filetsf: A File Transfer System Based on lpr/lpd

In a distributed computing environment, it is often necessary to transfer files between machines for administrative or record keeping purposes. Most methods of file transfer either require full-scale trust by the recipient (e.g., rdist, rcp), the use of a secret password (e.g., FTP), or some level of pre-arrangement (e.g., rdist, track). This paper describes filetsf, a generic file transfer system built on top of the standard lpr/lpd system. Filetsf's advantages include minimal configuration, the need for minimal trust between sender and recipient, ordering and spooling of file transfer requests, and the elimination of the need for shared passwords.