diff --git a/arduino/cores/packagemanager/download.go b/arduino/cores/packagemanager/download.go
index be3df8895c6..003258a3226 100644
--- a/arduino/cores/packagemanager/download.go
+++ b/arduino/cores/packagemanager/download.go
@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ import (
 	"fmt"
 
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/cores"
+	rpc "github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/rpc/cc/arduino/cli/commands/v1"
 	"go.bug.st/downloader/v2"
 	semver "go.bug.st/relaxed-semver"
 )
@@ -117,16 +118,16 @@ func (pm *PackageManager) FindPlatformReleaseDependencies(item *PlatformReferenc
 
 // DownloadToolRelease downloads a ToolRelease. If the tool is already downloaded a nil Downloader
 // is returned.
-func (pm *PackageManager) DownloadToolRelease(tool *cores.ToolRelease, config *downloader.Config) (*downloader.Downloader, error) {
+func (pm *PackageManager) DownloadToolRelease(tool *cores.ToolRelease, config *downloader.Config, label string, progressCB rpc.DownloadProgressCB) error {
 	resource := tool.GetCompatibleFlavour()
 	if resource == nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf(tr("tool not available for your OS"))
+		return fmt.Errorf(tr("tool not available for your OS"))
 	}
-	return resource.Download(pm.DownloadDir, config)
+	return resource.Download(pm.DownloadDir, config, label, progressCB)
 }
 
 // DownloadPlatformRelease downloads a PlatformRelease. If the platform is already downloaded a
 // nil Downloader is returned.
-func (pm *PackageManager) DownloadPlatformRelease(platform *cores.PlatformRelease, config *downloader.Config) (*downloader.Downloader, error) {
-	return platform.Resource.Download(pm.DownloadDir, config)
+func (pm *PackageManager) DownloadPlatformRelease(platform *cores.PlatformRelease, config *downloader.Config, label string, progressCB rpc.DownloadProgressCB) error {
+	return platform.Resource.Download(pm.DownloadDir, config, label, progressCB)
 }
diff --git a/arduino/httpclient/httpclient.go b/arduino/httpclient/httpclient.go
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..e7ed9458d1a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/arduino/httpclient/httpclient.go
@@ -0,0 +1,117 @@
+// This file is part of arduino-cli.
+//
+// Copyright 2020 ARDUINO SA (http://www.arduino.cc/)
+//
+// This software is released under the GNU General Public License version 3,
+// which covers the main part of arduino-cli.
+// The terms of this license can be found at:
+// https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.en.html
+//
+// You can be released from the requirements of the above licenses by purchasing
+// a commercial license. Buying such a license is mandatory if you want to
+// modify or otherwise use the software for commercial activities involving the
+// Arduino software without disclosing the source code of your own applications.
+// To purchase a commercial license, send an email to license@arduino.cc.
+
+package httpclient
+
+import (
+	"net/http"
+	"net/url"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino"
+	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/configuration"
+	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/i18n"
+	rpc "github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/rpc/cc/arduino/cli/commands/v1"
+	"github.com/arduino/go-paths-helper"
+	"go.bug.st/downloader/v2"
+)
+
+var tr = i18n.Tr
+
+// DownloadFile downloads a file from a URL into the specified path. An optional config and options may be passed (or nil to use the defaults).
+// A DownloadProgressCB callback function must be passed to monitor download progress.
+func DownloadFile(path *paths.Path, URL string, label string, downloadCB rpc.DownloadProgressCB, config *downloader.Config, options ...downloader.DownloadOptions) error {
+	if config == nil {
+		c, err := GetDownloaderConfig()
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		config = c
+	}
+
+	d, err := downloader.DownloadWithConfig(path.String(), URL, *config, options...)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	downloadCB(&rpc.DownloadProgress{
+		File:      label,
+		Url:       d.URL,
+		TotalSize: d.Size(),
+	})
+
+	err = d.RunAndPoll(func(downloaded int64) {
+		downloadCB(&rpc.DownloadProgress{Downloaded: downloaded})
+	}, 250*time.Millisecond)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	// The URL is not reachable for some reason
+	if d.Resp.StatusCode >= 400 && d.Resp.StatusCode <= 599 {
+		return &arduino.FailedDownloadError{Message: tr("Server responded with: %s", d.Resp.Status)}
+	}
+
+	downloadCB(&rpc.DownloadProgress{Completed: true})
+	return nil
+}
+
+// Config is the configuration of the http client
+type Config struct {
+	UserAgent string
+	Proxy     *url.URL
+}
+
+// New returns a default http client for use in the arduino-cli
+func New() (*http.Client, error) {
+	userAgent := configuration.UserAgent(configuration.Settings)
+	proxy, err := configuration.NetworkProxy(configuration.Settings)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return NewWithConfig(&Config{UserAgent: userAgent, Proxy: proxy}), nil
+}
+
+// NewWithConfig creates a http client for use in the arduino-cli, with a given configuration
+func NewWithConfig(config *Config) *http.Client {
+	return &http.Client{
+		Transport: &httpClientRoundTripper{
+			transport: &http.Transport{
+				Proxy: http.ProxyURL(config.Proxy),
+			},
+			userAgent: config.UserAgent,
+		},
+	}
+}
+
+// GetDownloaderConfig returns the downloader configuration based on current settings.
+func GetDownloaderConfig() (*downloader.Config, error) {
+	httpClient, err := New()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, &arduino.InvalidArgumentError{Message: tr("Could not connect via HTTP"), Cause: err}
+	}
+	return &downloader.Config{
+		HttpClient: *httpClient,
+	}, nil
+}
+
+type httpClientRoundTripper struct {
+	transport http.RoundTripper
+	userAgent string
+}
+
+func (h *httpClientRoundTripper) RoundTrip(req *http.Request) (*http.Response, error) {
+	req.Header.Add("User-Agent", h.userAgent)
+	return h.transport.RoundTrip(req)
+}
diff --git a/httpclient/httpclient_test.go b/arduino/httpclient/httpclient_test.go
similarity index 100%
rename from httpclient/httpclient_test.go
rename to arduino/httpclient/httpclient_test.go
diff --git a/arduino/resources/download.go b/arduino/resources/download.go
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..ba46414a926
--- /dev/null
+++ b/arduino/resources/download.go
@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+// This file is part of arduino-cli.
+//
+// Copyright 2020 ARDUINO SA (http://www.arduino.cc/)
+//
+// This software is released under the GNU General Public License version 3,
+// which covers the main part of arduino-cli.
+// The terms of this license can be found at:
+// https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.en.html
+//
+// You can be released from the requirements of the above licenses by purchasing
+// a commercial license. Buying such a license is mandatory if you want to
+// modify or otherwise use the software for commercial activities involving the
+// Arduino software without disclosing the source code of your own applications.
+// To purchase a commercial license, send an email to license@arduino.cc.
+
+package resources
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+
+	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/httpclient"
+	rpc "github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/rpc/cc/arduino/cli/commands/v1"
+	paths "github.com/arduino/go-paths-helper"
+	"go.bug.st/downloader/v2"
+)
+
+// Download performs a download loop using the provided downloader.Config.
+// Messages are passed back to the DownloadProgressCB using label as text for the File field.
+func (r *DownloadResource) Download(downloadDir *paths.Path, config *downloader.Config, label string, downloadCB rpc.DownloadProgressCB) error {
+	path, err := r.ArchivePath(downloadDir)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf(tr("getting archive path: %s"), err)
+	}
+
+	if _, err := path.Stat(); os.IsNotExist(err) {
+		// normal download
+	} else if err == nil {
+		// check local file integrity
+		ok, err := r.TestLocalArchiveIntegrity(downloadDir)
+		if err != nil || !ok {
+			if err := path.Remove(); err != nil {
+				return fmt.Errorf(tr("removing corrupted archive file: %s"), err)
+			}
+		} else {
+			// File is cached, nothing to do here
+
+			// This signal means that the file is already downloaded
+			downloadCB(&rpc.DownloadProgress{
+				File:      label,
+				Completed: true,
+			})
+			return nil
+		}
+	} else {
+		return fmt.Errorf(tr("getting archive file info: %s"), err)
+	}
+	return httpclient.DownloadFile(path, r.URL, label, downloadCB, config)
+}
diff --git a/arduino/resources/helpers.go b/arduino/resources/helpers.go
index 0f1ccbf1004..39349dd28a9 100644
--- a/arduino/resources/helpers.go
+++ b/arduino/resources/helpers.go
@@ -17,10 +17,8 @@ package resources
 
 import (
 	"fmt"
-	"os"
 
 	"github.com/arduino/go-paths-helper"
-	"go.bug.st/downloader/v2"
 )
 
