Best Way to Send Large Files Over the Internet

File sharing involves exchange of digital data or information. In the past the only available option to transfer big files was the usage of removable media. This was a manual way of sharing data. These medium was good for sharing, transmitting and storing small files but it was not possible to send large files online with these removable devices. Thus, there was a need to find new ways for large file transfers. This led to the invention of innovative ways for sending large files such as Email, FTP, peer-to-peer, file hosting and upload based services. These new forms did overcome the limitations of removal device and worked well for the dialup modem era but presented several issues in the high-speed Internet era that has led to an explosive increase in quantity and size of digital data.
With email, one can send files with the help of attachments but it is not possible to send large files and is a time-consuming process for multiple files. File Transfer Protocol allows transfer of multiple files. However, its setup is extremely complex and really not designed to transfer big files securely over the Internet. Peer-to-peer connects multiple computers through for very fast file sharing. However, this medium is mostly used for questionable file sharing purposes and also exposes computers to security risks. File hosting or upload based services provide another alternative, wherein one can first upload the files and then embed links into emails, blogs etc. However, this involves uploading and downloading and poses risks for confidential and private data since links can be leaked easily.
A new medium known as Direct File Transfer is gaining popularity. With this medium one can transfer big files directly between the sender and the receiver without uploading them anywhere. It allows one to send large files at fastest possible speeds with encrypted transfers, auto resumes and delivery confirmations. Unlike email this medium allows sending multiple files of any size. It eliminates the costs and complexities involved in using FTP clients and servers. Not only it is faster and more secure than upload based services, it also saves lot time by not requiring time-consuming, usually one at a time, uploads and downloads. One can send large video files, transfer multiple photos or send large documents easily. This makes sending, receiving and transferring large files simple, fast and practical. However, this medium does require the sender's computer to be kept on for the duration of file transfers.
The following guideline should help in selecting the appropriate medium for sending large files:
1. For less than 5 files or smaller than 25MB, use email attachments if willing to do manual uploads and downloads.
2. For files larger than 25MB but less than 100 MB, use upload based service if not worried about privacy, have time for manual uploads and downloads, willing to resubmit interrupted transfers and are unable to leave the computer on.
3. For many files and folders that need to be updated or kept in sync between two systems, use FTP if the network can be secured and someone can be dedicated to mange it.
4. For more than 5 files or larger than 25Mb, use direct file transfer if ease of use, speed and privacy are important and able to leave the computer on.
Imran M Ahmed is the author of this article on Send Large Files.
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