FR2988945A1 - Method for transferring file from sending computer to receiving computer, involves sending command to server so that server transfers file to receiving computer, where command includes address of receiving computer connected to Internet - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves determining the size of a file (F) (E10), and transferring the file to a server of a local area network if the size of the file is higher than a predetermined threshold (S) (E30). A command (COM) is sent (E40) to the server so that the server transfers the file to a receiving computer, where the command includes the address of the receiving computer connected to the Internet, and the transfer of the file from the server to the receiving computer is carried out by using FTP protocol. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a computer program for transferring a file from a sending computer towards a receiving computer (2) a computer readable medium storing a program for transferring a file from a sending computer towards a receiving computer (3) a device for transferring a file from a sending computer towards a receiving computer.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a mechanism for transferring a file from a computer connected to a local area network to a remote computer connected to another network. The invention applies in a preferred, but not limiting, way, when the two networks are interconnected via a router offering a relatively limited bandwidth in the local network to second network direction (so-called upstream communication). In the state of the art, when the user of a local network wishes to send a large file to an external device, for example via an ADSL router, it may be that the rise time of the file is very long. order of several tens of minutes. During this time, the user can not turn off the computer or close the file transfer application. The invention aims a solution that does not have this disadvantage.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION More specifically, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a file transfer method, this method being able to be implemented by a device connected to a local network for transferring a computer file to a device recipient connected to a second network. This method comprises the following steps: a step of determining the size of the file, and if the file size is greater than a predetermined threshold: a step of transferring the file to a server of the local network; and - a step of sending a command to the server for it to transfer the file to the recipient, this command comprising at least the address of the recipient in the second network. Correlatively, the invention relates to a device comprising: means for communicating on a local network, means for determining whether the size of a file is supricure at a predetermined threshold; means for transferring the file to a server of this type is greater than the predetermined threshold; and means for sending a command to the server for transferring the file to a destination device connected to a second network if the file size is greater than the predetermined threshold, this command comprising at least the address of the recipient in the second network.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for relaying a file, this method being implemented by a server connected to a local network, this method comprising: a step of receiving a computer file from a local network device; a step of receiving a command sent by this device, this command comprising at least the address of a recipient on a second network; and a step of transferring the file to the recipient. Correlatively, the invention aims a server comprising: - means of communication on a local network; means for receiving a computer file from a device of this local network; means for receiving a command sent by the device, this command comprising at least the address of a recipient on a second network; and means for transferring the file to the recipient. Thus, the invention allows the device to delegate the sending of large files to the server so that it does not remain blocked during the transfer. The invention finds a preferred application for businesses, professionals or individuals connected via DSL, ADSL or SDSL protocols.

The invention can also be applied to companies connected in optical fiber, the large files to go up being oriented on a non-priority virtual LAN VLAN. This embodiment advantageously makes it possible not to penalize other users and, overall, to improve the quality of the service. The invention also relates to a file transfer system comprising a device and a server as mentioned above, in which the local network system comprises an ADSL or SDSL router for interfacing with the second network. Indeed, the invention finds a preferred application when the local network is connected, 7: u second network by an ADSL or SDSL router, these types of router offering a relatively limited rate for conneY.ions remontante5.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the transfer of the file between the device and the server is done according to the FTP protocol. Other protocols can be used. According to the invention, when the cli; p if it considers that it determines that the e "t of a size less than the threshold, i | sends the file directly to the recipient's device. This feature allows the device to get a faster return on the proper cleavage of the shipment.

Preferably, the threshold value can be parameterized. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the transfer of the file from the device to the server is performed according to a secure protocol. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the server transfers the file to the recipient's device using the FTP protocol. Transfer of the relay file to the recipient can also be done using the FTP-upload protocol or using the Secure CoPy (SCP) protocol. In a particular embodiment, the device and the server communicate via the Telnet protocol (without security) or via the SSH protocol (with 10 security). In a known manner, in some embodiments, the Telnet or SSH transfer protocol is used, the relay server requires authentication requiring an identifier and a password to establish any connection with the device and in particular for the transfer of the command of sending or file. In a particular embodiment, the information necessary for this authentication is stored at the relay server so that the device can connect to it without having to communicate this information. Alternatively, this information is provided by the device before each connection. In a particular embodiment, the command sent by the device to the server comprises, in addition to the address of the recipient, an identifier and a password, this identifier and this password to be used by the server to transfer the file to the recipient. In a particular embodiment, the command sent by the device to the server includes, in addition to the address of the recipient, an identifier of the protocol 25 used and the connection credentials to the recipient. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the server sends an acknowledgment message to the device to inform it that it has received the file to be transferred and the command. This acknowledgment can be sent using Telnet or 5SH protocol. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the acknowledgment of receipt is accompanied by an identifier associated with the file to be transferred. The server according to the invention may comprise a storage memory in which it holds a plurality of files to be sent, each file being associated with the commai c1,2 i, 2ue of the device, and possibly with the number associated with the file.

