File transfer acceleration can significantly increase file transfer speeds compared to traditional methods like FTP. It works by transferring files over UDP instead of TCP, avoiding issues from network latency and packet loss that slow TCP transfers. This allows files to be sent at full network speed even over long distances or unreliable links. As a result, file transfer acceleration can reduce costs from unused bandwidth and boost productivity by speeding file sharing and project completion.

1. Solving File Transfer Issues with Acceleration

2. Overview
• Traditional File Transfer Methods & Issues
• What is File Transfer Acceleration?
• File Transfer Acceleration Benefits
• Speed Gains with Acceleration vs. FTP
• Costs of Slow File Transfers
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3. Traditional File Transfer Methods & Issues
Method
Associated Issues
FTP Server Solution
•Slow file transfer speeds
•Learning curve for end-users
•Users may not be able to connect to the FTP server if IT
networks do not allow unrestricted FTP access
•Difficult maintenance for FTP administrators managing
end users and providing support to the FTP server
Email File Attachments
•Attachment file size limitations (usually of 10 MB or less)
cause emails with files exceeding this limit to bounce
back
•Attached files add to the storage requirements of a mail
server when emails are archived, increasing archival costs
•Email uses SMTP for transfers, not the most efficient
protocol for transferring large files over the Internet
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4. Traditional File Transfer Methods & Issues
Method
Associated Issues
Instant Messaging
•File transfers are not usually possible between different IM
clients
•Transfers are not usually over secure channel, increasing the
chances for data leaks
•No file tracking capabilities when transferring files over IM
makes it difficult to ensure delivery of files
•Poor network utilization (usually files are transferred over the
TCP/IP protocol cause slow transfers
Physical Media
•Preparation time from recording the data to printing out
mailing labels, to shipping physical media makes for a less
efficient delivery process
•Costs of the physical media and courier services can easily add
up
•Delivery time of shipping physical media can take anywhere
from 1 to 5 days, not including unexpected delays
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5. What is File Transfer Acceleration?
• File transfer acceleration technology allows large files, or “big data”
to be sent quick and in many cases over large geographical
distances without being impeded by network impairments such as
latency and packet loss
• This is accomplished by transferring files using the UDP protocol
instead of the TCP protocol, the protocol used for FTP
• The main difference between UDP and TCP is that UDP wastes no
time communicating about the receipt of a block of data so
that regardless of network latency, data transmission remains
constant, thus overcoming the peak and valley effect that occurs
with TCP based protocols on links with high latency
•
Application layer protocol can be added to UDP to add a layer of
reliability and rate control while not sacrificing its the other
desirable properties
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6. File Transfer Acceleration Benefits
• Full Line Speed Utilization: Other methods of file transfer
using TCP (i.e. FTP) have built-in practical speed restrictions
and do not make full use of a user’s line speed. At lower
speeds it may not be noticed if there is a 4Mbps max speed,
however as base connection speed increases, the more
acceleration is needed to make full use of an investment in
line speed.
• Geographic Diversity: As distance between to transfer points
or using a satellite connection, transfers, especially of large
files, will slow dramatically. While TCP performance takes a
dramatic hit with latency, file transfer acceleration technology
is immune to it.
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7. File Transfer Acceleration Benefits
• Reliable Transfers: Connections such as satellite links are
prone to packet loss. With TCP, dropped packets cause the
throughput to be reduced dramatically as a response to
“unreliability”. However, acceleration technology brushes it
off, resends the dropped packets, and continues at full speed.
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8. Speed Gains with Acceleration vs. FTP
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9. Costs of Slow File Transfers
• Most enterprises do not realize the cost of slow file transfers.
The most significant hard costs is bandwidth; soft costs
include lost hours in terms of employee productivity and
project completion
• Acceleration technologies provide return on investment by
maximizing existing infrastructures. Spending money on more
bandwidth makes little sense if current bandwidth is underutilized.
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10. Costs of Slow File Transfers
• Based on the following chart, consider some
scenarios in which acceleration provides cost or
productivity benefits:
7Mbps – 10
Mbps
Average
monthly cost
25- 30Mbps
50 -60Mbps
150+ Mbps
$50
$65
$105
$200
*Based on average costs for business grade Internet connections, 2013
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11. About FileCatalyst
FileCatalyst technology is developed by Unlimi-Tech Software Inc., a world
leader in file transfer solutions. Founded in 2000, the company has more than
1000 clients with a user base of over 1 million. FileCatalyst provides softwarebased solutions designed to accelerate and optimize file transfers across
global networks. Being immune to packet loss and latency, FileCatalyst can
send files much faster than methods such as FTP, HTTP or CIFS, while adding
security and reliability.
To learn more visit www.filecatalyst.com
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