 // ArchivePath returns the path of the Archive of the specified DownloadResource relative
@@ -41,30 +39,3 @@ func (r *DownloadResource) IsCached(downloadDir *paths.Path) (bool, error) {
 	}
 	return archivePath.Exist(), nil
 }
-
-// Download a DownloadResource.
-func (r *DownloadResource) Download(downloadDir *paths.Path, config *downloader.Config) (*downloader.Downloader, error) {
-	path, err := r.ArchivePath(downloadDir)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf(tr("getting archive path: %s"), err)
-	}
-
-	if _, err := path.Stat(); os.IsNotExist(err) {
-		// normal download
-	} else if err == nil {
-		// check local file integrity
-		ok, err := r.TestLocalArchiveIntegrity(downloadDir)
-		if err != nil || !ok {
-			if err := path.Remove(); err != nil {
-				return nil, fmt.Errorf(tr("removing corrupted archive file: %s"), err)
-			}
-		} else {
-			// File is cached, nothing to do here
-			return nil, nil
-		}
-	} else {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf(tr("getting archive file info: %s"), err)
-	}
-
-	return downloader.DownloadWithConfig(path.String(), r.URL, *config)
-}
diff --git a/arduino/resources/helpers_test.go b/arduino/resources/helpers_test.go
index a0b8efa161d..4d97ecfd6e3 100644
--- a/arduino/resources/helpers_test.go
+++ b/arduino/resources/helpers_test.go
@@ -22,7 +22,8 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
-	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/httpclient"
+	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/httpclient"
+	rpc "github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/rpc/cc/arduino/cli/commands/v1"
 	"github.com/arduino/go-paths-helper"
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
 	"go.bug.st/downloader/v2"
@@ -55,9 +56,7 @@ func TestDownloadApplyUserAgentHeaderUsingConfig(t *testing.T) {
 
 	httpClient := httpclient.NewWithConfig(&httpclient.Config{UserAgent: goldUserAgentValue})
 
-	d, err := r.Download(tmp, &downloader.Config{HttpClient: *httpClient})
-	require.NoError(t, err)
-	err = d.Run()
+	err = r.Download(tmp, &downloader.Config{HttpClient: *httpClient}, "", func(progress *rpc.DownloadProgress) {})
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 
 	// leverage the download helper to download the echo for the request made by the downloader itself
diff --git a/arduino/resources/index.go b/arduino/resources/index.go
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..c50b0ae4daa
--- /dev/null
+++ b/arduino/resources/index.go
@@ -0,0 +1,120 @@
+// This file is part of arduino-cli.
+//
+// Copyright 2020 ARDUINO SA (http://www.arduino.cc/)
+//
+// This software is released under the GNU General Public License version 3,
+// which covers the main part of arduino-cli.
+// The terms of this license can be found at:
+// https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.en.html
+//
+// You can be released from the requirements of the above licenses by purchasing
+// a commercial license. Buying such a license is mandatory if you want to
+// modify or otherwise use the software for commercial activities involving the
+// Arduino software without disclosing the source code of your own applications.
+// To purchase a commercial license, send an email to license@arduino.cc.
+
+package resources
+
+import (
+	"net/url"
+	"path"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino"
+	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/httpclient"
+	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/security"
+	rpc "github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/rpc/cc/arduino/cli/commands/v1"
+	"github.com/arduino/go-paths-helper"
+	"go.bug.st/downloader/v2"
+)
+
+// IndexResource is a reference to an index file URL with an optional signature.
+type IndexResource struct {
+	URL          *url.URL
+	SignatureURL *url.URL
+}
+
+// Download will download the index and possibly check the signature using the Arduino's public key.
+// If the file is in .gz format it will be unpacked first.
+func (res *IndexResource) Download(destDir *paths.Path, downloadCB rpc.DownloadProgressCB) error {
+	// Create destination directory
+	if err := destDir.MkdirAll(); err != nil {
+		return &arduino.PermissionDeniedError{Message: tr("Can't create data directory %s", destDir), Cause: err}
+	}
+
+	// Create a temp dir to stage all downloads
+	tmp, err := paths.MkTempDir("", "library_index_download")
+	if err != nil {
+		return &arduino.TempDirCreationFailedError{Cause: err}
+	}
+	defer tmp.RemoveAll()
+
+	// Download index file
+	indexFileName := path.Base(res.URL.Path) // == package_index.json[.gz]
+	tmpIndexPath := tmp.Join(indexFileName)
+	if err := httpclient.DownloadFile(tmpIndexPath, res.URL.String(), tr("Downloading index: %s", indexFileName), downloadCB, nil, downloader.NoResume); err != nil {
+		return &arduino.FailedDownloadError{Message: tr("Error downloading index '%s'", res.URL), Cause: err}
+	}
+
+	// Expand the index if it is compressed
+	if strings.HasSuffix(indexFileName, ".gz") {
+		indexFileName = strings.TrimSuffix(indexFileName, ".gz") // == package_index.json
+		tmpUnzippedIndexPath := tmp.Join(indexFileName)
+		if err := paths.GUnzip(tmpIndexPath, tmpUnzippedIndexPath); err != nil {
+			return &arduino.PermissionDeniedError{Message: tr("Error extracting %s", indexFileName), Cause: err}
+		}
+		tmpIndexPath = tmpUnzippedIndexPath
+	}
+
+	// Check the signature if needed
+	var signaturePath, tmpSignaturePath *paths.Path
+	if res.SignatureURL != nil {
+		// Compose signature URL
+		signatureFileName := path.Base(res.SignatureURL.Path)
+
+		// Download signature
+		signaturePath = destDir.Join(signatureFileName)
+		tmpSignaturePath = tmp.Join(signatureFileName)
+		if err := httpclient.DownloadFile(tmpSignaturePath, res.SignatureURL.String(), tr("Downloading index signature: %s", signatureFileName), downloadCB, nil, downloader.NoResume); err != nil {
+			return &arduino.FailedDownloadError{Message: tr("Error downloading index signature '%s'", res.SignatureURL), Cause: err}
+		}
+
+		// Check signature...
+		if valid, _, err := security.VerifyArduinoDetachedSignature(tmpIndexPath, tmpSignaturePath); err != nil {
+			return &arduino.PermissionDeniedError{Message: tr("Error verifying signature"), Cause: err}
+		} else if !valid {
+			return &arduino.SignatureVerificationFailedError{File: res.URL.String()}
+		}
+	}
+
+	// TODO: Implement a ResourceValidator
+	// if !validate(tmpIndexPath) { return error }
+
+	// Make a backup copy of old index and signature so the defer function can rollback in case of errors.
+	indexPath := destDir.Join(indexFileName)
+	oldIndex := tmp.Join("old_index")
+	if indexPath.Exist() {
+		if err := indexPath.CopyTo(oldIndex); err != nil {
+			return &arduino.PermissionDeniedError{Message: tr("Error saving downloaded index"), Cause: err}
+		}
+		defer oldIndex.CopyTo(indexPath) // will silently fail in case of success
+	}
+	oldSignature := tmp.Join("old_signature")
+	if oldSignature.Exist() {
+		if err := signaturePath.CopyTo(oldSignature); err != nil {
+			return &arduino.PermissionDeniedError{Message: tr("Error saving downloaded index signature"), Cause: err}
+		}
+		defer oldSignature.CopyTo(signaturePath) // will silently fail in case of success
+	}
+	if err := tmpIndexPath.CopyTo(indexPath); err != nil {
+		return &arduino.PermissionDeniedError{Message: tr("Error saving downloaded index"), Cause: err}
+	}
+	if res.SignatureURL != nil {
+		if err := tmpSignaturePath.CopyTo(signaturePath); err != nil {
+			return &arduino.PermissionDeniedError{Message: tr("Error saving downloaded index signature"), Cause: err}
+		}
+	}
+	oldIndex.Remove()
+	oldSignature.Remove()
+	return nil
+}
diff --git a/arduino/resources/resources_test.go b/arduino/resources/resources_test.go
index fc22e0ecaa8..efc6061ef57 100644
--- a/arduino/resources/resources_test.go
+++ b/arduino/resources/resources_test.go
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ import (
 	"encoding/hex"
 	"testing"
 
+	rpc "github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/rpc/cc/arduino/cli/commands/v1"
 	"github.com/arduino/go-paths-helper"
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
 	"go.bug.st/downloader/v2"
@@ -44,9 +45,7 @@ func TestDownloadAndChecksums(t *testing.T) {
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 
 	downloadAndTestChecksum := func() {
-		d, err := r.Download(tmp, &downloader.Config{})
-		require.NoError(t, err)
-		err = d.Run()
+		err := r.Download(tmp, &downloader.Config{}, "", func(*rpc.DownloadProgress) {})
 		require.NoError(t, err)
 
 		data, err := testFile.ReadFile()
@@ -60,9 +59,8 @@ func TestDownloadAndChecksums(t *testing.T) {
 	downloadAndTestChecksum()
 
