Buffalo Technology

Partner Technology - BitTorrent - uTorrent Client

Introduction: BitTorrent™ is a peer-to-peer file sharing protocol used for efficiently distributing large amounts of data over the Internet. As one of the most common protocols for transferring large files, some estimates account BitTorrent for approximately 35% of all traffic on the entire Internet.

Background: A BitTorrent client is any program that implements the BitTorrent protocol to manage file downloads and uploads. Each client is capable of preparing, requesting, and transmitting any type of computer file over a network using the protocol. Any computer running an instance of a client is referred to as a peer. Buffalo utilizes the most popular client technology, µTorrent™, for its integrated BitTorrent utility on LinkStation and TeraStation network storage solutions.

NAS and BitTorrent: Network Attached Storage devices are perfect hosts for integrated BitTorrent clients since network hard drives are usually on and always connected to the Internet. NAS devices can easily manage the simple task of independently downloading large files, meaning computers can be powered down, relieving users of the responsibility of keeping two devices running simultaneously.

Buffalo's Solution: Buffalo has paired the popular µTorrent client with a number of its consumer and business grade NAS devices. This union allows users to offload the task of downloading torrent files to computers, delegating that action to the Buffalo NAS device, thereby freeing up their laptop or PC for other activities.

The µTorrent client can be accessed by default on port 9090 of the Buffalo NAS device or by the web admin from the "Extensions" menu.

Once in the webGUI of the µTorrent client, you will notice that it is laid exactly like the stand-alone µTorrent client that users have come to recognize:

The integrated BitTorrent client webGUI is designed to match the recognizable stand alone µTorrent layout for familiarity and ease of use.

Adding a torrent is simple; either upload a torrent file from your local machine or enter the torrent's URL.

What makes Buffalo's version of the µTorrent client a unique NAS service is the granular control the WebGUI allows, providing users with useful configuration tools. Many NAS devices feature integrated BitTorrent clients with no advanced features. µTorrent technology merged with Buffalo NAS products provide a comparable list of advanced features found in the most popular BitTorrent client.

Some similar features are:

• Bandwidth restrictions for limiting the maximum upload and download rates
• Transfer caps for limiting the amount of data you share
• Proxy servers for authentication
• Protocol encryption
• Queuing and Scheduling

Buffalo's Solution: Users that have delegated the downloading of torrent files to their Buffalo NAS device have the convenient advantage of remote access to their µTorrent client from any PC, Mac® or mobile device that is connected to the Internet. Add new torrents, check torrent upload/download statuses and pause or stop seeding of torrents on your network or over the Internet.

Please Note: To access the µTorrent web configuration tool remotely, a dynamic DNS service or static IP address is required on your router. You will also need to forward one port in your router's NAT table (port 9090).

Regardless of how the µTorrent client is accessed on the Buffalo NAS server, the user interface is identical.

Copy and paste any torrent URL into the UI and it will download the file to your Buffalo NAS.

Buffalo Sharing: From the Buffalo NAS web admin tool, users can enable WebAccess, a remote access tool, and the integrated DLNA Certified™ media server on the same share users have designated to download torrents to; users can access and enjoy downloaded media from anywhere in the world or anywhere in their house.

Learn more about Buffalo's WebAccess here.

Learn more about Buffalo's DLNA Certified media server here.

Buffalo Wireless products utilizing the BitTorrent and uTorrent technology

Home and Small Office

Business