Even in the age of development of computer networks and network technologies, from time to time the task of transferring files from one computer to another arises, but there are machines that are not connected by either a local or global network. Computer manufacturers, both desktop and laptop, have wisely equipped their products with a set of I/O interfaces designed to connect a variety of peripherals or fellow computers.
It is often difficult to determine The best way transferring files between computers. One of the biggest drawbacks that all these services have is that you have to upload your files to the internet. Of course, you don't always have to send a file over the Internet. Sometimes you just need to send files between computers on the same network.
How to send files between computers on the same network
This time we'll see a simple sea method so you can do file transfers without having to set anything up. In addition, you can also send files to mobile or even mobile phone on a tablet or computer. It will be as easy as opening the browser you want, and of course it doesn't matter what platform you do it on. You can even transfer files between computers with different operating systems.
The most popular I/O interfaces are serial (COM) and parallel (LPT) ports. Devices that must not only transmit information to the computer, but also receive it - for example, a mouse, modem, scanner, are more often connected to serial devices. All devices that require bi-directional communication with a computer use the RS232C (Reference Standard number 232 revision C) serial port, which allows data to be transferred between incompatible devices. The classic connection of two computers is performed by a null-modem cable and provides a data transfer rate of no more than 115.2 Kbps. It is easy to make a cable for such a connection yourself.
The operation is very simple, although we will cover it just in case. The first thing you will do is open the official page on the computer from which you are going to send files. You will see a screen similar to the following. Now all you need to do is drag and drop any file to the green part of the page. The page will be refreshed and the link will appear immediately.
The next step will be as simple as opening this link from another browser. This will take a few seconds and you will see the progress bar start to rise. Once the file transfer is complete, a save dialog will appear on the computer and you just need to select a location.
Parallel ports are typically used to connect printers and operate in unidirectional mode, although they can transfer information in both directions. The difference between a bidirectional port and a unidirectional port is not only in the thickness of the cable, but also in the interface itself. The ability to switch the parallel port to bidirectional mode can be checked in the CMOS settings. The Enhanced Parallel Port (ECP) provides data transfer rates up to 2.5 Mbps and is the cheapest and most affordable solution.
Notebook computers and other devices are sometimes equipped with an infrared IrDA I/O port. Modern mobile devices support data transfer rates up to 4 Mbps, but even older models with an IrDA port could reach 1 Mbps. Currently, two high-speed serial bus devices have been developed for desktop and laptop computers, called USB (Universal Serial Bus - Universal Serial Bus) and IEEE 1394, also called i.Link or FireWare.
Building your own server
If you don't, you can email a link, chat, or any other means. These programs used a direct connection between computers. These types of connections cause files to be sent directly from the sender to the recipient, so if they are on the same network, the transfer speed will be whatever keeps the connection between your computer and the router.
There are three main types of network topology: bus, star, and ring.
So you can send large files in a very short time and you don't have to worry about whether you have a shared folder or if the target PC has a different operating system. One detail to keep in mind is that if you send files to another computer that is not on your network, it will be the same as if you uploaded it to a service in the cloud. In fact, if you close your browser halfway through, the file will be lost and the recipient won't be able to download it.
Almost every modern computer has USB connectors. Seven companies participated in the development of this standard: Digital Equipment, IBM, Intel, Compaq, NEC, Microsoft and Northern Telecom. At the physical level, the cable consists of two twisted pairs of conductors: one transmits data in two directions, the second is a power line (+5 V) that provides current up to 500 mA, thanks to which USB allows the use of peripheral devices without a power supply. The data transfer rate is 12 Mbps, which is even higher than 10 Mbps LAN. But the amount of signal attenuation in USB is much higher, so the distance between connected devices is limited to a few meters. USB ports do not have the incompatibilities that are sometimes found with COM or LPT ports. All devices connected via USB are configured automatically (PnP) and allow Hot Swap on/off.
It is theoretically possible to connect up to 127 devices to one computer through a chain of hubs in a star topology. In practice, this number is lower - no more than 16-17 - the limiting factors are the current strength and bus bandwidth. Data transfer on the bus can be carried out both in asynchronous and synchronous mode.