 	// Download with cached file
-	d, err := r.Download(tmp, &downloader.Config{})
+	err = r.Download(tmp, &downloader.Config{}, "", func(*rpc.DownloadProgress) {})
 	require.NoError(t, err)
-	require.Nil(t, d)
 
 	// Download if cached file has data in excess (redownload)
 	data, err := testFile.ReadFile()
diff --git a/cli/output/rpc_progress.go b/cli/output/rpc_progress.go
index 6bb0707f98c..b52383e8e0e 100644
--- a/cli/output/rpc_progress.go
+++ b/cli/output/rpc_progress.go
@@ -18,7 +18,6 @@ package output
 import (
 	"fmt"
 
-	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/commands"
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/i18n"
 	rpc "github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/rpc/cc/arduino/cli/commands/v1"
 	"github.com/cmaglie/pb"
@@ -32,7 +31,7 @@ var (
 
 // ProgressBar returns a DownloadProgressCB that prints a progress bar.
 // If JSON output format has been selected, the callback outputs nothing.
-func ProgressBar() commands.DownloadProgressCB {
+func ProgressBar() rpc.DownloadProgressCB {
 	if OutputFormat != "json" {
 		return NewDownloadProgressBarCB()
 	}
@@ -43,7 +42,7 @@ func ProgressBar() commands.DownloadProgressCB {
 
 // TaskProgress returns a TaskProgressCB that prints the task progress.
 // If JSON output format has been selected, the callback outputs nothing.
-func TaskProgress() commands.TaskProgressCB {
+func TaskProgress() rpc.TaskProgressCB {
 	if OutputFormat != "json" {
 		return NewTaskProgressCB()
 	}
diff --git a/cli/updater/updater.go b/cli/updater/updater.go
index 6c62890cc6b..b6f5372ea77 100644
--- a/cli/updater/updater.go
+++ b/cli/updater/updater.go
@@ -20,10 +20,10 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"time"
 
+	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/httpclient"
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/cli/feedback"
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/cli/globals"
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/configuration"
-	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/httpclient"
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/i18n"
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/inventory"
 	"github.com/fatih/color"
diff --git a/commands/board/attach.go b/commands/board/attach.go
index 14df75b3aeb..aa3f4f5626c 100644
--- a/commands/board/attach.go
+++ b/commands/board/attach.go
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ import (
 var tr = i18n.Tr
 
 // Attach FIXMEDOC
-func Attach(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.BoardAttachRequest, taskCB commands.TaskProgressCB) (*rpc.BoardAttachResponse, error) {
+func Attach(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.BoardAttachRequest, taskCB rpc.TaskProgressCB) (*rpc.BoardAttachResponse, error) {
 	pm := commands.GetPackageManager(req.GetInstance().GetId())
 	if pm == nil {
 		return nil, &arduino.InvalidInstanceError{}
diff --git a/commands/board/list.go b/commands/board/list.go
index 86baa16493a..1a826ef28f6 100644
--- a/commands/board/list.go
+++ b/commands/board/list.go
@@ -28,8 +28,8 @@ import (
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino"
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/cores/packagemanager"
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/discovery"
+	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/httpclient"
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/commands"
-	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/httpclient"
 	rpc "github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/rpc/cc/arduino/cli/commands/v1"
 	"github.com/pkg/errors"
 	"github.com/segmentio/stats/v4"
diff --git a/commands/bundled_tools.go b/commands/bundled_tools.go
index 3322dc9bcfe..e55af7ae21a 100644
--- a/commands/bundled_tools.go
+++ b/commands/bundled_tools.go
@@ -19,24 +19,21 @@ import (
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino"
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/cores"
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/cores/packagemanager"
+	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/httpclient"
 	rpc "github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/rpc/cc/arduino/cli/commands/v1"
 )
 
 // DownloadToolRelease downloads a ToolRelease
-func DownloadToolRelease(pm *packagemanager.PackageManager, toolRelease *cores.ToolRelease, downloadCB DownloadProgressCB) error {
-	config, err := GetDownloaderConfig()
+func DownloadToolRelease(pm *packagemanager.PackageManager, toolRelease *cores.ToolRelease, downloadCB rpc.DownloadProgressCB) error {
+	config, err := httpclient.GetDownloaderConfig()
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	resp, err := pm.DownloadToolRelease(toolRelease, config)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	return Download(resp, toolRelease.String(), downloadCB)
+	return pm.DownloadToolRelease(toolRelease, config, toolRelease.String(), downloadCB)
 }
 
 // InstallToolRelease installs a ToolRelease
-func InstallToolRelease(pm *packagemanager.PackageManager, toolRelease *cores.ToolRelease, taskCB TaskProgressCB) error {
+func InstallToolRelease(pm *packagemanager.PackageManager, toolRelease *cores.ToolRelease, taskCB rpc.TaskProgressCB) error {
 	log := pm.Log.WithField("Tool", toolRelease)
 
 	if toolRelease.IsInstalled() {
diff --git a/commands/compile/compile.go b/commands/compile/compile.go
index 84fddd78470..e9921ea2bdc 100644
--- a/commands/compile/compile.go
+++ b/commands/compile/compile.go
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ import (
 var tr = i18n.Tr
 
 // Compile FIXMEDOC
-func Compile(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.CompileRequest, outStream, errStream io.Writer, progressCB commands.TaskProgressCB, debug bool) (r *rpc.CompileResponse, e error) {
+func Compile(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.CompileRequest, outStream, errStream io.Writer, progressCB rpc.TaskProgressCB, debug bool) (r *rpc.CompileResponse, e error) {
 
 	// There is a binding between the export binaries setting and the CLI flag to explicitly set it,
 	// since we want this binding to work also for the gRPC interface we must read it here in this
diff --git a/commands/core/download.go b/commands/core/download.go
index 2068945b6b4..f9a92f580b0 100644
--- a/commands/core/download.go
+++ b/commands/core/download.go
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino"
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/cores"
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/cores/packagemanager"
+	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/httpclient"
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/commands"
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/i18n"
 	rpc "github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/rpc/cc/arduino/cli/commands/v1"
@@ -30,7 +31,7 @@ import (
 var tr = i18n.Tr
 
 // PlatformDownload FIXMEDOC
-func PlatformDownload(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.PlatformDownloadRequest, downloadCB commands.DownloadProgressCB) (*rpc.PlatformDownloadResponse, error) {
+func PlatformDownload(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.PlatformDownloadRequest, downloadCB rpc.DownloadProgressCB) (*rpc.PlatformDownloadResponse, error) {
 	pm := commands.GetPackageManager(req.GetInstance().GetId())
 	if pm == nil {
 		return nil, &arduino.InvalidInstanceError{}
@@ -64,20 +65,16 @@ func PlatformDownload(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.PlatformDownloadRequest, dow
 	return &rpc.PlatformDownloadResponse{}, nil
 }
 
-func downloadPlatform(pm *packagemanager.PackageManager, platformRelease *cores.PlatformRelease, downloadCB commands.DownloadProgressCB) error {
+func downloadPlatform(pm *packagemanager.PackageManager, platformRelease *cores.PlatformRelease, downloadCB rpc.DownloadProgressCB) error {
 	// Download platform
-	config, err := commands.GetDownloaderConfig()
+	config, err := httpclient.GetDownloaderConfig()
 	if err != nil {
 		return &arduino.FailedDownloadError{Message: tr("Error downloading platform %s", platformRelease), Cause: err}
 	}
-	resp, err := pm.DownloadPlatformRelease(platformRelease, config)
-	if err != nil {
-		return &arduino.FailedDownloadError{Message: tr("Error downloading platform %s", platformRelease), Cause: err}
-	}
-	return commands.Download(resp, platformRelease.String(), downloadCB)
+	return pm.DownloadPlatformRelease(platformRelease, config, platformRelease.String(), downloadCB)
 }
 
-func downloadTool(pm *packagemanager.PackageManager, tool *cores.ToolRelease, downloadCB commands.DownloadProgressCB) error {
+func downloadTool(pm *packagemanager.PackageManager, tool *cores.ToolRelease, downloadCB rpc.DownloadProgressCB) error {
 	// Check if tool has a flavor available for the current OS
 	if tool.GetCompatibleFlavour() == nil {
 		return &arduino.FailedDownloadError{
diff --git a/commands/core/install.go b/commands/core/install.go
index 185e687bee4..a150e71be15 100644
--- a/commands/core/install.go
+++ b/commands/core/install.go
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ import (
 
