[Kurgan]

This network congestion crap and several hours of solid POL-1160 has got to be fixed. The update download system they use for FFXI is so archaic. I don't see why they can't release an offline patch file that can be distributed through mirrors, fileplanet, etc. For christ sake, has anyone ever reinstalled FFXI and had to patch it up to current version? Even without network congestion that takes HOURS on a broadband connection for the 12k+ files now that have to be scanned and downloaded.

They could at least update the POL browser to have a queueing system that can conserve bandwidth and keep downloads relatively fast for connected users by queueing up anyone beyond the maximum number of connections so their downloads automatically start when a connection is available.

Every single time an update is released they have at least one or two bulletins on their POL site about network congestion issues telling users to "try again later". Look, I tried at 6am this morning, and again at 10am. It's after 2pm now and I'm still experiencing the same old crap. The worst part is that I actually connected and started the update TWICE now and it scanned all 1145 files involved the version update, and I was met with a POL-1160 after it finished scanning all the files and tried to start downloading. Each time that happens, it has to start all over again and scan all 1145 files before starting the download, which again fails. This update system is the weakest link in this game.

Being someone who actually designs networks for speed, efficiency and quality of service, all I have to say is L-A-M-E.