Speed characteristics of various input-output ports: data transfer rate (Mbps) USB - 12; IrDA - 4; LPT (ECP) - 2.5; COM - 0.115
You can organize communication between two computers using a standard set of software built into Windows. This is Direct Cable Connection (DCC) - a direct cable connection over a parallel or serial port. But it will not always be successful due to incomplete hardware compatibility of COM or LPT ports in the connected machines.
This method is best suited for local area networks, as the transfer is much larger there and it allows you to transfer large files in a few seconds. You have shared folders on your network? Do you know the best way to transfer files between devices and PC?
Data transfer rate - the number of bits of information transmitted per unit of time
There are several ways to transfer backups, documents, photos, videos, music and a large number professional or consumer files before finally cutting off with old hardware, although depending on what you're working on, some methods will be better than others. do it quickly and safely.
You cannot use a simple USB A-A cable to connect two computers via USB. You will need a special USB Smart Link cable, which is equipped with optocoupler isolation and a special controller chip that acts as a bridge.
Installation and configuration of the driver is carried out automatically, after installing the drivers the device is immediately ready for use, you only need to install the program - something like a file manager. The USB Link program is usually supplied with the cable and driver. It allows you to transfer files from one computer to another, has a simple interface that is divided into two windows: your computer and remote. In the lower right corner of the program there are two indicators, the green color of which indicates the establishment of a full duplex connection. When launched, it automatically searches USB devices Smart Link and trying to detect remote computer and a similar program running on it. This is followed by full synchronization. file systems on all disks of both computers. The program works in Hot Swap mode, when disconnecting and connecting a second computer, it works automatically. Unfortunately, the supplied driver works stably and can be installed without problems only under the Windows 98 SE operating system, but this "dish" provides a high data transfer rate, as well as ease of setup and connection.
Another solution for interconnecting two computers is provided by PC-Link USB Bridge Cable Link-100. This is a USB cable with type A connectors on both sides and a thicker part, in which a board based on the Prolific chipset is mounted. Along with the driver, the PC-Linq program, a kind of Link Commander, is installed. Work and appearance programs are similar to USB Link, but it has advantages in supporting operating Windows systems XP and Windows 2000.
Use external media
Uses a transmission cable
This is a faster and more efficient method than using external devices. Another interesting option is to use cloud storage services such as. Upload files to the cloud from your old computer and upload them to your new one. Logically, you need a good place in service cloud storage to use this method.Classification of computer data transmission channels
There are many other services you can use to transfer files, but here are six ways. File transfer is what we need at some point, be it music transfer, video sharing, backup your contacts or the like. Each file has its own way which is best and recommended.
The speed of data exchange between computers significantly exceeds the speed of a connection through a serial and even parallel port and is comparable to the speed of work local network at 10 Mbps. The tasks of regular transfer of both small and large volumes of files, for example, between a laptop and a desktop computer, are successfully solved.
Of course, such a set useful features may seem insufficient. But what about the support of computer games, shared network resources and access for all users to one Internet channel? All this becomes possible with the help of another device - the Link-200 model. It will allow you to organize a USB-based peer-to-peer network to which you can connect up to 16 computers. The Link-200 uses the controller and drivers from AnchorChips. The device is a small translucent box with a USB A cable integrated into it. On the other side of the box is equipped with a USB type B connector. A-B cable and a diskette with drivers.
A star topology is used to build the network. One computer acts as the master, and the rest are under its control. This is due to the fact that the EZ-Link-based network has its own internal structure of its own digital names and through the drivers, which are bridges, are connected to the regular network. It is possible to share printers and other peripherals, as in a normal local area network. You can also use this cable to connect your laptop to corporate network. To do this, you need a computer that is already connected to the network and has a free USB port. In this configuration desktop computer will work as a gateway between corporate and USB networks. 
As usual for USB devices, installation is very simple. The auto-installer will install the necessary drivers and software ez link manager. If a network has not been installed on your computer before, then you will have to enter the name of the computer under which it will be visible on the network. After installing the drivers, you must restart the computer and only then connect the Link 200 to a free port. In settings Driver Link 200 in the Advanced section, you can change the unique number of the computer under which it is visible on the USB network based on Link 200.
EZ-Link manager will start every time you boot your computer. If the computer is not connected to the network, the icon will be gray, and after connecting the Link 200 cable to the USB ports of two computers, it will automatically detect the connection, activate network connection, and the icon will change color to blue. Working with a network based on Link 200 adapters is completely identical to working with a conventional network: you can connect network drives and other network resources, run network games via the TCP/IP or IPX protocol.