 // PlatformInstall FIXMEDOC
 func PlatformInstall(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.PlatformInstallRequest,
-	downloadCB commands.DownloadProgressCB, taskCB commands.TaskProgressCB) (*rpc.PlatformInstallResponse, error) {
+	downloadCB rpc.DownloadProgressCB, taskCB rpc.TaskProgressCB) (*rpc.PlatformInstallResponse, error) {
 
 	pm := commands.GetPackageManager(req.GetInstance().GetId())
 	if pm == nil {
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ func PlatformInstall(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.PlatformInstallRequest,
 
 func installPlatform(pm *packagemanager.PackageManager,
 	platformRelease *cores.PlatformRelease, requiredTools []*cores.ToolRelease,
-	downloadCB commands.DownloadProgressCB, taskCB commands.TaskProgressCB,
+	downloadCB rpc.DownloadProgressCB, taskCB rpc.TaskProgressCB,
 	skipPostInstall bool) error {
 	log := pm.Log.WithField("platform", platformRelease)
 
diff --git a/commands/core/uninstall.go b/commands/core/uninstall.go
index ceae27432dd..bbd9a0347d5 100644
--- a/commands/core/uninstall.go
+++ b/commands/core/uninstall.go
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ import (
 )
 
 // PlatformUninstall FIXMEDOC
-func PlatformUninstall(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.PlatformUninstallRequest, taskCB commands.TaskProgressCB) (*rpc.PlatformUninstallResponse, error) {
+func PlatformUninstall(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.PlatformUninstallRequest, taskCB rpc.TaskProgressCB) (*rpc.PlatformUninstallResponse, error) {
 	pm := commands.GetPackageManager(req.GetInstance().GetId())
 	if pm == nil {
 		return nil, &arduino.InvalidInstanceError{}
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ func PlatformUninstall(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.PlatformUninstallRequest, t
 	return &rpc.PlatformUninstallResponse{}, nil
 }
 
-func uninstallPlatformRelease(pm *packagemanager.PackageManager, platformRelease *cores.PlatformRelease, taskCB commands.TaskProgressCB) error {
+func uninstallPlatformRelease(pm *packagemanager.PackageManager, platformRelease *cores.PlatformRelease, taskCB rpc.TaskProgressCB) error {
 	log := pm.Log.WithField("platform", platformRelease)
 
 	log.Info("Uninstalling platform")
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ func uninstallPlatformRelease(pm *packagemanager.PackageManager, platformRelease
 	return nil
 }
 
-func uninstallToolRelease(pm *packagemanager.PackageManager, toolRelease *cores.ToolRelease, taskCB commands.TaskProgressCB) error {
+func uninstallToolRelease(pm *packagemanager.PackageManager, toolRelease *cores.ToolRelease, taskCB rpc.TaskProgressCB) error {
 	log := pm.Log.WithField("Tool", toolRelease)
 
 	log.Info("Uninstalling tool")
diff --git a/commands/core/upgrade.go b/commands/core/upgrade.go
index d83fca8c10b..20c88e5707b 100644
--- a/commands/core/upgrade.go
+++ b/commands/core/upgrade.go
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ import (
 
 // PlatformUpgrade FIXMEDOC
 func PlatformUpgrade(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.PlatformUpgradeRequest,
-	downloadCB commands.DownloadProgressCB, taskCB commands.TaskProgressCB) (*rpc.PlatformUpgradeResponse, error) {
+	downloadCB rpc.DownloadProgressCB, taskCB rpc.TaskProgressCB) (*rpc.PlatformUpgradeResponse, error) {
 
 	pm := commands.GetPackageManager(req.GetInstance().GetId())
 	if pm == nil {
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ func PlatformUpgrade(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.PlatformUpgradeRequest,
 }
 
 func upgradePlatform(pm *packagemanager.PackageManager, platformRef *packagemanager.PlatformReference,
-	downloadCB commands.DownloadProgressCB, taskCB commands.TaskProgressCB, skipPostInstall bool) error {
+	downloadCB rpc.DownloadProgressCB, taskCB rpc.TaskProgressCB, skipPostInstall bool) error {
 	if platformRef.PlatformVersion != nil {
 		return &arduino.InvalidArgumentError{Message: tr("Upgrade doesn't accept parameters with version")}
 	}
diff --git a/commands/download.go b/commands/download.go
deleted file mode 100644
index b6ff58134e6..00000000000
--- a/commands/download.go
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,67 +0,0 @@
-// This file is part of arduino-cli.
-//
-// Copyright 2020 ARDUINO SA (http://www.arduino.cc/)
-//
-// This software is released under the GNU General Public License version 3,
-// which covers the main part of arduino-cli.
-// The terms of this license can be found at:
-// https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.en.html
-//
-// You can be released from the requirements of the above licenses by purchasing
-// a commercial license. Buying such a license is mandatory if you want to
-// modify or otherwise use the software for commercial activities involving the
-// Arduino software without disclosing the source code of your own applications.
-// To purchase a commercial license, send an email to license@arduino.cc.
-
-package commands
-
-import (
-	"time"
-
-	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino"
-	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/httpclient"
-	rpc "github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/rpc/cc/arduino/cli/commands/v1"
-	"go.bug.st/downloader/v2"
-)
-
-// GetDownloaderConfig returns the downloader configuration based on
-// current settings.
-func GetDownloaderConfig() (*downloader.Config, error) {
-	httpClient, err := httpclient.New()
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, &arduino.InvalidArgumentError{Message: tr("Could not connect via HTTP"), Cause: err}
-	}
-	return &downloader.Config{
-		HttpClient: *httpClient,
-	}, nil
-}
-
-// Download performs a download loop using the provided downloader.Downloader.
-// Messages are passed back to the DownloadProgressCB using label as text for the File field.
-func Download(d *downloader.Downloader, label string, downloadCB DownloadProgressCB) error {
-	if d == nil {
-		// This signal means that the file is already downloaded
-		downloadCB(&rpc.DownloadProgress{
-			File:      label,
-			Completed: true,
-		})
-		return nil
-	}
-	downloadCB(&rpc.DownloadProgress{
-		File:      label,
-		Url:       d.URL,
-		TotalSize: d.Size(),
-	})
-	d.RunAndPoll(func(downloaded int64) {
-		downloadCB(&rpc.DownloadProgress{Downloaded: downloaded})
-	}, 250*time.Millisecond)
-	if d.Error() != nil {
-		return d.Error()
-	}
-	// The URL is not reachable for some reason
-	if d.Resp.StatusCode >= 400 && d.Resp.StatusCode <= 599 {
-		return &arduino.FailedDownloadError{Message: tr("Server responded with: %s", d.Resp.Status)}
-	}
-	downloadCB(&rpc.DownloadProgress{Completed: true})
-	return nil
-}
diff --git a/commands/instances.go b/commands/instances.go
index cf336ceb48d..0f9722133cb 100644
--- a/commands/instances.go
+++ b/commands/instances.go
@@ -19,19 +19,19 @@ import (
 	"context"
 	"errors"
 	"fmt"
-	"io/ioutil"
 	"net/url"
 	"os"
-	"path"
+	"strings"
 
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino"
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/cores"
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/cores/packageindex"
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/cores/packagemanager"
+	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/httpclient"
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/libraries"
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/libraries/librariesindex"
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/libraries/librariesmanager"
-	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/security"
+	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/resources"
 	sk "github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/sketch"
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/utils"
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/cli/globals"
@@ -40,7 +40,6 @@ import (
 	rpc "github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/rpc/cc/arduino/cli/commands/v1"
 	paths "github.com/arduino/go-paths-helper"
 	"github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
-	"go.bug.st/downloader/v2"
 	"google.golang.org/grpc/codes"
 	"google.golang.org/grpc/status"
 )
@@ -90,7 +89,7 @@ func GetLibraryManager(instanceID int32) *librariesmanager.LibrariesManager {
 	return i.lm
 }
 
-func (instance *CoreInstance) installToolIfMissing(tool *cores.ToolRelease, downloadCB DownloadProgressCB, taskCB TaskProgressCB) (bool, error) {
+func (instance *CoreInstance) installToolIfMissing(tool *cores.ToolRelease, downloadCB rpc.DownloadProgressCB, taskCB rpc.TaskProgressCB) (bool, error) {
 	if tool.IsInstalled() {
 		return false, nil
 	}
@@ -362,16 +361,12 @@ func Destroy(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.DestroyRequest) (*rpc.DestroyResponse
 }
 
