When it comes to large file transfer solutions, there are a couple of different options. The most common type of file transfer service is File Transfer Protocol (FTP), which uses transmission control protocol (TCP). However, there is a quicker and more secure option to transfer large files, and that is using User Datagram Protocol (UDP (News - Alert)).

User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is part of the Internet Protocol suite (the different protocols that make up the internet). UDP allows computer applications to send messages across the internet. Essentially, UDP uses a communication model that is connectionless and has very few protocol mechanisms. This helps to speed up any transfers that are done using this protocol.

UDP is usually used for files that don’t necessarily need additional error checking or correction. UDP avoids the processing of errors in the protocol stack for this reason. Applications that are time sensitive will often use UDP; or where dropping packets is preferable to waiting for delayed packets.

When UDP is used to transfer data, the process is called UDP-Based Data Transfer (UDT). Jetstream uses UDP to allow for quick, seamless, and secure file transfers.

Does Your Business Need to Use a UDT Program?

Many businesses across the world need to transfer large amounts of data on a daily basis. Those businesses have the option of what type of program to use - FTP or UDT. Those businesses that are looking for a reliable way to transfer large amounts of data securely and quickly should consider using UDT. UDT programs tend to be able to transfer data more quickly than FTP; for this reason, they are a favorite among many users. There are a few other benefits to choosing UDP as well.

Benefits of UDP Software

File transfer systems such as FTP rely on a guarantee that all data being sent will be received and in the right order. If a connection is long distance, or unreliable, these types of confirmations can force the protocol behind the program to send data more slowly.

UDP- and therefore, UDT- doesn’t need those guarantees. File transfer applications are free to optimize network traffic to avoid potential slowdowns.

One problem that can happen with FTP programs is that timeouts due to poor network conditions and latency can happen. Once a connection is dropped, FTP transfers have to start again from the bottom - no matter how much of the previous transfer was completed. Plenty of time goes to waste because of this.

With a UDP program, transfers will resume from where they left off once the connection is back up and running.

UDP Software Must-Haves

1. Reliability

It’s crucial to have resilient software that never times out due to fluctuating internet. Jetstream can save you the frustration of slow transfers or unsent files. Jetstream is a custom accelerated UDT program that provides optimal throughput and performance over unreliable internet connection or high latency.

Jetstream guarantees that files will reach their destination. Files are delivered through:

• Configurable MD5 that verifies transfer integrity by the file or on-the-fly
• Configurable transfer properties like prioritization and send rate
• A client-server architecture

Jetstream also:

• Has a retry feature for picking up broken files due to lost network connection
• Has an auto-resume feature that automatically resumes transfer from a timed checkpoint after an interrupted transfer
   

2. User Friendly

It’s important that a UDP program be easy to use. The design of the program should be intuitive and simple. Jetstream takes design seriously. The program’s design is simple, clean, and easy to use - even if you’re not ‘technical.’ The software itself is drag and drop, and allows for automation. Using the software, you’ll have options such as:

• Alter transfer priority
• Check transfer activity
• Watch Folder Automation
• Share folders
• Permissions and controlling members

Jetstream offers a clean, easy to use platform that makes the file transfer process simple.

Collaboration

It’s important that UDP software allows for collaboration. By allowing a team to send and receive large files with ease, collaboration is smooth. The team can work more efficiently and complete projects quickly.

If your team is now remote, as many teams are, they will need a secure transfer software that will allow them to quickly access and store data from different locations. Jetstream brings flexibility to businesses with reliable and secure data sharing - even over long distances.

Prioritizing file transfer

Another feature that should be included in a UDP program is the ability to prioritize transfers. Jetstream has a feature for that. It’s possible to manage bandwidth - and prioritize which files should be transferred first. Time sensitive and critical data files are often sent first. Other, not as urgent files will be sent afterwards. A user can assign various priority levels for file transfers on Jetstream:

• Rank file transfers within a priority lane
• Set, in priority lanes, normal, low or high bandwidth utilization
• Set bandwidth ceiling for individual files with low priority

Cloud Migration

Cloud Migration is becoming more and more common. A file transfer program should work with your cloud - not against it. Jetstream allows you to move your files to the cloud quickly, securely, and reliably. Jetstream works with all kinds of cloud services, such as S3, Amazon, Wasabi, and Backblaze.

Pricing and licensing fee

No one wants to deal with complicated pricing structures. Instead of uncertain pricing, based on usage and number of users, Jetstream charges one singular price. The pricing is consistent no matter how large your team is. Jetstream also does not price based on cloud usage or monthly bandwidth. There are no extra or hidden charges for client connections. JetStream’s price includes:

• Unlimited transfer volume
• Unlimited bandwidth
• Unlimited client application distribution
• Support
• Software updates
• Unlimited access of API