FTP between 2 pc's

[xray34]

Hi can I transfere a file (say 2gb) over the internet to a relatives home pc?
Apart from using MSN messenger to stream the files..

Is this possible without the need for a server?
What software would we need?
What transfere rates could I expect?

Hope you can help me.

Many Thanks Guys. :)

[Strawbs]

I suspect the host computer would have to be setup as a server & the target would have to search for the specified IP\file address. Transfer speeds would depend on the upload\download speeds of the ISP's involved.

Not sure if >UltraVNC (http://sourceforge.net/projects/ultravnc/)< works over the internet, but it might be worth a try.

[Sterling_Aug]

Check with both ISPs.

Most allow FTP transfers using their servers.

[xray34]

We both have 2mb broadband.
what sort of transfer speed could we expect?

Would it be any better than messenger which we use now to send files .

Thanks.

[rraehal]

For transferring files via FTP one system would need an FTP server software installed. As stated before your ISP must allow inbound connections to home user pc's. If you ISP states it is possible you will need to make sure your home equipment is set up with the proper port forwarding to allow FTP to come in and out of the network.

If you have windows XP pro you can install Internet Information Services to allow FTP connections and web services (SMTP and WWW). IIS is not very secure. You can also google for free ftp servers that work with XP Home or Pro.


Just a side note - UltraVNC does work over the internet - I connect to UVNC from work to home all the time.

[Hola hoop]

i cant speak for all, but personally i dont know any isps that block inbound connections, the only 1s they possibly do are the blacklisted P2P ports used. You almost will definately be able to use FTP, especially if u use messenger

I would recommed File Share Pro. Its freeware or was at least. Basically u install it, make a user name and password and make a folder where the stuff u wanna tranfer will be., Then you start the service.

What you do is give the IP address it says to person who will be downloading from you, and the User name and Password u assigned them before and thats it.

You can watch them downlaod from you.

If you have a 2mb connection you will not get higher transfer rates than about 30-35 for uploading

:t

[Strawbs]

Upload speed for the 2mb connection is probably only 128mbps [or at least it is with NTL anyway]! :(

[rraehal]

I have Qwest DSL. FOr the first year and 1/2 of service they blocked all inbound connections that did not get generated by my PC. They recently changed that.

They did it for security reasons and control. They can change my speed by sending a request to my router. They did not want someone to exploit their control method to give higher speed access.

[kwebb]

Upload speed for the 2mb connection is probably only 128mbps [or at least it is with NTL anyway]! :(

here is your problem. Even if you have a better than average upload your probably only looking at 384 Kb upload. That will translate to around 40+KByte stream no matter who is transferring to whom. What's that, roughly 2.4 MByte a minute? So say 140MB an hour. 2GB's worth of files, IF your not doing ANYTHING else on your connection, either of you, you looking a little less than a day to do 2GB. Not practical, at least it wouldn't be for me. If you really plan on tx'ing that much data you'd be better off putting it on a DVD and mailing it. lol. Hey, maybe you have a better upload cap but it's an uphill battle to upload that much data over an internet connection, even if it is typical broadband. You may also have much more patience than me. :)
If you want to run an FTP to move data to your buddies filezilla is my personal favorite. Fairly idiot proof software. Make sure ports 20 and 21 are forwarded on your router if your running your LAN behind one.

[xray34]

Thanks to " kwebb-rraehal-strawbs-Hola hoop-sterling-aug-

Your reply's have convinced me that for what i get over messenger
and the trouble setting all this up would be
plus having to dedicate all my resources to it I wont bother...
I think as"kwebb" suggested PUT IT ON A DVD AND MAIL IT 'lol lol'

Thanks again for great and concise advice guys.

Respect.

Xray34 :-)

[Strawbs]

just to straighten this out before "G" turns up and rubs my nose in it [again] :D...

I meant "128kbps" not "128mbps" ;)

:t