 // UpdateLibrariesIndex updates the library_index.json
-func UpdateLibrariesIndex(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.UpdateLibrariesIndexRequest, downloadCB func(*rpc.DownloadProgress)) error {
+func UpdateLibrariesIndex(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.UpdateLibrariesIndexRequest, downloadCB rpc.DownloadProgressCB) error {
 	logrus.Info("Updating libraries index")
 	lm := GetLibraryManager(req.GetInstance().GetId())
 	if lm == nil {
 		return &arduino.InvalidInstanceError{}
 	}
-	config, err := GetDownloaderConfig()
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
 
 	if err := lm.IndexFile.Parent().MkdirAll(); err != nil {
 		return &arduino.PermissionDeniedError{Message: tr("Could not create index directory"), Cause: err}
@@ -384,54 +379,19 @@ func UpdateLibrariesIndex(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.UpdateLibrariesIndexRequ
 	}
 	defer tmp.RemoveAll()
 
-	// Download gzipped library_index
-	tmpIndexGz := tmp.Join("library_index.json.gz")
-	if d, err := downloader.DownloadWithConfig(tmpIndexGz.String(), librariesmanager.LibraryIndexGZURL.String(), *config, downloader.NoResume); err == nil {
-		if err := Download(d, tr("Updating index: library_index.json.gz"), downloadCB); err != nil {
-			return &arduino.FailedDownloadError{Message: tr("Error downloading library_index.json.gz"), Cause: err}
-		}
-	} else {
-		return &arduino.FailedDownloadError{Message: tr("Error downloading library_index.json.gz"), Cause: err}
-	}
-
-	// Download signature
-	tmpSignature := tmp.Join("library_index.json.sig")
-	if d, err := downloader.DownloadWithConfig(tmpSignature.String(), librariesmanager.LibraryIndexSignature.String(), *config, downloader.NoResume); err == nil {
-		if err := Download(d, tr("Updating index: library_index.json.sig"), downloadCB); err != nil {
-			return &arduino.FailedDownloadError{Message: tr("Error downloading library_index.json.sig"), Cause: err}
-		}
-	} else {
-		return &arduino.FailedDownloadError{Message: tr("Error downloading library_index.json.sig"), Cause: err}
-	}
-
-	// Extract the real library_index
-	tmpIndex := tmp.Join("library_index.json")
-	if err := paths.GUnzip(tmpIndexGz, tmpIndex); err != nil {
-		return &arduino.PermissionDeniedError{Message: tr("Error extracting library_index.json.gz"), Cause: err}
-	}
-
-	// Check signature
-	if ok, _, err := security.VerifyArduinoDetachedSignature(tmpIndex, tmpSignature); err != nil {
-		return &arduino.PermissionDeniedError{Message: tr("Error verifying signature"), Cause: err}
-	} else if !ok {
-		return &arduino.SignatureVerificationFailedError{File: "library_index.json"}
+	indexResource := resources.IndexResource{
+		URL:          librariesmanager.LibraryIndexGZURL,
+		SignatureURL: librariesmanager.LibraryIndexSignature,
 	}
-
-	// Copy extracted library_index and signature to final destination
-	lm.IndexFile.Remove()
-	lm.IndexFileSignature.Remove()
-	if err := tmpIndex.CopyTo(lm.IndexFile); err != nil {
-		return &arduino.PermissionDeniedError{Message: tr("Error writing library_index.json"), Cause: err}
-	}
-	if err := tmpSignature.CopyTo(lm.IndexFileSignature); err != nil {
-		return &arduino.PermissionDeniedError{Message: tr("Error writing library_index.json.sig"), Cause: err}
+	if err := indexResource.Download(lm.IndexFile.Parent(), downloadCB); err != nil {
+		return err
 	}
 
 	return nil
 }
 
 // UpdateIndex FIXMEDOC
-func UpdateIndex(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.UpdateIndexRequest, downloadCB DownloadProgressCB) (*rpc.UpdateIndexResponse, error) {
+func UpdateIndex(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.UpdateIndexRequest, downloadCB rpc.DownloadProgressCB) (*rpc.UpdateIndexResponse, error) {
 	id := req.GetInstance().GetId()
 	_, ok := instances[id]
 	if !ok {
@@ -460,89 +420,22 @@ func UpdateIndex(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.UpdateIndexRequest, downloadCB Do
 
 			fi, _ := os.Stat(path.String())
 			downloadCB(&rpc.DownloadProgress{
-				File:      tr("Updating index: %s", path.Base()),
+				File:      tr("Downloading index: %s", path.Base()),
 				TotalSize: fi.Size(),
 			})
 			downloadCB(&rpc.DownloadProgress{Completed: true})
 			continue
 		}
 
-		var tmp *paths.Path
-		if tmpFile, err := ioutil.TempFile("", ""); err != nil {
-			return nil, &arduino.TempFileCreationFailedError{Cause: err}
-		} else if err := tmpFile.Close(); err != nil {
-			return nil, &arduino.TempFileCreationFailedError{Cause: err}
-		} else {
-			tmp = paths.New(tmpFile.Name())
-		}
-		defer tmp.Remove()
-
-		config, err := GetDownloaderConfig()
-		if err != nil {
-			return nil, &arduino.FailedDownloadError{Message: tr("Error downloading index '%s'", URL), Cause: err}
+		indexResource := resources.IndexResource{
+			URL: URL,
 		}
-		d, err := downloader.DownloadWithConfig(tmp.String(), URL.String(), *config)
-		if err != nil {
-			return nil, &arduino.FailedDownloadError{Message: tr("Error downloading index '%s'", URL), Cause: err}
+		if strings.HasSuffix(URL.Host, "arduino.cc") {
+			indexResource.SignatureURL, _ = url.Parse(u) // should not fail because we already parsed it
+			indexResource.SignatureURL.Path += ".sig"
 		}
-		coreIndexPath := indexpath.Join(path.Base(URL.Path))
-		err = Download(d, tr("Updating index: %s", coreIndexPath.Base()), downloadCB)
-		if err != nil {
-			return nil, &arduino.FailedDownloadError{Message: tr("Error downloading index '%s'", URL), Cause: err}
-		}
-
-		// Check for signature
-		var tmpSig *paths.Path
-		var coreIndexSigPath *paths.Path
-		if URL.Hostname() == "downloads.arduino.cc" {
-			URLSig, err := url.Parse(URL.String())
-			if err != nil {
-				return nil, &arduino.InvalidURLError{Cause: err}
-			}
-			URLSig.Path += ".sig"
-
-			if t, err := ioutil.TempFile("", ""); err != nil {
-				return nil, &arduino.TempFileCreationFailedError{Cause: err}
-			} else if err := t.Close(); err != nil {
-				return nil, &arduino.TempFileCreationFailedError{Cause: err}
-			} else {
-				tmpSig = paths.New(t.Name())
-			}
-			defer tmpSig.Remove()
-
-			d, err := downloader.DownloadWithConfig(tmpSig.String(), URLSig.String(), *config)
-			if err != nil {
-				return nil, &arduino.FailedDownloadError{Message: tr("Error downloading index signature '%s'", URLSig), Cause: err}
-			}
-
-			coreIndexSigPath = indexpath.Join(path.Base(URLSig.Path))
-			Download(d, tr("Updating index: %s", coreIndexSigPath.Base()), downloadCB)
-			if d.Error() != nil {
-				return nil, &arduino.FailedDownloadError{Message: tr("Error downloading index signature '%s'", URLSig), Cause: err}
-			}
-
-			if valid, _, err := security.VerifyArduinoDetachedSignature(tmp, tmpSig); err != nil {
-				return nil, &arduino.PermissionDeniedError{Message: tr("Error verifying signature"), Cause: err}
-			} else if !valid {
-				return nil, &arduino.SignatureVerificationFailedError{File: URL.String()}
-			}
-		}
-
-		if _, err := packageindex.LoadIndex(tmp); err != nil {
-			return nil, &arduino.InvalidArgumentError{Message: tr("Invalid package index in %s", URL), Cause: err}
-		}
-
-		if err := indexpath.MkdirAll(); err != nil {
-			return nil, &arduino.PermissionDeniedError{Message: tr("Can't create data directory %s", indexpath), Cause: err}
-		}
-
-		if err := tmp.CopyTo(coreIndexPath); err != nil {
-			return nil, &arduino.PermissionDeniedError{Message: tr("Error saving downloaded index %s", URL), Cause: err}
-		}
-		if tmpSig != nil {
-			if err := tmpSig.CopyTo(coreIndexSigPath); err != nil {
-				return nil, &arduino.PermissionDeniedError{Message: tr("Error saving downloaded index signature"), Cause: err}
-			}
+		if err := indexResource.Download(indexpath, downloadCB); err != nil {
+			return nil, err
 		}
 	}
 
