Guinness World Record for Largest File Transfer?

We’ve had an ongoing debate at Kiteworks regarding the world’s largest file transfer to date and how it compares to the largest file that can be transferred using the Kiteworks platform.

A Wall St. Journal article titled “Fastest Growing PR Stunt: Get Into Guinness Records” settles the discussion—we’re going for the record. Of course, setting this record for large file transfer could take a while, since there is in fact no hard limit of the size of file that can be sent via Kiteworks.

Presently, Guinness World Records does not list a record specifically for the “largest file size” ever created or shared. Why not? Privacy concerns may preclude a person or business from sharing information like file size; providing proof may require sharing intellectual property that shouldn’t be shared with the world. Similarly, many of the largest file transfers might occur in private networks or be part of confidential databases or archives, making information about them not publicly accessible. Finally, there’s no universally recognized or updated record-keeping system for the sizes of files shared across the internet. As a result, much of the data on the subject would be anecdotal or based on what companies and individuals have claimed.

In the absence of an actual Guinness World Record for largest file size, we’ll look at large file types so you can see just how large “large” really is.

What “File Size” Really Means

When referring to “file size,” we’re discussing the amount of digital storage space that a file occupies on a computer, server, smartphone, or any digital storage medium. It’s measured in units such as bytes, kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB), gigabytes (GB), and so on, escalating in magnitude, storage space on your device, and the difficulty to share. Understanding file size is crucial for efficient storage management, ensuring quick file transfers, and maintaining optimal website performance. Whether you’re downloading software, sharing photos, or streaming videos, understanding file sizes helps you make informed decisions regarding data usage and storage solutions.

What File Types Are Really Large?

The largest known files can vary depending on their content, application, and format. However, some examples of huge files include:

• Large databases: Databases containing massive amounts of information, such as scientific, financial, or user data, can reach terabytes (TB) or even petabytes (PB) in size, like the Library of Congress’s digital archive, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) data sets, or Google’s search index.
• High-resolution videos: Uncompressed high-resolution videos can be extremely large in size. With the rise of 4K, 8K, and even higher resolution video formats, individual movie files can easily reach sizes of hundreds of gigabytes, especially when raw or uncompressed. For example, a single hour of 8K video at 60 frames per second (fps) can consume more than 6 TB of storage.
• Software and games: Modern video games, especially those with high-resolution textures and extensive world-building, can be tens or even over a hundred gigabytes in size. For instance, games like “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare” and “Red Dead Redemption 2” have been noted for their large install sizes.
• Operating system images: High-resolution satellite images or detailed maps used in geographic information systems (GIS) can also be extremely large, used primarily by researchers and professionals in fields like climate study, urban planning, and environmental monitoring.
• Digital preservation projects: Initiatives aimed at archiving significant portions of the internet or digitizing books, music, and video collections can involve very large files or collections of data.
• Scientific simulations and datasets: Large-scale scientific simulations, such as climate models, particle physics experiments, and astronomical observations, can generate datasets that are several terabytes or more.
• High-resolution 3D models: Detailed 3D models, such as those used in architecture, automotive design, or film and game production, can be very large. High-quality models with millions of polygons and high-resolution textures can easily reach gigabytes in size.
• Full disk images: Complete disk images or backups of computer systems can be very large, depending on the size of the storage device. A complete image of a 1 TB hard drive would create a 1 TB file.

Secure File Transfers for Large Files

Secure file transfers for large files is a common way to safely, securely send and receive large amount of data. It usually involves using an encrypted connection and specialized software to make sure the data remains private and secure while being sent or received. This type of file transfer offers users the ability to protect their transacted data from potential hacking and other malicious activities that could occur on the network. Security measures like password protection, encryption, checksum validation, and digital signatures are often used to ensure the safe delivery of the data. Secure file transfers for large files can also enable faster transfer speeds than other methods such as FTP or email, making it the optimal choice for sending and receiving large amounts of data.

How to Transfer Big Files Over the Internet

Transferring large files over the internet can be challenging due to size limitations, connection speeds, and potential interruptions. However, there are various methods you can use to transfer big files. Here is short list of options:

File Hosting Services

Many file hosting services allow you to upload and share large files. You can create a shareable link or invite specific people to access the file. These services usually have a free tier with limited storage and may offer paid plans for increased storage and features.

Cloud Storage

Cloud storage services are designed to store and transfer large amounts of data. You can upload your files to a cloud storage bucket and provide others with access to download the files. These services often charge based on storage space and data transfer costs.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) File Sharing

P2P file sharing allows you to share files directly between computers without relying on a central server. A popular P2P protocol for transferring large files involves creating and distributing a torrent file to your recipients. They use a client to download the file from your computer and other peers who have the file.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

FTP is a standard network protocol for transferring files between a client and a server over the internet. To transfer large files using FTP, you must set up an FTP server on your computer or use a hosted FTP service. Recipients can use an FTP client to download the files from your server. Consider using Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) or FTP over SSL (FTPS) for secure transfers.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and Remote Desktop Tools

VPNs allow you to create a secure connection between two computers over the internet, enabling you to transfer files directly. Remote desktop tools can also transfer files between computers by connecting to the remote device and copying the files.

Sharing Large Files Should Be Simple

Sharing large files should be simple for organizations because it helps to improve collaboration and efficiency, reduces project risks, and makes it easier to exchange ideas and information quickly and securely. It also helps to minimize costs associated with large-scale file transfers. Additionally, it helps to increase productivity and improve customer service by enabling quick, secure, and reliable transfers with large file sizes. It can also provide a platform for communicating updates and status of projects with everyone involved, helping to foster collaboration and better communication within the organization.

I checked out the Guinness World Records website for instructions on how to apply for a new record. Visiting the site, it was easy to get distracted by the picture of the Most Straws in the Mouth (400 for 10 seconds).

If I can get your attention back from the picture of “Most Straws in a Mouth,” let us know if you have access to an unlimited bandwidth network and a REALLY BIG file you need to send, there could be a record in the making.

Large File Transfer With Kiteworks

We know anecdotally, and from usage reports, that our customers successfully send files as large as 100 GB, even 200 GB. But just how big a file can you send via Kiteworks?

I have a feeling this question might fall into the category of “How long is a piece of string?” It all depends. On the one hand, there is no hard limit on the size of the file you can transfer via Kiteworks, but on the other hand you have to consider little details such as available network bandwidth. These little details might enable one organization to perform a large file transfer that another organization can’t.

To learn how Kiteworks can help you share really, really large files simply and securely, schedule a custom demo today.

Additional Resources

• Video What You Need to Know About Kiteworks Secure File Sharing Capability
• Blog Post Best Secure Managed File Transfer Solutions for Enterprise
• Blog Post Best Business File Sharing Software Solutions
• Blog Post How to Find the Best Managed File Transfer Software
• Blog Post Most Secure File Sharing Options for Enterprise & Compliance