL? If you have time, check the up/down speed at www.dslreports.com (tools) ->speedtest. I would be interested in your results. I'm trying to but together a realistic LanSync performance simulator. I could use some real world data.
How much bandwidth is a available at both ends of the VPN? How many records updated? How long did it take? Thanks for responding.

JordanC

I Sync evertime I open and close, which is about 3 times a day. . . .We are on gigabit with a sql server and it only takes (literally) 1 sec to go through the extra step of Syncing. I don't use the Icons and I don't downlad any data from D-Tools or any providing manufacturers. When I do large data modifications, it can take up to 1 -2 mins for the Sync. It is somethig that I don't even think about anymore, thats how automated it is for me.

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jims

Today I timed an average sync over VPN. We have the standard D-Tools install with an Access master table. Each end of the VPN tunnel is on cable modem with the standard bandwith advertised as 1.5 down and 720 up. The down is irrelivant since I'm always limited by the upsteam on one end or the other. Results. It took 56 seconds to sync 34 Db updates with 2 new Images. (About 2/3rds of that time was spent on the images.)
We don't do mass d/l's of data. We find it easier to just create what we want how we want it. There is no point in loading hundreds of skus at a time to get the one or two items you need, then go in a edit those items anyway so they have descriptions that make sense to a client and cost information. I have done the speed test in the past and I'm usually at or close to the advertised speed on each end.

Reed Phillips

Thanks, this is very helpful!

jims

I just read your original question again.
The more interesting thing might be the opening and closing of projects via business manager. That is a bit slow over VPN. But, it's still faster than driving 25 miles to the office!
A large project of say 150k or more, with 3 or 4 imported CAD floor plans and elevations takes a while to check in and check out of Business Manager. An average is about 90 seconds to 2.5 minutes. I have seen projects over 350K take as long as 5 or 6 minutes to move back and forth.
There doesn't seem to be any difference between check in and check out time.
Adding to the pain of waiting is the fact that D-tools gives me no feedback when it's saving or opening a file. I sit and wonder "is it working"? I sometimes open my VPN properties just to see the bits go clicking away. A progress bar would be a welcome addition.
The really incredibly frustrating thing is that little dialog box at the end of each sync that says "LanSync Complete" "OK?" Why prompt me for input when I have no choice in the matter anyway? That thing should just self dismiss after about 1 second and then the program could move on to loading the project matrix and be ready when I return with my second cup of java. (or it could finish closing up.)

We work around this issue by not checking in projects everyday. Specifically when it is just a proposal and I'm the only one who needs it.

We also have UltraVNC on the server. If I just want to look at something, run a report quick etc... I use VNC pop onto the server and do it all remote. (It's a win 2000k server so no RDP.) The other nice thing about VNC is I can be in my office, my programmer in his and we can both look at a project or report etc.. at the same time and discuss it over the phone.

jims

Reed... Don't you ever go home?

JordanC

Home?
I dunt understand. . .

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Reed Phillips

Jim, excellent suggestions. Yes one must be aware of the impact of Check-In/Out. Do it as little as possible to meet your business objectives. I will pass on your suggestions to the design team. They make a lot of sense.

I think you could run DT via VNC in text mode. I don't think it would work well in Visio mode. The bottom line is that if you plan to move large files over the internet, purchase as much bandwidth as you can afford. Moving graphics is a killer.

Try chacking out a few projects before leaving the office and check them in only if required, or when you return. This may not be practical.