A TCP/IP-based constant-bit-rate file transfer protocol and its extension to multipoint data delivery

We present a new TCP/IP-based file transfer protocol which enables high-speed daisy-chain transfer. By using this protocol, we can send a file to a series of destination hosts simultaneously because intermediate hosts relay received file fragments to the next host. We achieved daisy-chain file transfer from Japan to Europe via USA at about 800 Mbps by using a prototype. The experimental result is also reported. A total link length of a data delivery network can be reduced by daisy chaining, so it enables cost-effective international data sharing.