Streaming Files over networks

Question

Hi,
I am new to java. Have been trying to work on a system that transfers files from one machine to another (remote) machine.
I am basically using a FileInputStream combined with BufferedOutputStream in my server, where I am (right now) transferring byte after byte to the BOF and then flush it to the network.
On the other end I am using a FileOutputStream with BufferedInputStream. Am using a BufferedOutputStream to wrap the FileOutputStream. I read the BIS byte by byte and transfer it to the BOS. When I flush it, it is supposed to write to the File via the FOS.
I have tried various combinations and possibilities, like .. different read write methods ... and readers and writers.
PROBLEM
The basic problem is that when my client reaches the end of the file it is supposedly reading (from the network), it halts. It stops ... doesnt go anywhere. The snippet is as follows .. the while check gets stuck when it is supposed to get out.
while((ch=fileStream.read()) > -1)
bos.write(ch);
System.out.println("File Recieved, Enter new command");
bos.flush();
I would be really grateful if someone gives me a pointer.
[this particular problem, amongst others, is consistent for all combos I have tried]

Answer 1

When the file is done on the server side (writer), does it close the connection? If not, it's never going to get the -1 on the client side (reader) to break the loop.
If you can't close the connection, then you have to come up with some sort of protocol to allow your endpoints to talk in a more meaningful way. At the very least, start the transfer with the file size and only read that much on the client. Or some other start/end of stream markers that the client side can look for. Or just get an FTP server/client code (maybe TFTP) for Java and use that.