Protocol for download file

[juno2]

We use UNIX as the database server , the users use emulation program ( Netterm / Reflection ) to telnet to access the database and download files , cos they support different protocol , we work fine to use sz for netterm and unixlink2 for reflection , could you suggest what protocol is the best for download files on diff. dmulation program ? thx.

[twang · Accepted solution]

ftp

[Tim Sanko]

There are many levels of security needed.

I would use ftp for all but the least secure type of downloads.

If security is an issue, then I'd go whole hog and use a double blind sockets with return connect and encryption keys in the OOB data.

Tim Sanko

[Tim Sanko]

The answer really is that ftp with good password policies on the Unix servers will work for almost all of the non -critical security downloads.

For NSA-NASA-DOD the other custom type applications go so far beyond a Kerebros or other validation program it is unusual to see them because of the costs associated in making them work.


Tim

[A. Clay Stephenson]

As long as moderate security is adequate then I would choose FTP; specifically using the Perl Net::FTP module. You can download and install one of the freely available Perl's for Windows (www.activestate.com is one) and then script everything inclding the database access and the downloads. The same scripts would work on PC's and UNIX; you wouldn't even need a terminal emulator in the picture. I've posted several example so if you search for "FTP" and "Perl" you will get some ideas.

[Chris Vail]

Secure shell is prolly the best and most secure. You can get WinSCP for the Windows side of the equation. Its a little slow making the initial connection, but once that is made is just as fast as ftp or rcp.

And instead of Reflection, consider Citrix Metaframe for Unix. It is also secure because it is compressed and encrypted. Its also A LOT more easy to maintain in the long run.


Chris