Globus Data Transfer Guide at TACC

Last update: March 05, 2026

Globus is the preferred, safest, and fastest way to move very large datasets to and from TACC systems. Globus minimizes user effort while maximizing throughput and reliability, especially over long‑distance or unstable networks. TACC User Support recommends Globus for transferring very large datasets (e.g. 200 GB to many PB) to and from TACC and other research computing facilities.

For datasets < 200GB, see the TACC SSH-based Tools Guide.

Key Concepts

Endpoints

A Globus transfer always occurs between two endpoints:

  • A TACC system endpoint (e.g., Stampede, Frontera, Lonestar)
  • A source endpoint (your laptop, another HPC center, cloud storage, etc.)

Endpoints may be:

  • Managed endpoints (TACC systems, institutional servers)
  • Globus Connect Personal (GCP) endpoints (your laptop or desktop)

Paths

Transfers use absolute paths on each endpoint: - Example TACC paths:
/scratch/, /work/, /corral/, or resource‑specific directories

You must have permission to read/write the paths specified..

Using Globus

Globus uses federated login, where you authenticate with your home institution. Authentication tokens are cached and renewed automatically.

This document walks you through the steps required to set up access to Globus at TACC for first-time use. Some steps must be repeated each time you configure a new data endpoint. Once configured, Globus can be used not only for transfers to and from TACC, but also to access cyberinfrastructure resources worldwide.

To start using Globus, you need to do two things: Generate a unique identifier, or ePPN, for all Globus services, and enroll the machine you are transferring data to/from with Globus. This can be your personal laptop or desktop, or a server to which you have access. Follow this one-time process to set up the Globus file transfer capability.

Important

You must use your institution's credentials and not your personal email account (e.g. Google, Yahoo!, AOL) when setting up Globus. You will encounter problems with the transfer endpoints (e.g. Frontera, Stampede3, Corral, Ranch) if you use your personal account information.

Step 1. Retrieve your Unique ePPN.

Login to CILogon and click on "User Attributes". Make note of your case-sensitive ePPN.

Figure 4. Make note of your ePPN

Step 2. Associate your ePPN with your TACC Account.

Login to the [TACC Accounts Portal][TACCACCOUNTS], click "Account Information" in the left-hand menu, then add or edit your ePPN from Step 1.

Warning

The institution (ePPN) listed in your TACC account profile must match the ePPN you are using to log into Globus.

Figure 5. Update your TACC user profile.

Important

Once you update your ePPN, please allow up to 2 hours for the changes to propagate across TACC systems.

Using the Globus File Manager (Web Interface)

Once you've completed these steps, you will be able to use the Globus File Manager as usual. If you encounter any issues, please [submit a support ticket][SUBMITTICKET].

Globus-based transfers often utilize an endpoint name (often the name of the HPC or Storage resource you are connecting to) rather than a hostname, but you will still need to know the endpoint name, and you will always need the PATH that you are addressing, in order to successfully transfer data.

  1. Go to: https://app.globus.org
  2. Activate the source endpoint
  3. Activate the destination endpoint
  4. Select source files/directories
  5. Select destination path
  6. Click Start

Transfers run asynchronously — you may close your browser.

  • Transfer files into scratch or work, not your home directory, unless required
  • Group many small files into tar archives if possible
  • Verify quotas and permissions before starting large transfers
  • Avoid transferring directly into running job directories

Monitoring Transfers

  • Progress is visible in the Globus web UI
  • Email notifications can be enabled
  • Failed file transfers are clearly reported