Transfer Data

Overview

This document describes transferring data between a local computer (client) and HiPerGator (HPG).

Tools

There is a variety of command-line, GUI, and even web-based tools available for transferring data to or from HiPerGator. Command-line tools include, for example, 'cp, mv, scp, rsync, sftp, wget, curl, or ncftp (from the ncftp environment module]'. GUI tools like FileZilla, Cyberduck, WinSCP, MobaXTerm SFTP and similar tools can be used on your local computer. Globus data transfer tool is available via a web interface in addition to command-line and GUI versions that can be run on your local computer.

SFTP Servers

It is no longer possible to use interactive SSH login servers on HiPergator (hpg2.rc.ufl.edu) i.e. gator3 and gator4 - for rsync or SFTP transfers. Use the dedicated servers described below for data transfers. At the same time, the data transfer servers do not allow interactive logins via ssh, so do not try to log on into them with ssh.

Transfers between a local computer and HiPerGator

If your data files are large (hundreds of megabytes or gigabytes) then try Globus first.

For smaller file sizes Use SFTP/rsync/scp by connecting to the 'sftp.rc.ufl.edu' data transfer server. SFTP uses port 22 if you have to specify it.

Note

If you are using Cyberduck and notice that it is using the old password resulting in a security lockout uncheck 'Use Keychain' in 'Preferences > General'.

Transfers between HiPerGator and a remote system/site

If you are already logged into HiPerGator and need to transfer data to or from a remote system or a site (ftp, http) log into 'dtn1.ufhpc' node from any other node within HiPerGator. This server has a high-throughput network connection to the outside providing an optimal location to transfer data to or from remote systems. This is not a requirement however and transfers can be made from within developmental sessions.

Providing access to your data

Within HiPerGator

If you need to share data with another RC user there are two common options to select from.

• First, a Globus Shared End-Point (SEP) can be created for any directory you own. Either read, write, or read/write access to the SEP can be granted to any Globus user and revoked at will by you. The SEP can be used to either 'pull' or 'push' the data depending on which direction the data flow needs to take and which user creates a SEP.
• Second, you can submit a support request to have the receiving user added to your group. You may also have to change permissions on the respective directory tree to make the source directory and the files within readable by the receiving user by running 'chmod g+rx <directory.' command on the minimal set of directories that will allow access to the group starting from the source directory and 'chmod g+r *' inside the source directory to make the files readable by the group.

Outside of HiPerGator

If you need to serve data to the outside either publicly or with password protection for collaborations you can:

• Set up a shared end-point in Globus as shown above. Either read, write, or read/write access to the SEP can be granted to any Globus user and revoked at will by you. Note that the data does not necessarily have to be in /ufrc. Log into Globus; go to the 'Groups' menu and select 'Search For Groups'. Search for 'University of Florida Research Computing' and request to be added to the group. Once added, you will be able to install Globus Connect Personal and create a Personal Shared End-Point (PSEP) on your local computer, which will work the same way a SEP works on HiPerGator giving you the flexibility to transfer data either way with any other Globus user.
• Submit a support request and we'll help you get set up with serving static data from https://bio.rc.ufl.edu
• If you want to create your own application for data sharing you can purchase a unit service for our PubApps web application infrastructure.