Patent ID: 6272547
Filing Date: 2001-08-07
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A computer having a file transfer mechanism for providing overall control of each transfer of a series of data files between said computer and another computer, and a file transfer protocol component for ensuring each file is copied in a reliable manner, said file transfer mechanism being at a higher level than the file transfer protocol component, said file transfer mechanism being arranged to transfer a series of files between said computer and another computer in accordance with a protocol for transferring a series of files from a first computer (the transmitting computer) to a second computer (the receiving computer) which includes the following sequence of operations:(i) The transmitting computer sends a poll message to the receiving computer stating that it has files available for transfer;(ii) the receiving computer sends a poll message to the transmitting computer asking for a list of files which are available transfer said poll message including at least one parameter defining the type of files which the receiving computer wishes to receive;(iii) after receiving the poll message, the transmitting computer generates a list of files which are available for transfer and sends a reply message to the receiving computer containing said list of files which are available for transfer;(iv) the receiving computer selects files from the list received from the transmitting computer and then attempts to copy each selected file in turn; and(v) if the receiving computer fails to copy any file, it continues attempting to copy the file up to a preset number of times.