Peer-to-peer file sharing
Swap Meet
For the occasional local file transfer, a few simple tools can do the job quickly and efficiently.
For smooth file transfer between computers, companies typically use file servers or locally installed cloud instances. But server-based systems require a capable hardware infrastructure; they need to be managed by an administrator and can pose vulnerabilities if configured incorrectly. If you only need to exchange a few files between individual workstations from time to time, these solutions are usually oversized.
It is far easier and faster to send and receive data using applications installed locally on workstations that work on a peer-to-peer basis. You don't need a server, and the data only travels back and forth between the participating computers without being stored on a third system.
Requirements
When choosing a tool to transfer data directly between two computers, there are a few things you need to consider. Most importantly, the tool needs to secure the data with end-to-end encryption so that third parties cannot sniff the data.
Simple file transfer does not require complex graphical user interfaces (GUIs). All that is needed is a command-line application with a manageable command set that can be used without extensive configuration and lengthy training.
If file synchronization is important, some peer-to-peer solutions for data transfer can additionally keep files and folders permanently synchronized between the participating computers.
Finally, for administrators of heterogeneous IT infrastructures, cross-platform availability is also an important decision-making criterion. The tool needs to support the popular client operating systems, preferably with standardized operation across platforms.
In this article, I will cover a few peer-to-peer tools for file sharing on local networks. (See the "Not Considered" box for tools that didn't make the cut.)
Not Considered
In addition to the candidates discussed here, there are a variety of other programs for direct data transfer between two computers, including both native Linux applications and Java programs. However, I only looked at applications that are under active development and maintenance for this article. Dukto [7], D-LAN [8], BaShare [9], p300 [10], and Transfer on LAN [11] didn't meet this requirement since their development stopped between 2009 and 2015. In some cases, it was impossible to install the packages on recent distributions due to outdated dependencies.
croc
The free croc
[1] command-line tool transfers one or more files between two computers without an intermediate instance, using a transparently set up relay on the LAN. Written in Go, the cross-platform application is available for countless variants of Linux, even for 32-bit hardware. In addition, croc
can be used on ARM systems and on various BSD derivatives. Data exchange between all supported platforms is problem-free. Besides corresponding packages, the source code is available for download on croc
's GitHub page.
Using croc
croc
's end-to-end encryption follows the Password Authenticated Key Exchange (PAKE) standard [2], which uses a freely definable secure password to generate a key for file transfer on both computers involved. croc
is the only tool in the test that can resume interrupted data transfers at a later time.
In the simplest case, the sender starts the transfer by entering
croc send FILE
It is important to specify the full path in each case, unless you are in the corresponding file directory.
The software then generates a code that the recipient needs to receive the data. The recipient then enters the code at the prompt by typing:
croc CODE
The program will then prompt the user to confirm the file to be sent. If confirmed, the transfer starts. croc
visualizes this on both systems with a progress bar (Figure 1). It also shows the recipient's IP address and the port used. After completing the transfer process, the transferred file sits in the recipient's home directory.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Red Hat Adds New Deployment Option for Enterprise Linux Platforms
Red Hat has re-imagined enterprise Linux for an AI future with Image Mode.
-
OSJH and LPI Release 2024 Open Source Pros Job Survey Results
See what open source professionals look for in a new role.
-
Proton 9.0-1 Released to Improve Gaming with Steam
The latest release of Proton 9 adds several improvements and fixes an issue that has been problematic for Linux users.
-
So Long Neofetch and Thanks for the Info
Today is a day that every Linux user who enjoys bragging about their system(s) will mourn, as Neofetch has come to an end.
-
Ubuntu 24.04 Comes with a “Flaw"
If you're thinking you might want to upgrade from your current Ubuntu release to the latest, there's something you might want to consider before doing so.
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.