Thus, Link 200 makes it possible to create a fully functional network at minimal cost. Installing and configuring the drivers is very easy. At a relatively low price for a kit for connecting two machines, the Link 200 creates serious competition for conventional network cards. Unfortunately, this decision So far it works only under Windows 98/95, but the manufacturers promise to release drivers for Windows 2000 as well.
Step 1 Run this program
So, follow the directions below. Select the "Music" category at the top of the main interface, and you will see different sections of audio files on the left sidebar along with the content on the right side. Now click the "Add" button and select "Add File" or "Add Folder" to add music files from your computer.
You just need to click right click mouse over the playlist and select "New playlist" to create a new playlist on your computer. The camera and photo camera will appear on the left sidebar. Click the "Add" button and select "Add File" or "Add Folder" to add music files from your computer. To import contacts, you just need to click the "Contacts" tab. Step 2 After that, all the files available for download will be listed on the left side.
Another device, USBNet, allows you to connect two computers, building a network without installing network cards. Minimum Requirements to computers - Windows 98 and the presence of USB. With USBNet, computers on the network can share files, programs, and peripherals such as floppy and hard drives, CD-ROM, printers, scanners, modems. USBNet is the ideal solution for small offices, network games and small home networks. The number of users in such a network can reach 17. The data transfer rate is up to 5 Mb/s. Set up a specific protocol USB connections, there is support for TCP/IP and other network protocols. The device is installed as a LAN adapter.
Click a song and select the songs you want to transfer. Here you can select the category you want to transfer files to. Just paste it and select files to upload. Step 4 When done, click "Apply" or "Sync" to complete the process as you have selected all the files you want to transfer.
Let's assume that you already have an account, and if you don't have one, you must create one. When you have it ready, log in to your account. Step 4 Open the file you want to use. They will be automatically downloaded. Step 3 When you're done, sign in to your account and tap on the files you previously uploaded.
USB Smart link allows you to connect not only PC and PC, but also PC/Mac, Mac/Mac. When connecting via USBLink, it is enough to install the device driver on both computers and USB program bridge cable. With this program, you can transfer files and folders from one computer to another in much the same way as it happens in any of the file managers. But copying files can only be done in one direction - it will not work at the same time. By the way, USBNet is devoid of this shortcoming. Device driver, all required network protocols and access services are installed automatically. Specific protocols, most often referred to as USB-USB Bridge net, need to be installed only on external computer, which has a connection to the local network, and the installation will happen automatically - you just need to agree to the request: yes or no. The disadvantage of USBNet is the low pumping speed: with the declared 5 Mbit / s, 3 Mbit / s is most often obtained. But this is offset by the ability to access not only files, but also the applications of a second computer, as well as the use of a printer, scanner and other peripheral devices over the network. Differences in operating systems and processors of connected computers do not affect their operation.
Using email to transfer files is no more demanding than what you send email yourself. In the following steps, we will show you how to send email files from one of your accounts. Also, if you don't have two accounts, you'll need to create an additional one.
The main characteristics of the sun
Step 1 Depending on the program you are using, the interface may differ, but they all have an "Attach" button. Find it and click to select the files you want to transfer. Step 2 Send a message to yourself. Step 3 Open the message and simply upload the attached files.
Ekaterina Gren
Most residents of modern cities daily transmit or receive any data. It can be computer files, a television picture, a radio broadcast - everything that represents a certain portion of useful information. There are a huge number of technological methods of data transmission. At the same time, in many segments of information solutions, the modernization of the corresponding channels is taking place at an incredibly dynamic pace. Conventional technologies, which, it would seem, may well satisfy human needs, are being replaced by new, more advanced ones. More recently, access to the Web through cellular telephone was considered almost exotic, but today this option is familiar to most people. Modern file transfer speeds over the Internet, measured in hundreds of megabits per second, seemed like something fantastic to the first users of the World Wide Web. Through what types of infrastructures can data be transferred? What could be the reason for choosing one or another channel?
If you have a small file that needs to be uploaded, Email - the best option. Offering multiple features, it is sure to satisfy all your needs. Then a panel called "Scanner and Camera Wizard" will appear, in which you can select both the photos you want to transfer to the computer and the file of the computer in which he wants the photos to be at rest.
