Uploading more than downloading
From AzureusWiki
On average, most people will download more than they upload. Mainly, the exceptions are people on extremely fast connections, who don't really have anything to complain about. :) However, downloads will usually start by uploading a lot of data. This is the process it usually goes through:
- Download one piece of a file (pieces are 256kb by default, but the size depends on the torrent)
- Upload that piece to several other people who don't have it
- In exchange, they will upload pieces to you, increasing your d/l rate
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the d/l finishes
Notice that the process begins with a very small download, followed by quite a bit of uploading to get things moving. Your download rate will usually increase to equal your upload rate within a few minutes.
For more information, please see:
How swarm size affects download speeds
Read the Azureus FAQ