In one embodiment of the invention, the server sends status information to the device after the transfer. This status information can be reported live, for example via the SSH or Telnet protocol if the device is available at the end of the transfer. Otherwise a message can be sent to the user by S email. In a particular embodiment of the invention, a message is sent only in case of error in the transfer of the file to the recipient. In a particular embodiment, the various steps of the file transfer method and the main steps of the file relay method are determined by computer program instructions. Consequently, the invention also relates to a computer program on an information medium, this program being capable of being implemented in a device or more generally in a computer, this program comprising instructions adapted to the implementation implement steps of the file transfer method as described above. The invention also relates to a computer program on an information medium, this program being capable of being implemented in a server or more generally in a computer, this program comprising instructions adapted to the implementation of the steps the file relay method as described above. These programs can use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other form. another desirable form. The invention also relates to a computer-readable information medium and to instructions of a computer program as mentioned above. The information carrier may be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may comprise storage means, such as a ROM, for example a CD ROM or a microelectronic circuit chip, or a means, a floppy disk or a floppy disc. Hard disk. On the other hand, the information medium can be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, which can be routed via an electrical or optical cable, by ndio or by other means. The program according to the invention can be particularly ge on an Internet type network.

Alternatively, the information carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the method in question.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other features and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description given below, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate an embodiment having no limiting character. In the figures: - Figure 1 shows a file transfer system according to a particular embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 represents, in flowchart form, the main steps of a file transfer method according to a particular embodiment of the invention; and FIG. 3 represents, in flowchart form, the main steps of a file relay method according to a particular embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference to FIG. 1, we will now describe a file transfer SYS system according to the invention.

In this figure, there is shown a local network RL, connected via an ADSL router GW to a public network type Internet RP. On the local network RL, there is shown a device 10 according to the invention and a server 20 according to the invention. The device 10 comprises means 11 for communication on the local network RL. This device has the hardware architecture of a computer. It comprises in particular a processor 12, a RAM RAM 13 and a ROM ROM 14. The ROM 14 is a recording medium according to the invention. On this medium is recorded a program. computer P1 including instructions for the execution of the transfer process of Figure 2.

The server 20 comprises means 21 for communication on the local network RL. This server has the hardware architecture of a computer. It comprises in particular a processor 22, a random access memory RAM 23 and a read-only memory ROM 24. This. ROM 24 constitutes a support according to the invention. On this medium a program P2 is recorded which includes instructions for the relay process shown on the flow chart in rinse 3.

The device 10 includes a storage memory 15 in which it stores files. The server 20 includes a storage memory 25 in which it stores files to be relayed to the public network RP.

FIG. 1 also shows a device DST of the network RP capable of receiving files transmitted by the device 10 or by the server 20. FIG. 2 represents the main steps E10 to E60 of a compliant file transfer method to the invention. This method can be implemented by the device 10 of FIG.

It is placed in the context in which the device 10 of Figure 1 wishes to send an F file to the DST receiver connected to the public network RP. During a step E10, the device 10 determines whether the size T of the file F is greater than a threshold value S. If this is not the case, the result of the test El0 is negative. This test is then followed by a step E20 during which the device 10 sends the file F to the DST receiver, for example by means of the FTP protocol. If the size of the file T is greater than the threshold S, the result of the test E10 is positive. This test is then followed by a step E30 during which the device 10 sends the file F to the server 20 according to the invention. Step E30 is followed by step E40 in which the device 10 sends a COM command to the server 20, the command comprising at least the address of the DST receiver on the public network RP. This command can also include an identifier and a password.

