FastDL (Fast Download) is a feature commonly used in Garry's Mod servers to enhance the player experience. It allows server owners to host and deliver custom content, such as maps, models, and textures, directly to players without relying solely on the Steam Workshop. Using FastDL, players can quickly and efficiently download the necessary files upon connecting to the server, reducing loading times and ensuring a smooth gameplay experience.
Requirement: A web server with FTP access and a live domain is required.
The server must have the custom map installed beforehand. Learn how to here.
How to Setup FastDL on a Garry's Mod Server (SFTP)
1. Log in to the Web server using an SFTP.
2. Open the public_html folder.
3. Create a new directory.
4. Name the directory garrysmod.
5. Set the permissions to Octal: 0755.
6. Open the garrysmod folder.
7. Upload the custom map files to their respective folders.
8. Select all files and right-click to open Properties.
9. Set the file permissions to Octal: 0755.
Note: Ensure all other files in the other folders are set to the same permissions.
10. Log in to the BisectHosting Starbase panel.
11. Stop the server.
12. Go to the Files tab.
13. Find the following directory: /home/container/garrysmod/cfg
14. Open the server.cfg file.
15. Input the following with the URL garrysmod directory of the web server.
sv_downloadurl "<FastDL directory/garrysmod>"
sv_allowdownload 116. Press the Save button.
17. Start the server.
How to Setup FastDL on a Garry's Mod Server (cPanel)
1. Log in to the cPanel.
2. Take note of the Primary Domain.
3. Under Files, open the File Manager.
4. Go to the public_html directory.
5. Press the Add Folder button.
6. Create a new folder named garrysmod.
7. Within garrysmod, add the maps folder and other required folders for the custom map.
8. Go to the maps directory.
9. Press the Upload button.
10. Drag and drop the map files to upload.
Note: Files in a .zip file must be extracted first before uploading.
11. Select the first map file and then while holding shift, click the last map file to select all files.
12. Press the Permissions button.
13. Change the permissions to 755.
14. Upload the other required files within their respective directories and set the file permissions to 755. cPanel does not support uploading folders, so files must be uploaded manually.
15. Go to the webserver site from step 2.
16. Open the garrysmod directory.
17. Copy the browser URL address.
18. Log in to the BisectHosting Starbase panel.
19. Stop the server.
20. Go to the Files tab.
21. Find the following directory: /home/container/garrysmod/cfg
22. Open the server.cfg file.
23. Input the following with the URL garrysmod directory of the web server.
sv_downloadurl "<FastDL directory/garrysmod>"
sv_allowdownload 124. Press the Save button.
25. Start the server.