@@ -550,7 +443,7 @@ func UpdateIndex(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.UpdateIndexRequest, downloadCB Do
 }
 
 // UpdateCoreLibrariesIndex updates both Cores and Libraries indexes
-func UpdateCoreLibrariesIndex(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.UpdateCoreLibrariesIndexRequest, downloadCB DownloadProgressCB) error {
+func UpdateCoreLibrariesIndex(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.UpdateCoreLibrariesIndexRequest, downloadCB rpc.DownloadProgressCB) error {
 	_, err := UpdateIndex(ctx, &rpc.UpdateIndexRequest{
 		Instance: req.Instance,
 	}, downloadCB)
@@ -687,8 +580,8 @@ func getOutputRelease(lib *librariesindex.Release) *rpc.LibraryRelease {
 }
 
 // Upgrade downloads and installs outdated Cores and Libraries
-func Upgrade(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.UpgradeRequest, downloadCB DownloadProgressCB, taskCB TaskProgressCB) error {
-	downloaderConfig, err := GetDownloaderConfig()
+func Upgrade(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.UpgradeRequest, downloadCB rpc.DownloadProgressCB, taskCB rpc.TaskProgressCB) error {
+	downloaderConfig, err := httpclient.GetDownloaderConfig()
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
@@ -710,9 +603,7 @@ func Upgrade(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.UpgradeRequest, downloadCB DownloadPr
 
 			// Downloads latest library release
 			taskCB(&rpc.TaskProgress{Name: tr("Downloading %s", available)})
-			if d, err := available.Resource.Download(lm.DownloadsDir, downloaderConfig); err != nil {
-				return &arduino.FailedDownloadError{Message: tr("Error downloading library"), Cause: err}
-			} else if err := Download(d, available.String(), downloadCB); err != nil {
+			if err := available.Resource.Download(lm.DownloadsDir, downloaderConfig, available.String(), downloadCB); err != nil {
 				return &arduino.FailedDownloadError{Message: tr("Error downloading library"), Cause: err}
 			}
 
@@ -793,9 +684,7 @@ func Upgrade(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.UpgradeRequest, downloadCB DownloadPr
 				}
 
 				// Downloads platform
-				if d, err := pm.DownloadPlatformRelease(latest, downloaderConfig); err != nil {
-					return &arduino.FailedDownloadError{Message: tr("Error downloading platform %s", latest), Cause: err}
-				} else if err := Download(d, latest.String(), downloadCB); err != nil {
+				if err := pm.DownloadPlatformRelease(latest, downloaderConfig, latest.String(), downloadCB); err != nil {
 					return &arduino.FailedDownloadError{Message: tr("Error downloading platform %s", latest), Cause: err}
 				}
 
diff --git a/commands/lib/download.go b/commands/lib/download.go
index acbebe55adc..f845d4e73f0 100644
--- a/commands/lib/download.go
+++ b/commands/lib/download.go
@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ import (
 	"context"
 
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino"
+	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/httpclient"
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/libraries/librariesindex"
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/libraries/librariesmanager"
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/commands"
@@ -30,7 +31,7 @@ import (
 var tr = i18n.Tr
 
 // LibraryDownload FIXMEDOC
-func LibraryDownload(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.LibraryDownloadRequest, downloadCB commands.DownloadProgressCB) (*rpc.LibraryDownloadResponse, error) {
+func LibraryDownload(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.LibraryDownloadRequest, downloadCB rpc.DownloadProgressCB) (*rpc.LibraryDownloadResponse, error) {
 	logrus.Info("Executing `arduino-cli lib download`")
 
 	lm := commands.GetLibraryManager(req.GetInstance().GetId())
@@ -53,16 +54,14 @@ func LibraryDownload(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.LibraryDownloadRequest, downl
 }
 
 func downloadLibrary(lm *librariesmanager.LibrariesManager, libRelease *librariesindex.Release,
-	downloadCB commands.DownloadProgressCB, taskCB commands.TaskProgressCB) error {
+	downloadCB rpc.DownloadProgressCB, taskCB rpc.TaskProgressCB) error {
 
 	taskCB(&rpc.TaskProgress{Name: tr("Downloading %s", libRelease)})
-	config, err := commands.GetDownloaderConfig()
+	config, err := httpclient.GetDownloaderConfig()
 	if err != nil {
 		return &arduino.FailedDownloadError{Message: tr("Can't download library"), Cause: err}
 	}
-	if d, err := libRelease.Resource.Download(lm.DownloadsDir, config); err != nil {
-		return &arduino.FailedDownloadError{Message: tr("Can't download library"), Cause: err}
-	} else if err := commands.Download(d, libRelease.String(), downloadCB); err != nil {
+	if err := libRelease.Resource.Download(lm.DownloadsDir, config, libRelease.String(), downloadCB); err != nil {
 		return &arduino.FailedDownloadError{Message: tr("Can't download library"), Cause: err}
 	}
 	taskCB(&rpc.TaskProgress{Completed: true})
diff --git a/commands/lib/install.go b/commands/lib/install.go
index 5be44ca8ec7..205738e6f29 100644
--- a/commands/lib/install.go
+++ b/commands/lib/install.go
@@ -28,8 +28,7 @@ import (
 )
 
 // LibraryInstall FIXMEDOC
-func LibraryInstall(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.LibraryInstallRequest,
-	downloadCB commands.DownloadProgressCB, taskCB commands.TaskProgressCB) error {
+func LibraryInstall(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.LibraryInstallRequest, downloadCB rpc.DownloadProgressCB, taskCB rpc.TaskProgressCB) error {
 
 	lm := commands.GetLibraryManager(req.GetInstance().GetId())
 	if lm == nil {
@@ -89,7 +88,7 @@ func LibraryInstall(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.LibraryInstallRequest,
 	return nil
 }
 
-func installLibrary(lm *librariesmanager.LibrariesManager, libRelease *librariesindex.Release, taskCB commands.TaskProgressCB) error {
+func installLibrary(lm *librariesmanager.LibrariesManager, libRelease *librariesindex.Release, taskCB rpc.TaskProgressCB) error {
 	taskCB(&rpc.TaskProgress{Name: tr("Installing %s", libRelease)})
 	logrus.WithField("library", libRelease).Info("Installing library")
 	libPath, libReplaced, err := lm.InstallPrerequisiteCheck(libRelease)
@@ -115,7 +114,7 @@ func installLibrary(lm *librariesmanager.LibrariesManager, libRelease *libraries
 }
 
 //ZipLibraryInstall FIXMEDOC
-func ZipLibraryInstall(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.ZipLibraryInstallRequest, taskCB commands.TaskProgressCB) error {
+func ZipLibraryInstall(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.ZipLibraryInstallRequest, taskCB rpc.TaskProgressCB) error {
 	lm := commands.GetLibraryManager(req.GetInstance().GetId())
 	if err := lm.InstallZipLib(ctx, req.Path, req.Overwrite); err != nil {
 		return &arduino.FailedLibraryInstallError{Cause: err}
@@ -125,7 +124,7 @@ func ZipLibraryInstall(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.ZipLibraryInstallRequest, t
 }
 
 //GitLibraryInstall FIXMEDOC
-func GitLibraryInstall(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.GitLibraryInstallRequest, taskCB commands.TaskProgressCB) error {
+func GitLibraryInstall(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.GitLibraryInstallRequest, taskCB rpc.TaskProgressCB) error {
 	lm := commands.GetLibraryManager(req.GetInstance().GetId())
 	if err := lm.InstallGitLib(req.Url, req.Overwrite); err != nil {
 		return &arduino.FailedLibraryInstallError{Cause: err}
diff --git a/commands/lib/uninstall.go b/commands/lib/uninstall.go
index 4145586fd74..f3d80ccb361 100644
--- a/commands/lib/uninstall.go
+++ b/commands/lib/uninstall.go
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ import (
 )
 
 // LibraryUninstall FIXMEDOC
-func LibraryUninstall(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.LibraryUninstallRequest, taskCB commands.TaskProgressCB) error {
+func LibraryUninstall(ctx context.Context, req *rpc.LibraryUninstallRequest, taskCB rpc.TaskProgressCB) error {
 	lm := commands.GetLibraryManager(req.GetInstance().GetId())
 	ref, err := createLibIndexReference(lm, req)
 	if err != nil {
diff --git a/commands/lib/upgrade.go b/commands/lib/upgrade.go
index 3f6c83662e7..41aef204265 100644
--- a/commands/lib/upgrade.go
+++ b/commands/lib/upgrade.go
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ import (
 )
 
