FileSender

FileSender is a web-based application that is specifically designed for higher education and research institutions. It allows authenticated users to securely and easily send large files to another user whether they are on or off campus. Additionally, individuals who do not have an account can be sent a guest upload voucher by an authenticated user.

Why use FileSender?

There are often times when you are required to send a large file that exceeds the maximum limit allowed via email. FileSender can therefore help in this regard as it not only allows for easy file transfer but can be set to allow for single or multiple downloads, and to expire after a set period or as soon as the file is downloaded.

It is worthwhile noting that this platform cannot be used to permanently publish files.

Access FileSender

All UCT staff and students can access FileSender using their UCT student/staff number and password. An external individual can also access this platform by receiving a voucher provided by a UCT staff member or student.

Filesender is accessible via the web portal on and off campus.

UCT users
External users
  1. Go to https://filesender.sanren.ac.za and click Log in.
  2. Ensure the South Africa tab is selected and click University of Cape Town.
  3. Enter your UCT staff/student number and password and click Login.
  4. Click Yes if you agree to the terms and conditions.
  1. Click the link provided via email from a UCT user.
  2. No login is required.

Once you have logged on use the Help, About or Privacy tabs to find out more about the portal. Follow the instructions below to proceed with using Filesender.

  1. When you have successfully logged in, select the required file by either dragging and dropping it, or click Select file.
    •  Navigate to the folder where your file is saved and click Open.
    • The file appears at the top of the upload box.
  2. Enter the recipient’s email address.
  3. Enter a Subject or Message (optional).
  4. Select the File Encryption checkbox if you would like the file to be encrypted.
  5. Set the expiry date and enable your preferred settings.
  6. Click Send.
     

Download and upload size limitations

Most web browsers will download any size file from Filesender.

In terms of uploads, if your browser supports HTML5 then you should be able to upload files of up to 100 GB. Current versions of Firefox and Chrome for Windows, macOS X and Linux support HTML5.

Interrupted or cancelled uploads can be resumed too by sending the exact same files again. Ensure that all the files have the same name and size as before. When the upload commences, the progress bar will continue from where it previously stopped.

If you use a browser that does not support HTML5, you will only be able to upload files that are 2GB and smaller in size.

Service constraints

  • Maximum number of recipients: 50 email addresses separated by a comma (,) or semi-colon (;)
  • Maximum number of files per transfer: 30
  • Maximum size per transfer: 100 GB. For larger file sizes that are taking too long to upload/download, consider using the SANReN Data Transfer Pilot project. Contact pert@sanren.ac.za for more information.
  • Maximum file size per file for non-HTML5 browsers: 2GB
  • Transfer expiry days: A maximum of five days
  • Guest expiry days: A maximum of five days
     

Report a fault

Log an online call and the application administrator will conduct the necessary investigations.

Maintenance for this application is performed by SANReN as the service is web based and hosted by SANReN.