FTP vs HTTP for large file upload

[rpguk]

Working on a file transfer site where users will be able to upload and download large files (100mb+)

Its a b2b app so reliability is important.

I don't think an upload script would be great for this, but at the same time I don't want users to have to deal with FTP.

Therefore I'm thinking of using a java applet as an embedded FTP program with an upload script as a backup.

Would I be right in saying that this should be faster and more reliable then an upload script?

[Mr E]

Both use TCP, so little difference speed wise. A well configured FTP setup will do things like file split, parallel streams and restart on error (if the transfer drops with 80% complete, you can just pull the bits you need to finish, and not restart).

[_dobbo_]

Can't really comment as to whether FTP is more reliable, I don't suppose there would be much to choose between them.

For an easy solution, why not use an IFRAME with FTP credentials coded into it, people can then just drag and drop into the iframe. Avoids needing to use java.

[scorp]

I used FileZilla for uploading via FTP, inside my home network it maxes out my wifi and wired connection bandwidth. It also uses compression, so in some cases will be faster, and has marginally less overhead than HTTP.

[V8 EOL]

rpguk said:

Working on a file transfer site where users will be able to upload and download large files (100mb+)

Its a b2b app so reliability is important.

FTP is your friend...

rpguk said:

I don't think an upload script would be great for this, but at the same time I don't want users to have to deal with FTP.

I don’t know what UI you are using and what it is for but if you implement a good GUI your users should never know.

[m12_nathan]

Will any of the users be behind proxies firewalls? - I assume so and therefore you need to at least provide an option for http as ftp is far more likely to be blocked than http on any corporate network. All IMO.

[rpguk]

Thanks for the replies,

Just wanted confirmation that it'll be a better way of doing things before OKing the development or buying in of a java applet. Looking at this at the moment

System will have a HTTP backup and probably a regular FTP backdoor too. It's just about giving a nice cross over of web access and FTP functionality for those who can use it.

[V8 EOL]

Looks perfect...

[pontypool]

I already have one of these fully developed tested at over 500mb - are you looking to develop something to use yourself or a propietary product to retail?