Direct transfer of a file between two computers on the Internet

Question

I have discovered JetBytes, Click2Copy and PipeBytes.
Those web services should make it simple to transfer a file of any kind and any size between two people that have only a web browser, without having the file stored on a third machine meanwhile.

However since the end users must connect to a third server, the data will flow through the machine xyz.com, possibly slowing down the transfer.

So the question is:

Is there a simple tool that would behave as a server on my machine, as a client on another machine, for one single file transfer?

I want the transfer to be direct between the client and me. Encryption would be a nice additional feature.

I know that doing so I have to open one port on my computer, and configure a bit port redirection on my router. But I would like to avoid setting up a whole FTP server just for occasional file transfers.

Thank you.

Answer 1

The dirtiest way if you use *nix is to use netcat (nc) to cat the file to the remote host. But if you want encryption, you might as well use SCP/SSH.

You have to realize that if either party is behind a NAT and you don't want to setup port forwarding, then it's impossible to make a direct connection without connecting to a third-party server first. The server does not necessarily have to relay the traffic (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UDP_hole_punching) and most of them don't as bandwidth is costly.

For example, Skype will try to use many NAT traversal methods to establish a direct connection before falling back to relaying traffic through their super nodes. (Skype is a very P2P network.)

As for the account problem. I guess it's unavoidable. All methods will require some kind of configuration or setup which are usually harder than registering an account.

Answer 2

You can privately send a file directly to another person using Skype. Skype employs end-to-end encryption and sometimes even works when both users are behind NAT. If you are saavy enough to open a port on your router, doing so will increase the likelihood of a negotiating a direct connection.

More broadly, many chat programs include a file sharing/sending mechanism. Most don't supply encryption by default like Skype. But as long as you and your recipient have the same chat client, you have a "simple tool" for sharing files.

Answer 3

If your running Linux / unix ssh is a secure way to transmit files in a client server model. port forwards needed on incoming connections if behind NAT though.

Answer 4

A webserver that can do UPnP NAT traversal would work, the receiver would only needs a web browser. As a bonus encryption is easy with a web server, just use https.

Here is one example (payware 99USD) RaidenHTTPD

Answer 5

I once wrote a blog post about transferring files with Python’s built-in HTTP server. In short, install Python, open a command prompt, cd to the directory with files to share and execute python -m SimpleHTTPServer. Very convenient if you are on Linux or OS X because Python is installed by default (it's easy to install on Windows too).

If you are behind a NAT, then you need to setup port forwarding on your router or something (which I assume you know already).

Answer 6

FTP. It's been around for ages. It's insecure as heck. And it's simple.

Download Filezilla, which can function as both a server and client. Make sure your firewall is set to allow it outbound. Have your destination download filezilla and connect to your filezilla server. Transfer file.

Just like that, all your bits are flung across the internet for all to see like so much laundry flipping in the breeze in the backyard.

Answer 7

You should check out http://filesovermiles.com It appears to do exactly what you want. Direct P2P transfer via browser(flash).