The concept of global networks
However, this method is not perfect. Then turn on the file sharing feature on one of the computers.
- Open System Preferences.
- Select " General access».
- Write down the computer name; it is listed in the Computer Name field.
- Select the File Sharing option.
Basic Data Transfer Mechanisms
The concept of data transmission can be associated with various technological phenomena. In general, it is associated with the computer communications industry. Data transfer in this aspect is the exchange of files (sending, receiving), folders and other implementations of machine code.
The term under consideration can also correlate with the non-digital sphere of communications. For example, the transmission of a TV signal, radio, the operation of telephone lines - if we are not talking about modern high-tech tools - can be carried out using analog principles. In this case, data transmission is the transmission of electromagnetic signals through one channel or another.
Once the transfers are completed
Local network: a small definition
When multiple computers are connected to the same network, they are called a local area network. This means that they communicate directly with each other without going through the Internet. If you want to print a file, you can transfer files locally without using the Internet. Suppose you have lived 4 people in a room. There are different solutions for this.This allows you to define the documents you share and the people who have access to them. The last step is to find and download files that are shared locally, just open your file explorer and browse people in the Residential Group menu on the left.
An intermediate position between two technological implementations of data transmission - digital and analog - can take mobile connection. The fact is that some of the relevant communication technologies belong to the first type - for example, GSM communication, 3G or 4G Internet, others are less computerized and therefore can be considered analog - for example, voice communication in AMPS or NTT standards.
They are mainly used in business to store and share files on a local network. You can use it to share your documents locally. Therefore, she will understand that you want to share this storage space, and you will find it in online places.
This simple method is a good sharing solution at home. You don't have to worry about sending your files, your best movies or photos to your home! This allows you to transfer documents between computers on a local network. This tool evaluates the ease and speed of file transfer. Once downloaded, you can share files with everyone in the same room as you without having to install anything on your phone, tablet or computer!
However, the modern trend in the development of communication technologies is such that data transmission channels, no matter what type of information is transmitted through them, are actively "digitized". In large Russian cities, it is difficult to find telephone lines that operate according to analog standards. Technologies like AMPS are gradually losing relevance and being replaced by more advanced ones. TV and radio are becoming digital. Thus, we have the right to consider modern data transmission technologies mainly in a digital context. Although the historical aspect of the involvement of certain decisions, of course, will be very useful to explore.
Option 1: Use your computer to transfer content from one device to another
Transferring data from one device to another can be complex and time consuming. All you have to do is connect the two devices to your computer or laptop using data cables. This is the easiest way to transfer content from one device to another without the need for an internet connection.
Option 2
The disadvantage is, perhaps, the fact that files and folders are transferred in their existing format. The same problem is in transferring phone contacts, because each phone saves contacts in a different format. This method cannot be used to transfer text messages from one device to another. Click the Download Files button if you want to download supported documents, audio files, and other formats. If you want to upload videos and photos from your device, please select the highlighted option.
Modern data transmission systems can be classified into 3 main groups: implemented in computer networks used in mobile networks, which are the basis for organizing TV and radio broadcasts. Let's consider their specifics in more detail.
Data transmission technologies in computer networks
The main subject of data transfer in computer networks, as we noted above, is a collection of files, folders and other products of machine code implementation (for example, arrays, stacks, etc.). Modern digital communications can operate on the basis of a variety of standards. Among the most common is TCP-IP. Its main principle is to assign a unique IP address to a computer, which can be used as the main reference point in data transfer.
Network subscribers - objects that generate or consume information
Open the folder one by one and select the content you want to transfer to new phone. Once you have selected the appropriate files, click "Upload". This option is suitable for people who travel to different countries around the world and change their cell phone several times.
Advantages and disadvantages of this method
Many people use this method to transfer their content from one phone to another when they are on the move. Unfortunately, this app cannot transfer contacts or text messages from one phone to another.
Option 3
On the next screen, you will see several options and you should select "Import".
File exchange in modern digital networks can be carried out using wired technologies or those that do not involve the use of a cable. The classification of the corresponding infrastructures of the first type can be carried out on the basis of a specific type of wire. In modern computer networks, the most commonly used are:
twisted pairs;
fiber optic wires;
coaxial cables;
USB cables;
Telephone wires.
