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Understanding TCP vs. Filemail's UDP Acceleration Protocol (UAP)

When transferring files with Filemail, understanding the underlying protocols can clarify how our service optimizes your experience.

Updated over a month ago

Filemail utilizes both TCP and a proprietary UDP Acceleration Protocol (UAP) for uploads, automatically selecting the most efficient method based on network conditions. Note: UDP is only utilized for uploading files, not for downloading.

TCP Protocol: Reliable and Widely Compatible

What is TCP?

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is the standard internet protocol that ensures reliable, ordered data transfer by establishing a verified connection between sender and receiver.

Why and When is TCP Used?

  • Low Latency Networks: TCP works efficiently in networks with minimal latency, such as local or regional connections.

  • Web Browser Uploads: Browser-based Filemail uploads always use TCP for maximum compatibility.

  • Network Restrictions: If a network restricts UDP traffic, TCP remains the reliable choice.

Filemail's UDP Acceleration Protocol (UAP): Optimized for High-Speed Transfers

What is UAP?

Filemail's UDP Acceleration Protocol is a custom-built solution optimized for fast, reliable uploads over high-latency networks. Unlike standard UDP, Filemail’s UAP includes mechanisms such as packet acknowledgment, retransmission, and encryption, ensuring high-speed uploads without compromising reliability.

How Does Filemail Decide When to Use UAP?

Filemail's intelligent algorithms automatically evaluate network conditions and determine whether using UAP will enhance transfer speeds. Typically, UAP is activated in scenarios involving:

  • High Latency Connections: Particularly beneficial when latency exceeds approximately 100 ms, often seen in long-distance or international uploads.

  • Large File Sizes: UAP significantly accelerates the upload of large files, dramatically reducing overall transfer times.

Automatic Protocol Selection

You do not manually select between TCP and UDP when uploading files. Instead, Filemail automatically assesses the best protocol to ensure optimal performance and efficiency for your uploads.

Scenario

Protocol Automatically Chosen

Local or low-latency transfers

TCP

High latency or large file transfers

UAP

Browser-based uploads

TCP

Network restricts UDP traffic

TCP

Conclusion

Filemail automatically optimizes your uploads by selecting the most suitable protocol. TCP provides dependable performance in low-latency conditions, while our proprietary UAP protocol accelerates transfers significantly in high-latency or large-file scenarios. Remember, UDP is exclusively used for uploads, ensuring your files always transfer swiftly and securely.

For more details, please visit our UDP Transfer Acceleration feature page.

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