Setting the data transfer mode

You can set the data transfer mode to optimize the use of your network hardware setup. Used in conjunction with network bandwidth limits, you can optimize the way data files are transferred over your network.

Table 2-1 lists the transfer options.

Table 2-1 Transfer options
Mode
Description
Use if
Unicast
Each packet is addressed to one computer. One stream of data is sent for each client.
You are transferring a data packet to one or two computers only.
Directed broadcast
Data sent to all computers on a specified subnet. If clients are on more than one subnet, one stream is sent to each subnet.
Your network hardware does not support Multicasting.
Multicast
Data sent to all computers on the network that have requested the data. Only one stream of data is sent.
Unicast or subnet targeted broadcasting are not appropriate.

Multicasting is usually the most efficient option for the following reasons:

  • Only one stream of data is sent out for all clients.
  • Multicasting sends packets to only client computers that have requested data from the GhostCast Server.

This requires the support of appropriately configured routers and switches. You can alter settings globally or for a GhostCast session.

Symantec Ghost attempts to use Multicasting by default. If you have set the data transfer mode to Unicast or Directed broadcast, then Symantec Ghost uses that method. If Directed broadcast or Multicasting fail, then Symantec Ghost attempts to use Unicast.



To set the data transfer mode