Each of the noted types of cables has both advantages and disadvantages. For example, twisted pair is a cheap, versatile and easy-to-install type of wire, but it is significantly inferior to fiber in terms of bandwidth (we will consider this parameter in more detail a little later). USB cables are the least suitable for data transfer within computer networks, but they are compatible with almost any modern computer - it is extremely rare to find a PC that is not equipped with USB ports. Coaxial cables are sufficiently protected from interference and allow data transmission over very long distances.
Characteristics of computer data networks
It will be useful to study some of the key characteristics of computer networks in which files are exchanged. In list the most important parameters relevant infrastructure - throughput. This characteristic allows you to evaluate what the maximum indicators of the speed and amount of data transmitted in the network can be. Actually, both of these parameters are also key. The data transfer rate is an actual measure of how much files can be transferred from one computer to another in a given amount of time. The parameter under consideration is most often expressed in bits per second (in practice, as a rule, in kilo-, mega-, gigabits, in powerful networks - in terabits).
Classification of computer data transmission channels
Data exchange when using a computer infrastructure can be carried out through three main types of channels: duplex, simplex, and half-duplex. The channel of the first type assumes that the device for transmitting data to the PC can also be a receiver at the same time. Simplex devices, in turn, are only capable of receiving signals. Half-duplex devices provide the use of the function of receiving and transmitting files in turn.
Wireless data transmission in computer networks is carried out most often through standards:
- "small radius" (Bluetooth, infrared ports);
- "medium radius" - Wi-Fi;
- "long range" - 3G, 4G, WiMAX.
The speed at which files are transferred can vary greatly depending on one or another communication standard, as well as the stability of the connection and its immunity from interference. Wi-Fi is considered one of the optimal solutions for organizing home intracorporate computer networks. If data transmission over long distances is necessary, 3G, 4G, WiMax, or other technologies that compete with them are used. Retain the demand for Bluetooth, to a lesser extent - infrared ports, since their activation practically does not require the user fine tuning devices through which files are exchanged.
The most popular "short range" standards are in the mobile device industry. So, data transfer to android from another similar or compatible OS is often carried out using Bluetooth. However, mobile devices can quite successfully integrate with computer networks, for example, using Wi-Fi.
A computer data network functions through the use of two resources − hardware and required software. Both are necessary for the organization of a full-fledged file exchange between PCs. Data transfer programs can be used in a variety of ways. They can be conditionally classified according to such a criterion as the scope.
There is custom software adapted to the use of web resources - such solutions include browsers. There are programs used as a tool for voice communication, supplemented by the ability to organize video chats - for example, Skype.
There is software that belongs to the system category. Appropriate solutions may be practically not involved by the user, however, their operation may be necessary to ensure the exchange of files. As a rule, such software works at the level of background programs in the structure operating system. These types of software allow you to connect a PC to a network infrastructure. On the basis of such connections, user tools can already be used - browsers, programs for organizing video chats, etc. System solutions are also important for stability network connections between computers.
There is software designed to diagnose connections. So, if one or another data transfer error interferes with a reliable connection between a PC, then it can be calculated using a suitable diagnostic program. The use of various types of software is one of the key criteria for distinguishing between digital and analog technologies. When using a traditional type of data transmission infrastructure, software solutions, as a rule, have incomparably less functionality than when building networks based on digital concepts.
Data transmission technologies in cellular networks
Let us now study how data can be transferred in other large-scale infrastructures − cellular networks. Considering this technological segment, it will be useful to pay attention to the history of the development of relevant solutions. The fact is that the standards by which data is transmitted in cellular networks are developing very dynamically. Some of the solutions discussed above that are used in computer networks remain relevant for many decades. This is especially evident in the example of wired technologies - coaxial cable, twisted pair, fiber optic wires were introduced into the practice of computer communications a very long time ago, but the resource for their use is far from being exhausted. In turn, almost every year new concepts appear in the mobile industry, which can be put into practice with varying degrees of intensity.
So the evolution of technology cellular communication begins with the introduction in the early 80s of the earliest standards such as NMT. It can be noted that its capabilities were not limited to providing voice communications. Data transfer via NMT networks was also possible, but at a very low speed - about 1.2 Kbps.
The next step in technological evolution in the cellular communications market was associated with the introduction of the GSM standard. The data transfer rate when using it was assumed to be much higher than in the case of using NMT - about 9.6 Kbps. Subsequently, the GSM standard was supplemented by HSCSD technology, the activation of which allowed cellular subscribers to transmit data at a speed of 57.6 Kbps.
