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'''File transfer''' is the transmission of a computer file through a communication channel from one computer system to another. Typically, file transfer is mediated by a communications protocol. In the history of computing, numerous [[Comparison of file transfer protocols|file transfer protocols]] have been designed for different contexts. |
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==Protocols== |
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A '''protocol for file transfer''' or '''file transfer protocol''' is a convention or standard that controls or enables the transfer of [[computer file|file]]s between two computing endpoints. Unlike with a general-purpose [[Protocol (computing)|communication protocol]], file transfer protocols are not designed to send arbitrary data or facilitate [[asynchronous communication]] such as [[Telnet]] sessions. They are meant solely to send the stream of [[bit]]s stored as a single unit in a [[file system]], plus any relevant [[metadata]] such as the [[filename]], file size, and [[timestamp]]. |
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A file transfer protocol is a convention that describes how to transfer files between two computing endpoints. As well as the stream of [[bit]]s from a file stored as a single unit in a [[file system]], some may also send relevant [[metadata]] such as the [[filename]], file size and [[timestamp]] – and even [[file-system permissions]] and [[file attribute]]s. |
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Some examples: |
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File transfer protocols usually operate on top of a lower-level protocol in a [[protocol stack]]. For example, the [[File Transfer Protocol|Internet FTP]] protocol operates as the topmost layer of the [[TCP/IP stack]], whereas [[XMODEM]], [[YMODEM]], and [[ZMODEM]] typically operate across [[RS-232]] serial connections to [[modem]]s. |
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* [[File Transfer Protocol|FTP]] is an older cross-platform file transfer protocol<ref>{{cite web |last1=Prince |first1=Brian |title=Should Organizations Retire FTP for Security? |url=http://www.securityweek.com/should-organizations-retire-ftp-security |website=Security Week |date=24 January 2012 |access-date=14 September 2017}}</ref> |
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* [[SSH File Transfer Protocol]] a file transfer protocol secured by the [[Secure Shell]] (SSH) protocol |
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* [[Secure copy protocol|Secure copy]] (''scp'') is based on the [[Secure Shell]] (SSH) protocol |
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* [[BitTorrent]], [[Gnutella]] and other distributed file transfers systems use [[peer-to-peer]] |
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* In [[Systems Network Architecture]], [[IBM Advanced Program-to-Program Communication|LU 6.2]] [[Connect:Direct]] and [[XCOM Data Transport]] are traditionally used to transfer files |
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* Many [[instant messaging]] or [[LAN messenger]] systems support the ability to transfer files |
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* [[Computer]]s may transfer files to [[peripheral device]]s such as [[USB flash drive]]s |
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==What Is File Transfer?== |
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* [[File sharing]] |
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In computing, '''file transfer''' is a generic term for referring to the act of [[transmission (telecommunications)|transmitting]] [[file (computing)|file]]s over a [[computer network]]. While the term "file transfer" is often linked to the [[File Transfer Protocol]] (FTP), there are numerous ways to transfer files over a network. [[Server (computing)|Server]]s which provide a file transfer service are often called [[file server]]s. |
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* [[Peer-to-peer file sharing]] |
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* [[Pull technology]] |
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* [[Push technology]] |
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* [[Sideloading]] |
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==References== |
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There are 2 Types of file transfers: |
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{{reflist}} |
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* "Pull-based" file transfers where the receiver initiates a file transmission request. |
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* "Push-based" file transfers where the sender initiates a file transmission request. |
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{{Computer files}} |
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Some protocols for file transfer may provide both of these, and they are often referred to as [[uploading and downloading|"uploading" or "downloading"]], from the [[client (computing)|client]]'s perspective. |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:File transfer}} |
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File transfer can take place over a variety of levels: |
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[[Category:Internet terminology]] |
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* [[network transparency|Transparent]] file transfers over [[network file system]]s. |
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* Explicit file transfers from dedicated file-transfer services like [[File Transfer Protocol|FTP]] or [[Hypertext Transfer Protocol|HTTP]]. |
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* Distributed file transfers over [[peer-to-peer]] networks. |
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* File transfers over [[instant messaging]] systems. |
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* File transfers between [[computer]]s and [[peripheral device]]s. |
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* [[File Transfer Protocol]] (FTP) |
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Revision as of 19:05, 20 August 2023
File transfer is the transmission of a computer file through a communication channel from one computer system to another. Typically, file transfer is mediated by a communications protocol. In the history of computing, numerous file transfer protocols have been designed for different contexts.
Protocols
A file transfer protocol is a convention that describes how to transfer files between two computing endpoints. As well as the stream of bits from a file stored as a single unit in a file system, some may also send relevant metadata such as the filename, file size and timestamp – and even file-system permissions and file attributes.
Some examples:
- FTP is an older cross-platform file transfer protocol[1]
- SSH File Transfer Protocol a file transfer protocol secured by the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol
- Secure copy (scp) is based on the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol
- HTTP can support file transfer
- BitTorrent, Gnutella and other distributed file transfers systems use peer-to-peer
- In Systems Network Architecture, LU 6.2 Connect:Direct and XCOM Data Transport are traditionally used to transfer files
- Many instant messaging or LAN messenger systems support the ability to transfer files
- Computers may transfer files to peripheral devices such as USB flash drives
- Dial-up modems null modem links used XMODEM, YMODEM, ZMODEM and similar
See also
- File sharing
- Managed file transfer
- Peer-to-peer file sharing
- Pull technology
- Push technology
- Sideloading
References
- ^ Prince, Brian (24 January 2012). "Should Organizations Retire FTP for Security?". Security Week. Retrieved 14 September 2017.