 // LibraryUpgradeAll upgrades all the available libraries
-func LibraryUpgradeAll(instanceID int32, downloadCB commands.DownloadProgressCB, taskCB commands.TaskProgressCB) error {
+func LibraryUpgradeAll(instanceID int32, downloadCB rpc.DownloadProgressCB, taskCB rpc.TaskProgressCB) error {
 	lm := commands.GetLibraryManager(instanceID)
 	if lm == nil {
 		return &arduino.InvalidInstanceError{}
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ func LibraryUpgradeAll(instanceID int32, downloadCB commands.DownloadProgressCB,
 }
 
 // LibraryUpgrade upgrades only the given libraries
-func LibraryUpgrade(instanceID int32, libraryNames []string, downloadCB commands.DownloadProgressCB, taskCB commands.TaskProgressCB) error {
+func LibraryUpgrade(instanceID int32, libraryNames []string, downloadCB rpc.DownloadProgressCB, taskCB rpc.TaskProgressCB) error {
 	lm := commands.GetLibraryManager(instanceID)
 	if lm == nil {
 		return &arduino.InvalidInstanceError{}
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ func LibraryUpgrade(instanceID int32, libraryNames []string, downloadCB commands
 	return upgrade(lm, libs, downloadCB, taskCB)
 }
 
-func upgrade(lm *librariesmanager.LibrariesManager, libs []*installedLib, downloadCB commands.DownloadProgressCB, taskCB commands.TaskProgressCB) error {
+func upgrade(lm *librariesmanager.LibrariesManager, libs []*installedLib, downloadCB rpc.DownloadProgressCB, taskCB rpc.TaskProgressCB) error {
 	// Go through the list and download them
 	for _, lib := range libs {
 		if err := downloadLibrary(lm, lib.Available, downloadCB, taskCB); err != nil {
diff --git a/httpclient/httpclient_config.go b/configuration/network.go
similarity index 52%
rename from httpclient/httpclient_config.go
rename to configuration/network.go
index a60eefec86a..17149391fc2 100644
--- a/httpclient/httpclient_config.go
+++ b/configuration/network.go
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@
 // Arduino software without disclosing the source code of your own applications.
 // To purchase a commercial license, send an email to license@arduino.cc.
 
-package httpclient
+package configuration
 
 import (
 	"fmt"
@@ -21,39 +21,12 @@ import (
 	"runtime"
 
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/cli/globals"
-	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/configuration"
+	"github.com/spf13/viper"
 )
 
-// Config is the configuration of the http client
-type Config struct {
-	UserAgent string
-	Proxy     *url.URL
-}
-
-// DefaultConfig returns the default http client config
-func DefaultConfig() (*Config, error) {
-	var proxy *url.URL
-	var err error
-	if configuration.Settings.IsSet("network.proxy") {
-		proxyConfig := configuration.Settings.GetString("network.proxy")
-		if proxyConfig == "" {
-			// empty configuration
-			// this workaround must be here until viper can UnSet properties:
-			// https://github.com/spf13/viper/pull/519
-		} else if proxy, err = url.Parse(proxyConfig); err != nil {
-			return nil, fmt.Errorf(tr("Invalid network.proxy '%[1]s': %[2]s"), proxyConfig, err)
-		}
-	}
-
-	return &Config{
-		UserAgent: UserAgent(),
-		Proxy:     proxy,
-	}, nil
-}
-
-// UserAgent returns the user agent for the cli http client
-func UserAgent() string {
-	subComponent := configuration.Settings.GetString("network.user_agent_ext")
+// UserAgent returns the user agent (mainly used by HTTP clients)
+func UserAgent(settings *viper.Viper) string {
+	subComponent := settings.GetString("network.user_agent_ext")
 	if subComponent != "" {
 		subComponent = " " + subComponent
 	}
@@ -65,3 +38,20 @@ func UserAgent() string {
 		runtime.GOARCH, runtime.GOOS, runtime.Version(),
 		globals.VersionInfo.Commit)
 }
+
+// NetworkProxy returns the proxy configuration (mainly used by HTTP clients)
+func NetworkProxy(settings *viper.Viper) (*url.URL, error) {
+	if !settings.IsSet("network.proxy") {
+		return nil, nil
+	}
+	if proxyConfig := settings.GetString("network.proxy"); proxyConfig == "" {
+		// empty configuration
+		// this workaround must be here until viper can UnSet properties:
+		// https://github.com/spf13/viper/pull/519
+		return nil, nil
+	} else if proxy, err := url.Parse(proxyConfig); err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf(tr("Invalid network.proxy '%[1]s': %[2]s"), proxyConfig, err)
+	} else {
+		return proxy, nil
+	}
+}
diff --git a/docs/UPGRADING.md b/docs/UPGRADING.md
index 54f5b40c5eb..bca31e0b706 100644
--- a/docs/UPGRADING.md
+++ b/docs/UPGRADING.md
@@ -4,6 +4,69 @@ Here you can find a list of migration guides to handle breaking changes between
 
 ## 0.22.0
 
+### The content of package `github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/httpclient` has been moved to a different path
+
+In particular:
+
+- `UserAgent` and `NetworkProxy` have been moved to `github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/configuration`
+- the remainder of the package `github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/httpclient` has been moved to
+  `github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/httpclient`
+
+The old imports must be updated according to the list above.
+
+### `commands.DownloadProgressCB` and `commands.TaskProgressCB` have been moved to package `github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/rpc/cc/arduino/cli/commands/v1`
+
+All references to these types must be updated with the new import.
+
+### `commands.GetDownloaderConfig` has been moved to package `github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/httpclient`
+
+All references to this function must be updated with the new import.
+
+### `commands.Download` has been removed and replaced by `github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/httpclient.DownloadFile`
+
+The old function must be replaced by the new one that is much more versatile.
+
+### `packagemanager.PackageManager.DownloadToolRelease`, `packagemanager.PackageManager.DownloadPlatformRelease`, and `resources.DownloadResource.Download` functions change signature and behaviour
+
+The following functions:
+
+```go
+func (pm *PackageManager) DownloadToolRelease(tool *cores.ToolRelease, config *downloader.Config) (*downloader.Downloader, error)
+func (pm *PackageManager) DownloadPlatformRelease(platform *cores.PlatformRelease, config *downloader.Config) (*downloader.Downloader, error)
+func (r *DownloadResource) Download(downloadDir *paths.Path, config *downloader.Config) (*downloader.Downloader, error)
+```
+
+now requires a label and a progress callback parameter, do not return the `Downloader` object anymore, and they
+automatically handles the download internally:
+
+```go
+func (pm *PackageManager) DownloadToolRelease(tool *cores.ToolRelease, config *downloader.Config, label string, progressCB rpc.DownloadProgressCB) error
+func (pm *PackageManager) DownloadPlatformRelease(platform *cores.PlatformRelease, config *downloader.Config, label string, progressCB rpc.DownloadProgressCB) error
+func (r *DownloadResource) Download(downloadDir *paths.Path, config *downloader.Config, label string, downloadCB rpc.DownloadProgressCB) error
+```
+
+The new progress parameters must be added to legacy code, if progress reports are not needed an empty stub for `label`
+and `progressCB` must be provided. There is no more need to execute the `downloader.Run()` or
+`downloader.RunAndPoll(...)` method.
+
+For example, the old legacy code like:
+
+```go
+downloader, err := pm.DownloadPlatformRelease(platformToDownload, config)
+if err != nil {
+    ...
+}
+if err := downloader.Run(); err != nil {
+    ...
+}
+```
+
+may be ported to the new version as:
+
+```go
+err := pm.DownloadPlatformRelease(platformToDownload, config, "", func(progress *rpc.DownloadProgress) {})
+```
+
 ### `packagemanager.Load*` functions now returns `error` instead of `*status.Status`
 