During a step E50, the device 10 receives an acknowledgment from the server 20, this acknowledgment being representative of the fact that the server 20 has correctly received the file F and the COM command. In the exemplary embodiment described here, this acknowledgment is accompanied by an identifier N associated with the file F. In the mode of operation described here, the problem is the responses / responses between the client and the client. server uses text commands communicated according to Telnet (unsecured) or SSH (secure) protocol. These commands are: - EMAIL <username> where <username> is a valid email address. This command tells the server to read the e-mail address to use in case of a transfer error when the device is offline. ,, / on. The server responds OK if it has a valid mail address and KO if fddress is wrong; - CMD <command> where <command> is a complete file transfer command with destination, username, password and, incidentally, transfer options. This command is executed as is by the server. The server responds <file_number> OK where <file_number> is an incremental number associated with each transfer. This number is used to attach an operation status to the correct file in case of multiple shipments. The OK answer does not mean that the transfer went well; it means that the command has been sent. When the server 20 has finished transferring the file F to the DST receiver, the device 10 receives, during a step E60, a status representative of a success or failure of this transfer via the following command: - STATUS < filefile> <status number> where <filefile> is the number associated with the file to be sent and <status> the result of the operation, which depends on the protocol used. The customer answers OK. In the embodiment described here, the status is received via the Telnet protocol or the SSH protocol if the device 10 is active at the end of the file transfer by the server 20 or by email if the device 10 is not active. at the end of this transfer. FIG. 3 represents the main steps F10 to F50 of a relay method according to the invention.

This relay method can be implemented by the server 20 of FIG. 1. During a step F10, the server 20 receives a file F coming from the device 10. During a step F20, the server 20 receives a command from the device 10, this command comprising at least the address of the recipient DST on the network RP to which the device 10 wishes that the file F is transferred. This command can also include an identifier and a password. During a step F30, the server 20 sends an acknowledgment to the device 10 to inform the device 10 that the file F and the command COM have been correctly received. In the mode described here, the acknowledgment is accompanied by an identifier N associated with the ficHer F. During a step F40, the server 20 transfers the file F to the recipient DST. During this step, he can use the identifier and the password contained in the COM command. At the transfer, the server 20 sends an ST status to the device 10, during a l apc FI This status can be accompanied by the identifier N of the file F.

The invention makes it possible to offer a very high quality of service at a very low cost. Centralizing file uploads on a relay server optimizes bandwidth and prevents a single computer from penalizing all other computers by mobilizing all available bandwidth.

Claims (10)

REVENDICATIONS1. File transfer method (F), which method is implemented by a device (10) connected to a local area network (LAN) for transferring a computer file (F) to a destination device (DST) connected to a second network ( RP), this method comprising the following steps: a step (E10) for determining the size of said file (F), and if the size of said file is greater than a predetermined threshold (S): a step (E30) of transferring said file to a server (20) of said local area network (RL); and a step (E40) for sending a command (COM) to said server (20) for transferring said file (F) to said recipient (DST), said command comprising at least the address of the recipient in the second network (RP). 2. Transfer method according to claim 1, characterized in that said transfer (E30) of the file of said device (10) to said server (20) is carried out according to the protocol ftp. 3. Transfer method according to claim 1, characterized in that said transfer of the file from said device to said server is performed according to a secure protocol. 4. Transfer method according to claim 1 characterized in that said command (COM) further comprises an identifier and a password, this identifier and password to be used by said server to transfer said recipient audit file. 5. Method for relaying a file, this method being implemented by a server (20) connected to a local area network (LAN), this method including a step (F10) for receiving an int: nt-missing file ( F) from a (10) of said local network; a step (F20) for receiving a command sent by said device, said command comprising at least the address of a recipient (DST) on a second network; a step (F40) of transferring said recipient audit file. 6. Method for relaying a file according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a step (F50) for sending a status information to said device after said transfer. 7. Method for relaying a file according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a step (F30) of sending an acknowledgment on receipt of said command associated with an identifier (N) associated with said file (F). ). A computer program comprising instructions for executing the steps of the transfer method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 when said program is executed by a computer. Computer-readable recording medium (14) (10) on which is recorded a computer program (P1) comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the transfer method according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A computer program comprising instructions for executing the steps of the relay method according to any one of claims 5 to 7 when said program is executed by a computer. Computer-readable recording medium on which a computer program (P2) is recorded including instructions for executing the steps of the relay method according to any one of claims 5 to 7. 12. Device (10) comprising: - means (11) for communication on a local network; means for determining whether the size of a file is greater than a predetermined threshold; means for transferring said file to a local server if said size is greater than said predetermined threshold; and means for sending a command to said server for transferring said file to a destination device connected to a second network if said size is greater than said predetermined threshold, said command comprising at least the address of the recipient in 35 13. Server (20) comprising: means (24) for communication on a local area network; means for receiving a computer file from a device of said local network; means for receiving a command sent by said device, said command comprising at least the address of a recipient on a second network; and means for transferring said recipient audit file. A file transfer system (SYS) comprising - a device (10) according to claim 12; A server (20) according to claim 13; and wherein said local network comprises an ADSL or SDSL router for interfacing with said second network.