KermWin FAQ - Maximizing File Transfer Performance

The Kermit protocol defaults to settings designed to allow file transfers to succeed in communications hostile environments. This causes the protocol to perform poorly in good environments. Fortunately, it is possible to configure Kermit to operate much more efficiently in a reliable or fast communications environment.

You may try the following settings to maximize performance. Note that some Kermit implementations are minimal and do not allow these settings. You must make these settings on both the host and client sides before initiating a transfer.

Try the following changes one by one to see if performance improves and that the transfers are still reliable.

1. Increase packet size. A packet size of about 1000 is usually a good start.
2. Use sliding window extension. This allows multiple packets to be outstanding at the same time. Try a window size of about 5 slots.