File transfer is the transmission of a computer file through a communications channel from one computer system to another. Typically, file transfer is governed by a protocol that defines how information should be transmitted between computers in a network, such as the FTP (file transfer protocol) or the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). The files transferred may contain structured or unstructured data. Files can be stored on local disks or in network locations, including the Internet. They can be downloaded or uploaded to and from the Internet by end users, or moved across a corporate network.
File transfers are usually accelerated using file transfer protocols. These are software-based programs that work with a communication channel to transfer files over the network. The two most commonly used protocols are the FTP and the SFTP (secure file transfer protocol). The latter adds an additional layer of security to a file transfer and requires the use of an RSA key for authentication.
The ability to move large data sets at high speeds is essential in today’s business environment. Many organizations are now using big data and IoT to support more advanced analytics, which places a premium on the speed of file transfer. Moreover, cybersecurity concerns continue to rise, which makes it even more important to improve the speed and quality of file transfer.
When transferring large files, it is important to understand how much time it will take. A free online file transfer time calculator can estimate how long it will take to move a file between two points. Simply enter the file size, interface speeds and units to get an estimate. It is also helpful to know the smallest unit of measurement for a file, such as bits per second (bps), bytes per second (B/s), megabytes per second (MB/s) or gigabytes per second (GB/s).
Another way to assess how fast a transfer is going is to look at the speeds of the interfaces involved in the transfer. Keep in mind, however, that the interfaces are likely to be slowed down by overhead (ex: requests for the file information, syncs etc.), attempting to do more than one transfer at a time and are not performing at the advertised standard speeds.
Alternatively, a high-speed file transfer solution such as IBM Aspera can enable organizations to move large files, such as HD broadcast video over a WAN at hundreds of times the speed of FTP or HTTP. The software includes patented FASP technology that delivers deterministic delivery regardless of transfer distance or network conditions. This speeds up the overall transfer process and ensures the highest quality of the resulting file. It is also easy to integrate into existing systems, which minimizes infrastructure investments and enables fast adoption of new technologies. This can help reduce the total cost of ownership for an organization. To learn more about IBM Aspera, contact a representative.Share Links