Thru Node: Enterprise-Grade MFT Agent
Enables a Distributed Hybrid Architecture
The Thru Node—also known as a managed file transfer (MFT) agent—enables a distributed, hybrid architecture that optimizes Thru’s cloud-native managed file transfer workflows. Thru Nodes are installed on servers or server clusters while being orchestrated over secure connections with the Thru cloud environment. The nodes enable direct file transfers to multiple types of file repositories, both within and outside private enterprise networks.
How Does Thru Node Work?
The on-premises Thru Node seamlessly integrates with Thru’s cloud, enabling secure file transfers within networks, between systems and from network to cloud.
This hybrid setup allows companies to maximize SaaS benefits while minimizing on-premises infrastructure needs. Installed close to where data is produced, Thru Node also functions as an edge computing resource.
Note: Thru Node uses only outbound HTTPS connections for control channels, while data channels support HTTPS, SFTP and FTPS.
Using Thru Node in Your Network
Thru Node is a runtime installed within a network, connecting to Thru over a secure HTTPS connection, usually through port 443. Following a pre-set workflow (called a flow), the node can transfer files between accessible file system paths and other supported file repositories on the network.
Note: Thru Node does not need to be installed on the same system it transfers files from or to. As long as it can access the designated folder path, it functions effectively.
Understanding Thru Flows
Flows are directional workflows configured with Thru Flow Studio’s intuitive interface or through APIs. A flow can include multiple source and target endpoints, with each endpoint configured for specific processing and routing.
When source and target locations are within the same network, files remain secure without internet exposure, moving over protocols like NFS or SMB. Metadata related to the transfer is logged in Thru Audit and transmitted over HTTPS.
Authentication & Network Firewall Permissions
Thru Node connects securely to the cloud via HTTPS using token-based authentication, always initiating the connection to Thru in the cloud. This outbound-only connection means no inbound ports are needed in your firewall.
Monitoring & Alerting
Thru Nodes connect to the Thru cloud via API, with each node assigned a unique ID. Every node sends a heartbeat signal over HTTPS at five-minute intervals. If a Thru Node fails to send a heartbeat for five to ten minutes, an alert is triggered in Thru cloud management portal and email notifications are sent to customer administrators.
Additionally, each Thru Node exposes a health check port that can be monitored locally by an enterprise monitoring system. This health data can be integrated with event or IT service management tools to generate alerts and enable automated responses, ensuring proactive system management.
Thru Node Processing Features
Beyond file transfers, Thru Node offers various processing rules based on flow endpoints, such as
- Compress/decompress files
- Encrypt/Decrypt files with PGP
- Archive files at source
- Rename files at source or target
- Use trigger files to synchronize transfers
- File name filters
- Schedules and date/time filters
Installation & Deployment
Setting up a Thru Node is fast and straightforward:
- Create a Thru Node in the web portal and download the installation script.
- Run the script (Windows PowerShell or Linux) to install the Thru Node runtime.
- Configure an endpoint for a file share or external file repository.
- Add newly configured endpoint to the flow and select the Thru Node to run it.
Upgrading Thru Nodes
Thru Nodes automatically receive updates via Thru’s continuous deployment pipeline, ensuring nodes always operate with the latest features and security.
Internal and External Automated File Transfer Use Cases
Between Systems on a Network
Thru Node enables seamless file transfers between systems in local or wide area networks (LAN or WAN). As long as the node has access to network directories or file repositories on the enterprise network, it executes file transfers with ease.
Learn more about controlling internal systematic file transfer from the cloud »
Thru Node Direct Connection for High Compliance Environments
External endpoints can be served by either Thru Node or Thru Cloud.
When an endpoint is served by Thru Node, external file repository connections and file transfers are executed via the Node direct connection, rather than passing through the Cloud.
This approach ensures that files never reside in Thru Cloud, effectively meeting security, compliance and performance requirements for specific use cases.
Between Remote Networks and Central Network
Thru Node is ideal for retail and distribution networks where thousands of remote locations transfer critical data to central systems, often daily.
Read more about the remote file transfer use case »
Using MFT Agent for File Transfer Is Easier for Non-Technical Partners
Challenge: File Transfer Integration
A food franchise receives point-of-sale (POS) data daily from non-technical franchisees who only use laptops.
Solution: File Transfer Integration
Franchisees install Thru Nodes to transfer POS data, meeting security requirements with ease of use.
