Live relay
Sender and recipient connect to the same active transfer session. The goal is immediate delivery while both sides are online, not delayed pickup from storage.
What Is Ephemeral File Transfer?
Ephemeral file transfer is a delivery model built for files that should move, not sit in storage. Instead of turning every send into a hosted pickup link, PhotonFile Relay moves encrypted data live between sender and receiver and operates ephemerally by default.
Memory-only handling
Relay handles encrypted transfer data in memory during the active session rather than making stored delivery the default behavior.
Optional client-side encryption
For supported browser flows, you can add client-side encryption so the relay handles encrypted payloads while key material stays on the client side.
How it works
1. Select a file
Choose the file you want to send in the app.
2. Create a live session
PhotonFile prepares a relay session instead of a stored pickup link.
3. Stream encrypted chunks
Data moves live from sender to receiver through the relay as encrypted chunks.
4. End the session
Once the transfer ends, the session closes instead of leaving a stored copy behind by default.
Why people choose it
- Immediate delivery without turning every send into stored cloud content
- A tighter privacy envelope for one-time transfers
- Optional client-side encryption on top of encrypted transport
- Strong fit for large files that should move now, not wait for later pickup
- Resumable behavior in supported environments
When it is not the right model
Ephemeral transfer is not meant to replace every storage workflow. If you need files to stay available after upload, want version history, need scoped share links that remain active over time, or need Secure Inbox, then Photon Vault is the better fit.
Ephemeral transfer vs stored delivery vs Vault
| Model | What happens after upload | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Ephemeral File Transfer | Data moves through a live session and operates ephemerally by default. | Immediate delivery while both sides are online |
| Stored delivery | A stored copy remains available for later download. | Pickup later workflows |
| Photon Vault | Encrypted data is stored for ongoing access by authorized clients. | Persistent encrypted storage, sharing, intake, and versioning |
Researching alternatives?
These pages go deeper into where live delivery wins, where Vault fits long-term storage and async handoff, and when a stored-delivery or drive-first tool may still be the better match.
WeTransfer alternative
Live Relay or Vault versus branded stored transfers.
Smash vs WeTransfer
See where PhotonFile breaks out of the stored-delivery category.
Proton Drive alternative
Compare drive-style storage with Vault plus live handoff.
Compare all file models
Use the hub page to choose between Relay, Vault, and stored
delivery.