by Ken Task.
If you use Linux OS and have ssh access there is a solution ...
Large courses are backed up via CLI from the backup.php script in /moodlecode/admin/cli/ That takes apache out of the loop in processing so no timeouts issues there.
Using that script, set destination to a manually created directory ... this time in /moodledata/coursebackups/ Set ownership/persmissions for apache user/group on that directory.
To be able to access those large backups, in the Moodle UI as an Admin level user turn on file system repo. Then set up a 'backups' repo that points to /moodledata/coursebackups/. When restoring one chooses the file system repo as the resource and the FS repo you setup for it. Those large backups can be seen there and restored from that location.
No download only to turn around and upload during a restore process then.
'spirit of sharing', Ken
Hmmmm ... guess you care after all! ;)