Average message size used for transmission. There was some discussion as to how data and file transfer protocols may be altered to make transfer faster and more efficient by using optimum byte size and minimizing some of the constraints that impose a large overhead. The follow up discussions on DTP and FTP lead to a list of discussion and decision items for the next day. The following is a summary of decisions reached on Saturday, April 15, 1972. Separate connections are to be used for data and control information.
Data connections are to be simplex connections established directly.
The interaction, however, will be optimized for usage by programs. The byte size and user socket for data connection, data representation, and transfer mode to be used in file transfer may be chosen by a user via one or more commands requiring a positive or negative acknowledgment. Record structures are allowed but not mandatory. A user with no record structure in his file should be able to store or retrieve his file at any host. If a serving host cannot accept record structure, it must inform the user of the fact.