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Air-Gapped Transfer Mechanism Decision Matrix

Full context: environments/air-gapped.md

USB / Physical Media

When to Use:

  • Small to medium artifact sizes (< 50GB)
  • High security requirements
  • No network connectivity available
  • One-time or infrequent transfers

Considerations:

  • Size limitations
  • Approval process for physical media
  • Encryption requirements
  • Transfer time

Secure File Transfer (SFTP/SCP)

When to Use:

  • Medium to large artifact sizes
  • Scheduled connectivity windows
  • Regular update requirements
  • Network path available

Considerations:

  • Connectivity window timing
  • Bandwidth limitations
  • Transfer verification
  • Approval process

When to Use:

  • Large artifact sizes
  • Frequent updates needed
  • Real-time troubleshooting support
  • Dedicated secure connection

Considerations:

  • Setup time and approval
  • Bandwidth and latency
  • Security requirements
  • Ongoing maintenance

Decision Factors

  • Artifact size → Larger = Network transfer preferred
  • Frequency → More frequent = Network transfer preferred
  • Security level → Higher = Physical media preferred
  • Timeline → Tighter = Physical media (faster approval)
  • Update needs → Frequent updates = Network transfer

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