Multisend software utilizes multicast to transmit files to several devices simultaneously.
I recently tested the multisend project and was able to successfully use multicast to send files simultaneously to multiple machines. I found this software particularly useful for syncing VMware images to lab machines, as it eliminated the slow transfer speeds associated with http or scp.
Multisend operates by listening on the local machine and using ssh to start the receiving end, which then connects back for the TCP stream. The default mode functions similarly to scp, allowing users to specify a source and destination for multiple targets. Alternatively, the sync mode (-S) sends files to the same location as on the local machine, making it incredibly handy for syncing all relevant files to multiple lab machines with a single command. Multisend also sends md5sums and does not overwrite data until transfers have been verified, so data corruption is never an issue.
Additionally, if for some reason multicast isn't working, multisend will fall back to TCP. While it could use some further polishing, the software is highly functional and contains a range of useful features. One area where improvement is needed, however, is documentation -- currently, there is little available.
Usage of multisend is simple and straightforward, and commands can be easily customized using options such as -t, -n, -r, -s, -g, -a, -p, -R, -x, and -v. It is important to specify either the -t or -n option, and a rate should also be included to avoid dropped packets.
Overall, while there may be some latent bugs present, multisend is a highly functional tool that can greatly speed up the file transfer process to multiple machines.
Multisend operates by listening on the local machine and using ssh to start the receiving end, which then connects back for the TCP stream. The default mode functions similarly to scp, allowing users to specify a source and destination for multiple targets. Alternatively, the sync mode (-S) sends files to the same location as on the local machine, making it incredibly handy for syncing all relevant files to multiple lab machines with a single command. Multisend also sends md5sums and does not overwrite data until transfers have been verified, so data corruption is never an issue.
Additionally, if for some reason multicast isn't working, multisend will fall back to TCP. While it could use some further polishing, the software is highly functional and contains a range of useful features. One area where improvement is needed, however, is documentation -- currently, there is little available.
Usage of multisend is simple and straightforward, and commands can be easily customized using options such as -t, -n, -r, -s, -g, -a, -p, -R, -x, and -v. It is important to specify either the -t or -n option, and a rate should also be included to avoid dropped packets.
Overall, while there may be some latent bugs present, multisend is a highly functional tool that can greatly speed up the file transfer process to multiple machines.
What's New
Version 20070111: N/A