About file downloading

Software distribution has several methods for getting a file down to the device for installation. These include:

• Obtaining the file from the multicast cache
• Obtaining the file from a peer
• Obtaining the file from a preferred server
• Downloading directly from the remote source

When a file needs to be downloaded, the device software distribution agent, SDClient, first checks the cache to determine if the file is located in the cache. The cache is stored at C:\Program Files (x86)\LANDesk\LDClient\sdmcache.

The structure of files in the cache is identical to the structure of the files on the web or network server, which allows multiple packages to have files with the same name and not cause problems.

If the file isn't in the cache, SDClient typically attempts to download the file from a peer in the network. You can configure the distribution agent settings to require a peer download.

If the file can't be obtained from a peer, SDClient downloads the files directly from the UNC or URL source. Preferred servers are the best location for package files. For more information, see Preferred servers and content replication overview. Preferred servers help ensure that clients use network credentials that allow them access to the distribution package files. If the file to be downloaded is URL-based, SDClient downloads the file from the website.

In either case, SDClient puts the file in the multicast cache, then processes the downloaded file.

When a file is downloaded into the cache, it remains there for several days but is eventually deleted from the cache. The amount of time that the file remains in the cache is controlled by the delivery method used when deploying the package.