Network Traffic flow

Question

Let's say I copy a network folder(Machine A) contents to another(Machine B) and I do this copying operation on a different machine (Machine C). How does the traffic flow? Does the data flow from Machine A to Machine B directly? or does it go through Machine C?

Edit:- Seems like different protocols work differently. I'm interested in whatever protocol that works behind Windows Network copy

This is protocol dependent. Can you clarify how you are copying the files? — lee, Aug 31 '09 at 19:34

score 4 · Accepted Answer · answered Aug 31 '09 at 20:55

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With windows shares (cifs / smb ), like most protocols, all the trafic will go through the C computer. You can verify it with performance monitor.

answered Aug 31 '09 at 20:55

Igal Serban

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...or see the traffic with Wireshark. Removes all doubt. – John Gardeniers Aug 31 '09 at 21:54

score 2 · Answer 2 · answered Aug 31 '09 at 19:31

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Depends on what you use. FTP can do do it so the traffic never goes through machine C, it is called FXP.

answered Aug 31 '09 at 19:31

Kyle Brandt

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Most ftp servers won't let you do this anymore though, or prevent ftp bouncing. – Cian Sep 01 '09 at 02:04

score 2 · Answer 3 · answered Aug 31 '09 at 23:56

Since you are operating at C, there is no other way then data to come from A to C then from C to B. So, you are wasting twice the network resources you need.

However, if you use Remote Desktop to login to B and pull data directly from A, you'll manage to go lot cheaper, since data will flow directly, and only other overhead will be remote console updates. Even more, use telnet and log into B to pull data from A via the command line.

Hope that clarifies it.

Network Traffic flow

3 Answers3