Peer-to-peer file sharing
Swap Meet

© Photo by Charisse Kenion on Unsplash
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
Direct Download
Read full article as PDF:
Price $2.95
News
-
Kali Linux 2022.3 Released
From the creators of the most popular penetration testing distributions on the planet, comes a new release with some new tools and a community, real-time chat option.
-
The 14" Pinebook Pro Linux Laptop is Shipping
After a considerable delay, the 14" version of the Pinebook Pro laptop is, once again, available for purchase.
-
OpenMandriva Lx ROME Technical Preview Released
OpenMandriva’s rolling release distribution technical preview has been released for testing purposes and adds some of the latest/greatest software into the mix.
-
Linux Mint 21 is Now Available
The latest iteration of Linux Mint, codenamed Vanessa, has been released with a new upgrade tool and other fantastic features.
-
Firefox Adds Long-Anticipated Feature
Firefox 103 has arrived and it now includes a feature users have long awaited…sort of.
-
System76 Refreshes Their Popular Oryx Pro Laptop with a New CPU
The System76 Oryx Pro laptop has been relaunched with a 12th Gen CPU and more powerful graphics options.
-
Elive Has Released a New Beta
The Elive team is proud to announce the latest beta version (3.8.30) of its Enlightenment-centric Linux distribution.
-
Rocky Linux 9 Has Arrived
The latest iteration of Rocky Linux is now available and includes a host of new features and support for new architecture.
-
Slimbook Executive Linux Ultrabook Upgrading Their CPUs
The Spanish-based company, Slimbook, has made available their next generation Slimbook Executive Linux ultrabooks with a 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake CPU.
-
Fedora Linux is Coming to the Raspberry Pi 4
Thanks to significant work in the upstream, the upcoming release of Fedora 37 will introduce support for the Raspberry Pi 4.