Later, the GPRS standard appeared, through which it became possible to separate typically “computer” traffic transmitted in cellular channels from voice traffic. The data transfer rate when using GPRS could reach about 171.2 Kbps. The next technological solution implemented mobile operators, became the EDGE standard. It made it possible to provide data transmission at a speed of 326 Kbps.
The development of the Internet required developers of cellular communication technologies to introduce solutions that could become competitive with wired standards - primarily in terms of data transfer speed, as well as connection stability. A significant step forward was the introduction of the UMTS standard to the market. This technology made it possible to provide data exchange between subscribers of a mobile operator at a speed of up to 2 Mbps.
Later, the HSDPA standard appeared, in which the transmission and reception of files could be carried out at speeds up to 14.4 Mbps. Many digital industry experts believe that since the introduction of HSDPA technology, cellular operators have begun to compete directly with cable ISPs.
At the end of 2000, the LTE standard and its competitive analogues appeared, through which subscribers mobile operators were able to exchange files at a speed of several hundred megabits. It can be noted that such resources are not always available even for users of modern wired channels. Most Russian providers provide their subscribers with a data transmission channel at a speed not exceeding 100 Mbit / s, in practice - most often several times less.
Generations of cellular technology
The NMT standard generally refers to the 1G generation. GPRS and EDGE technologies are often classified as 2G, HSDPA as 3G, and LTE as 4G. It should be noted that each of the noted solutions has competitive analogues. For example, some experts refer WiMAX to those in relation to LTE. Other competitive solutions in relation to LTE in the 4G technology market are 1xEV-DO, IEEE 802.20. There is a point of view according to which the LTE standard is still not quite correct to classify as 4G, since in terms of maximum speed it falls slightly short of the indicator defined for conceptual 4G, which is 1 Gbps. Thus, it is possible that in the near future a new standard will appear on the global cellular communications market, perhaps even more advanced than 4G and capable of providing data transfer at such an impressive speed. In the meantime, among those solutions that are being implemented most dynamically is LTE. Leading Russian operators are actively modernizing their respective infrastructure across the country — providing high-quality data transmission according to the 4G standard is becoming one of the key competitive advantages in the cellular communications market.
TV broadcast technologies
Digital data transmission concepts can also be used in the media industry. Long time information Technology in the organization of broadcasts of television and radio were not introduced too actively - mainly due to the limited profitability of the corresponding improvements. Solutions that combined digital and analog technologies were often used. So, the infrastructure of the television center could be fully "computerized". However, analogue programs were broadcast for subscribers of television networks.
As the Internet spreads and channels become cheaper computer transmission These players in the television and radio industry began to actively "digitize" their infrastructure, integrate it with IT solutions. In different countries of the world, standards for television broadcasting in digital format have been approved. Of these, the most common are DVB, adapted for the European market, ATSC, used in the USA, ISDB, used in Japan.
Digital solutions in the radio industry
Information technology is also actively involved in the radio industry. It can be noted that such solutions are characterized by certain advantages in comparison with analog standards. Thus, in digital radio broadcasts, a significantly higher sound quality can be achieved than when using FM channels. The digital data network theoretically gives radio stations the ability to send not only voice traffic to subscriber radios, but also any other media content - pictures, videos, texts. Appropriate solutions can be implemented in the infrastructure for organizing digital television broadcasts.
Satellite data channels
In a separate category, satellite channels should be allocated, through which data can be transmitted. Formally, we have the right to classify them as wireless, but the scale of their use is such that it would not be entirely correct to combine the corresponding solutions into one class with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Satellite data transmission channels can be used - in practice this is what happens - when building almost any type of communication infrastructure from those that we have listed above.
By means of "plates" it is possible to organize the connection of PCs in a network, connect them to the Internet, ensure the functioning of television and radio broadcasts, and increase the level of manufacturability of mobile services. Main advantage satellite channels- inclusiveness. Data transmission can be carried out when they are involved in almost any place on the planet - as well as reception - from anywhere in the world. Satellite solutions also have some technological disadvantages. For example, when transferring computer files using a "dish" there may be a noticeable delay in response, or "ping" - the time interval between the moment a file is sent from one PC and received on another.