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Agent-to-Agent Transfer vs. Download

K
Written by Katherine Redlus
Updated over 2 months ago

Agent-to-Agent Transfers are best for large files and whole projects (more stable, faster, supports very large sizes).

Downloads are best for quick localization of small files.

For stability, we recommend downloads only for small and medium files (<15GB). Larger files may fail or stall.

For large file transfer (15GB+), always use Agent-to-Agent transfer for best performance. This is done by selecting media from the level you want to transfer (root folder or a single asset) and select “copy to”, then select transfer location.


Strada Downloads vs. Agent-to-Agent Transfers

Strada gives you two ways to move media off a shared drive:

  1. Download – a direct peer-to-peer transfer from the original Agent host.

  2. Agent-to-Agent Transfer – an advanced transfer method where one Agent communicates with another Agent to move files, often more efficient for larger teams.

Here’s how they differ:

1) Standard Download

  • What It Is:
    A peer-to-peer transfer directly from the Agent hosting the drive to your local computer.

  • How It Works:
    1. Select a file or folder in Strada.
    2. Click the Download icon in the player or browser.
    3. The file streams directly from the host Agent to your machine.
    4. Progress is tracked in the Jobs Panel.

  • Best For:
    • Single users grabbing files.
    • Smaller sets of clips or assets.
    • When you need a file immediately from the original drive.

2) Agent-to-Agent Transfer

  • What It Is:
    A background process where one Strada Agent (for example, your office Agent) connects to another Agent (a remote host) and pulls files directly between them.

  • How It Works:
    1. Instead of your personal computer handling the download, you instruct one Agent to talk to another.
    2. Files move Agent → Agent, without needing your computer to stay online.
    3. This allows larger, unattended transfers (e.g., overnight syncs or off-site backups).

  • Best For:
    • Moving large folders or entire projects.
    • Team workflows where you want an office Agent to hold shared files for everyone.
    • Offloading bandwidth demands from your personal laptop.

3) Key Differences

Feature

Standard Download

Agent-to-Agent Transfer

Connection

Agent → Your Computer

Agent → Another Agent

Reliability

Requires your computer online

Can run unattended, continues if you log off

Use Case

Quick grabs, review files fast

Full project syncs, large media movement

Bandwidth Usage

Uses your local internet upload/download

Uses the internet connection of the two Agents

Flexibility

Great for selective downloads

Great for bulk transfers and automation

4) The Bottom Line

  • Use Download when you need a file quickly on your personal machine.

  • Use Agent-to-Agent Transfer when you want bigger, unattended, or automated file moves between Strada locations.

Both methods are peer-to-peer, with no cloud in the middle—keeping transfers fast, secure, and cost-free.

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