Categories: FTPSFTPTips

How to Speed Up File Transfer: Techniques That Work

Every organization encounters bottlenecks when transferring files—especially large ones. Whether it’s a 100GB video project or critical data moving between teams, slow transfer speeds can hold everything back. Below are actionable techniques to improve speed and reliability in your file transfers.

1. Use a Wired Connection

Opt for Ethernet over Wi-Fi whenever possible. Wired connections are more stable and typically faster—ideal for transferring large files.

2. Upgrade to USB 3.0 or Higher

When using external storage devices, choose those that support USB 3.0 or higher. This ensures higher data throughput compared to older USB standards.

3. Enable Write Caching

Write caching temporarily stores data in memory before it’s written to disk, significantly speeding up transfer operations. Just be sure to eject devices safely afterward.

4. Pause Real-Time Antivirus Protection

While security is crucial, antivirus real-time protection can scan each file during transfer and slow down the process. Temporarily pausing it (if safe) can improve performance.

5. Compress Files Before Transfer

Compress large folders into ZIP or RAR formats before sending. This reduces the total file size, making the transfer faster and more efficient.

6. Limit Background Processes

Pause apps and processes that may be using bandwidth or system resources during the file transfer.

7. Use Professional File Transfer Software

Specialized file transfer software such as IBM Aspera is optimized for speed and large-scale delivery. These tools are built to overcome limitations in standard protocols.


What is the Fastest File Transfer Protocol?

Choosing the right protocol can dramatically impact your file transfer speed. Here’s a breakdown of the most effective options:

IBM Aspera (FASP Protocol)

IBM Aspera uses a proprietary FASP (Fast and Secure Protocol), which bypasses TCP/IP limitations to deliver extremely fast transfers. It’s designed for large file transfer across high-latency or unreliable networks, making it ideal for enterprises, media companies, and cloud migration.

FTP and FTPS

FTP is still one of the fastest file transfer protocols but lacks security unless paired with SSL (FTPS). Best used within internal or secured networks.

SFTP

SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) is encrypted and secure but can be slower than FTP or Aspera for large files. It’s best suited for sensitive data that requires secure transfer.

HTTP/HTTPS

Widely used and easy to implement, but performance depends on server configuration and may not be ideal for large files or bulk transfers.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P)

Useful for distributing files across multiple nodes. Effective in specific use cases but less secure and harder to control.

If you’re prioritizing speed, IBM Aspera with FASP is generally the best-performing protocol on the market today.


Security and Best Practices for High-Speed File Transfers

Encrypt Your Files

Always use secure transfer protocols such as HTTPS or SFTP. Consider VPNs or end-to-end encryption for added security.

Strong Credentials and 2FA

Use strong, unique passwords for transfer accounts and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added protection.

Verify Integrity After Transfer

Use file verification methods like SHA-256 or MD5 checksums to ensure that data wasn’t corrupted in transit.

Maintain Backups

Always back up your data before initiating a large file transfer. It prevents data loss in case of unexpected interruptions.

Keep Systems Updated

Regularly update your device drivers, operating system, and transfer tools to benefit from the latest performance and security improvements.


Send Large Files Faster with IBM Aspera from PacGenesis

IBM Aspera transforms the file transfer experience by offering fast, secure, and reliable delivery of large files across any network. Its FASP protocol ensures peak performance, even over long distances or with unstable connections.

At PacGenesis, we specialize in implementing high-performance, secure data transfer solutions tailored to your needs. From large file transfer optimization to seamless integration of tools like IBM Aspera, our team helps ensure your business stays efficient and secure.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you speed up file transfers, eliminate bottlenecks, and protect your data in motion.Aspera into your workflow, ensuring optimized performance, enhanced security, and unparalleled reliability. Reach out to us today to learn more!

512-766-8715

Scott Pecnik

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