How to use download accelerator in Linux terminal

A download accelerator improves file transfer speeds by dividing a file into smaller parts and downloading them simultaneously. This method enhances the download process, especially in Linux environments, where terminal-based tools are preferred. Linux users can utilize command-line download accelerators to manage large files efficiently, particularly when working on remote servers or under limited bandwidth conditions.

One such tool for Linux is Axel, a command-line download accelerator that optimizes download speed by utilizing multiple connections. Unlike graphical download managers, Axel integrates seamlessly with the Linux terminal, making it ideal for users who prefer or require command-line operations. Axel is particularly useful for downloading large files or when network speed is a concern, providing a straightforward and efficient solution.

Using Axel in Linux allows users to bypass some speed restrictions imposed by servers and gain more control over their download processes. The simplicity of Axel makes it suitable for both novice and experienced users, offering a balance between ease of use and powerful functionality. This guide will cover the basic steps to install and use Axel to speed up your file downloads in Linux.

1. Open the terminal on your Linux system.
2. Install Axel using your distribution's package manager.

   $ sudo apt update && sudo apt install --assume-yes axel # Ubuntu and Debian

3. Navigate to the directory where you want to save the downloaded file (optional).

   $ cd Downloads/

4. Copy the download URL from your browser (optional).
5. Use Axel to download the file by pasting the URL into the terminal.

   $ axel https://wordpress.org/latest.zip
   Initializing download: https://wordpress.org/latest.zip
   File size: 21.7178 Megabyte(s) (22772803 bytes)
   Opening output file wordpress-6.0.2.zip
   Starting download
   
   Connection 0 finished
   Connection 3 finished
   Connection 2 finished
   Connection 1 finished
   Connection 1 finished
   Connection 0 finished
   Connection 3 finished
   [100%] [..........................................] [   3.8MB/s] [00:00]
   
   Downloaded 21.7178 Megabyte(s) in 5 second(s). (3856.91 KB/s)

6. Configure additional download options as needed using Axel's command-line options.

   $ axel --max-speed=1000 --num-connections=5 https://wordpress.org/latest.zip 

   $ axel --help
   Axel 2.17.11 (linux-gnu)
   Usage: axel [options] url1 [url2] [url...]
   
   --max-speed=x           -s x    Specify maximum speed (bytes per second)
   --num-connections=x     -n x    Specify maximum number of connections
   --max-redirect=x                Specify maximum number of redirections
   --output=f              -o f    Specify local output file
   --search[=n]            -S[n]   Search for mirrors and download from n servers
   --ipv4                  -4      Use the IPv4 protocol
   --ipv6                  -6      Use the IPv6 protocol
   --header=x              -H x    Add HTTP header string
   --user-agent=x          -U x    Set user agent
   --no-proxy              -N      Just don't use any proxy server
   --insecure              -k      Don't verify the SSL certificate
   --no-clobber            -c      Skip download if file already exists
   --quiet                 -q      Leave stdout alone
   --verbose               -v      More status information
   --alternate             -a      Alternate progress indicator
   --percentage            -p      Print simple percentages instead of progress bar (0-100)
   --help                  -h      This information
   --timeout=x             -T x    Set I/O and connection timeout
   --version               -V      Version information
   
   Visit https://github.com/axel-download-accelerator/axel/issues to report bugs