1.3.2 File Transfer

The file transfer capability supported by the Remote Assistance Protocol enables files to be copied from one computer to another. Both computers have to be in a Remote Assistance session to transfer files. The Remote Assistance Protocol supports the transfer of one file at a time. File transfers can occur in either direction (from expert to novice or from novice to expert). File transfers are originated by the sender (expert or novice) side and the receiver accepts the file to complete the file transfer.

A file transfer virtual channel is created dynamically to transfer the file. Once the virtual channel is established, control messages and data messages are sent through the virtual channel to complete the transfer. The data messages contain the data that is in the file, and the control messages synchronize the file transfer between the two computers and confirm successful transfer.