PASSPORT File Transfer Questions

What types of file transfer are provided with PASSPORT?

PASSPORT offers FTP file transfer for communication with all supported hosts (TN3270, TN5250, VT, SCO ANSI and Wyse 60), as well as the standard IND$FILE Send/Receive file transfer for communication with IBM mainframes (using TN3270).

Can you customize the IND$FILE file transfers?

PASSPORT supports both presentation space and structured field IND$FILE file transfer methods to Send/Receive files to/from an IBM mainframe system. Send and Receive file transfer can be initiated in multiple ways, including drag and drop, menu commands and cut/copy/paste commands. Structured field block sizes can be set to 2K, 4K or 8K bytes. Wild card file transfer is supported for the IBM VM/CMS operating system. For IBM 3270 Send/Receive file transfer, you can customize specific parameters when transferring to a VM, TSO or CICS system.

How does the FTP file transfer work?

First, an FTP server must be configured and running on the host system you wish to transfer files to before you can use the PASSPORT FTP Client. If the FTP server is available, the PASSPORT FTP Client can be either launched within the terminal emulation session or run as a separate program. The Zephyr FTP Client has a Windows Explorer look and feel and uses a drag and drop user interface (see screen shot). PASSPORT FTP features the look and feel of Windows Explorer with a menu bar, toolbar, status bar, three window panes (PC directory structure and file list, host directory structure and file list, connection log and error messages) that can be interactively resized and displayed as icons, details or list. Files and icons can be sorted by size, date, type, permission, owner and group and can be automatically arranged.

Does PASSPORT support secure FTP file transfer?

Yes, PASSPORT provides secure FTP file transfer using either SSL or SSH.

FTPS provides a secure file transfer through the use of the SSL layer, found below the standard FTP protocol, and encrypts the control and/or data channels. PASSPORT FTP implements FTPS according to IETF RFC 4217 Securing FTP with TLS. The PASSPORT FTP Client connects to a standard FTP server port 21 and begins an unencrypted FTP session as it normally would, then requests that SSL security be used through the AUTH TLS command and performs the necessary SSL handshaking.

What SSL configuration options are available with the PASSPORT FTP file transfer?

The following SSL configuration options are available beginning with PASSPORT 2007:

  • Data channel encryption
  • Client authentication
  • Accept self-signed certificates
  • Accept expired certificates
  • Accept not yet valid certificates
  • Accept invalid certificates
  • Accept host name mismatch

Can you create file transfer schemes?

Yes, you can create and save file transfer schemes whether using the FTP or IND$FILE file transfer (with and without security).

Can I transfer a list of files or an entire folder?

Yes, you can transfer a list of files or an entire Folder using either the PASSPORT FTP or IND$FILE file transfer.

Does the PASSPORT file transfer record past file transfers?

Information from last 16 file transfers are saved and can be reused with either the PASSPORT FTP or IND$FILE file transfer software.