Kermit

Kermit

(communications)

A popular packet-oriented protocol from Columbia University for transferring text files and binary files on both full-duplex and half-duplex 8 bit and 7-bit serial connections in a system- and medium-independent fashion, and implemented on hundreds of different computer and operating system platforms. On full-duplex connections a sliding window protocol with selective retransmission provides excellent performance and error recovery characteristics. On 7-bit connections, locking shifts provide efficient transfer of 8-bit data.

When properly implemented, as in the Columbia University Kermit Software collection, performance is equal to or better than other protocols such as ZMODEM, YMODEM, and XMODEM, especially on poor connections.

Kermit is an open protocol - anybody can base their own program on it, but some Kermit software and source code is copyright by Columbia University.

http://columbia.edu/kermit/.

Kermit

A file transfer protocol developed at Columbia University, noted for its adaptability to noisy lines, enabling transfers to succeed under the worst conditions. Kermit supports streaming over the Internet, sliding windows for links with long round-trip delays, record and character conversion of text files, restart/recovery from point of failure and platform-independent transfer of directory trees with a mix of text and binary files.

Kermit Software
Kermit is also the name of a large family of software that implements the Kermit protocol on a huge number of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Unix, Linux, OpenVMS and IBM mainframes. The programs offer file transfer, file management and terminal emulation with connections for serial ports and modems as well as TCP/IP. Support for encryption and authentication (SSL, TLS, SSH, Kerberos) is also provided. In most cases, a full programming language is built in for automating communications tasks. For more information, visit http://kermit.columbia.edu.