 The following functions signature:
diff --git a/httpclient/httpclient.go b/httpclient/httpclient.go
deleted file mode 100644
index f849c75ca63..00000000000
--- a/httpclient/httpclient.go
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,44 +0,0 @@
-// This file is part of arduino-cli.
-//
-// Copyright 2020 ARDUINO SA (http://www.arduino.cc/)
-//
-// This software is released under the GNU General Public License version 3,
-// which covers the main part of arduino-cli.
-// The terms of this license can be found at:
-// https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.en.html
-//
-// You can be released from the requirements of the above licenses by purchasing
-// a commercial license. Buying such a license is mandatory if you want to
-// modify or otherwise use the software for commercial activities involving the
-// Arduino software without disclosing the source code of your own applications.
-// To purchase a commercial license, send an email to license@arduino.cc.
-
-package httpclient
-
-import (
-	"net/http"
-
-	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/i18n"
-)
-
-var tr = i18n.Tr
-
-// New returns a default http client for use in the cli API calls
-func New() (*http.Client, error) {
-	config, err := DefaultConfig()
-
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-
-	return NewWithConfig(config), nil
-}
-
-// NewWithConfig creates a http client for use in the cli API calls with a given configuration
-func NewWithConfig(config *Config) *http.Client {
-	transport := newHTTPClientTransport(config)
-
-	return &http.Client{
-		Transport: transport,
-	}
-}
diff --git a/httpclient/httpclient_transport.go b/httpclient/httpclient_transport.go
deleted file mode 100644
index 45cba70f016..00000000000
--- a/httpclient/httpclient_transport.go
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,41 +0,0 @@
-// This file is part of arduino-cli.
-//
-// Copyright 2020 ARDUINO SA (http://www.arduino.cc/)
-//
-// This software is released under the GNU General Public License version 3,
-// which covers the main part of arduino-cli.
-// The terms of this license can be found at:
-// https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.en.html
-//
-// You can be released from the requirements of the above licenses by purchasing
-// a commercial license. Buying such a license is mandatory if you want to
-// modify or otherwise use the software for commercial activities involving the
-// Arduino software without disclosing the source code of your own applications.
-// To purchase a commercial license, send an email to license@arduino.cc.
-
-package httpclient
-
-import "net/http"
-
-type httpClientRoundTripper struct {
-	transport http.RoundTripper
-	config    *Config
-}
-
-func newHTTPClientTransport(config *Config) http.RoundTripper {
-	proxy := http.ProxyURL(config.Proxy)
-
-	transport := &http.Transport{
-		Proxy: proxy,
-	}
-
-	return &httpClientRoundTripper{
-		transport: transport,
-		config:    config,
-	}
-}
-
-func (h *httpClientRoundTripper) RoundTrip(req *http.Request) (*http.Response, error) {
-	req.Header.Add("User-Agent", h.config.UserAgent)
-	return h.transport.RoundTrip(req)
-}
diff --git a/legacy/builder/types/context.go b/legacy/builder/types/context.go
index 84c59c7efa6..09a5504af15 100644
--- a/legacy/builder/types/context.go
+++ b/legacy/builder/types/context.go
@@ -30,7 +30,6 @@ import (
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/libraries/librariesmanager"
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/libraries/librariesresolver"
 	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/arduino/sketch"
-	"github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/commands"
 	rpc "github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/rpc/cc/arduino/cli/commands/v1"
 	paths "github.com/arduino/go-paths-helper"
 	properties "github.com/arduino/go-properties-orderedmap"
@@ -148,7 +147,7 @@ type Context struct {
 	// Dry run, only create progress map
 	Progress ProgressStruct
 	// Send progress events to this callback
-	ProgressCB commands.TaskProgressCB
+	ProgressCB rpc.TaskProgressCB
 
 	// Contents of a custom build properties file (line by line)
 	CustomBuildProperties []string
diff --git a/commands/progress.go b/rpc/cc/arduino/cli/commands/v1/common.go
similarity index 82%
rename from commands/progress.go
rename to rpc/cc/arduino/cli/commands/v1/common.go
index ec879a8fb8a..cc987d2f4ab 100644
--- a/commands/progress.go
+++ b/rpc/cc/arduino/cli/commands/v1/common.go
@@ -15,10 +15,8 @@
 
 package commands
 
-import rpc "github.com/arduino/arduino-cli/rpc/cc/arduino/cli/commands/v1"
-
 // DownloadProgressCB is a callback to get updates on download progress
-type DownloadProgressCB func(curr *rpc.DownloadProgress)
+type DownloadProgressCB func(curr *DownloadProgress)
 
 // TaskProgressCB is a callback to receive progress messages
-type TaskProgressCB func(msg *rpc.TaskProgress)
+type TaskProgressCB func(msg *TaskProgress)
diff --git a/test/test_core.py b/test/test_core.py
index a3f2b121840..0f32ad74f69 100644
--- a/test/test_core.py
+++ b/test/test_core.py
@@ -201,7 +201,7 @@ def test_core_install_without_updateindex(run_command):
     # Download samd core pinned to 1.8.6
     result = run_command(["core", "install", "arduino:samd@1.8.6"])
     assert result.ok
-    assert "Updating index: package_index.json downloaded" in result.stdout
+    assert "Downloading index: package_index.json downloaded" in result.stdout
 
 
 @pytest.mark.skipif(
@@ -363,7 +363,7 @@ def test_core_update_with_local_url(run_command):
 
     res = run_command(["core", "update-index", f'--additional-urls="file://{test_index}"'])
     assert res.ok
-    assert "Updating index: test_index.json downloaded" in res.stdout
+    assert "Downloading index: test_index.json downloaded" in res.stdout
 
 
 def test_core_search_manually_installed_cores_not_printed(run_command, data_dir):
@@ -523,7 +523,7 @@ def test_core_search_update_index_delay(run_command, data_dir):
     # Verifies index update is not run
     res = run_command(["core", "search"])
     assert res.ok
-    assert "Updating index" not in res.stdout
+    assert "Downloading index" not in res.stdout
 
     # Change edit time of package index file
     index_file = Path(data_dir, "package_index.json")
@@ -534,12 +534,12 @@ def test_core_search_update_index_delay(run_command, data_dir):
     # Verifies index update is run
     res = run_command(["core", "search"])
     assert res.ok
-    assert "Updating index" in res.stdout
+    assert "Downloading index" in res.stdout
 
     # Verifies index update is not run again
     res = run_command(["core", "search"])
     assert res.ok
-    assert "Updating index" not in res.stdout
+    assert "Downloading index" not in res.stdout
 
 
 def test_core_search_sorted_results(run_command, httpserver):
diff --git a/test/test_lib.py b/test/test_lib.py
index 8d89dffd8b7..1e33e7a18af 100644
--- a/test/test_lib.py
+++ b/test/test_lib.py
@@ -402,8 +402,8 @@ def test_update_index(run_command):
     result = run_command(["lib", "update-index"])
     assert result.ok
     lines = [l.strip() for l in result.stdout.splitlines()]
-    assert "Updating index: library_index.json.gz downloaded" in lines
-    assert "Updating index: library_index.json.sig downloaded" in lines
+    assert "Downloading index: library_index.json.gz downloaded" in lines
+    assert "Downloading index signature: library_index.json.sig downloaded" in lines
 
 
 def test_uninstall(run_command):
@@ -453,8 +453,8 @@ def test_search(run_command):
     result = run_command(["lib", "search", "--names"])
     assert result.ok
     lines = [l.strip() for l in result.stdout.strip().splitlines()]
-    assert "Updating index: library_index.json.gz downloaded" in lines
-    assert "Updating index: library_index.json.sig downloaded" in lines
+    assert "Downloading index: library_index.json.gz downloaded" in lines
+    assert "Downloading index signature: library_index.json.sig downloaded" in lines
     libs = [l[6:].strip('"') for l in lines if "Name:" in l]
 
     expected = {"WiFi101", "WiFi101OTA", "Firebase Arduino based on WiFi101"}
diff --git a/test/test_update.py b/test/test_update.py
index 322685ec646..c241cedbe8a 100644
--- a/test/test_update.py
+++ b/test/test_update.py
@@ -21,10 +21,10 @@ def test_update(run_command):
     assert res.ok
     lines = [l.strip() for l in res.stdout.splitlines()]
 
-    assert "Updating index: package_index.json downloaded" in lines
-    assert "Updating index: package_index.json.sig downloaded" in lines
-    assert "Updating index: library_index.json.gz downloaded" in lines
-    assert "Updating index: library_index.json.sig downloaded" in lines
+    assert "Downloading index: package_index.json downloaded" in lines
+    assert "Downloading index signature: package_index.json.sig downloaded" in lines
+    assert "Downloading index: library_index.json.gz downloaded" in lines
+    assert "Downloading index signature: library_index.json.sig downloaded" in lines
 
 
 def test_update_showing_outdated(run_command):
@@ -45,10 +45,10 @@ def test_update_showing_outdated(run_command):
     assert result.ok
     lines = [l.strip() for l in result.stdout.splitlines()]
 
-    assert "Updating index: package_index.json downloaded" in lines
-    assert "Updating index: package_index.json.sig downloaded" in lines
-    assert "Updating index: library_index.json.gz downloaded" in lines
-    assert "Updating index: library_index.json.sig downloaded" in lines
+    assert "Downloading index: package_index.json downloaded" in lines
+    assert "Downloading index signature: package_index.json.sig downloaded" in lines
+    assert "Downloading index: library_index.json.gz downloaded" in lines
+    assert "Downloading index signature: library_index.json.sig downloaded" in lines
     assert lines[-5].startswith("Arduino AVR Boards")
     assert lines[-2].startswith("USBHost")