# IBM Aspera Connect

> This add-on enables the use of IBM Aspera Connect with Firefox. This add-on requires the IBM Aspera Connect application, version 3.9.0 or newer. IMPORTANT: If you encounter an error "Download failed. Please check your connection", update Firefox.

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/ibm-aspera-connect](https://chrome-stats.com/d/ibm-aspera-connect)

## Overview

- **ID:** `ibm-aspera-connect`
- **Platform:** Firefox
- **Type:** Firefox add-on
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** IBM Aspera
- **Category:** download-management,other
- **Daily users:** 39,345
- **Weekly downloads:** 347
- **Rating:** 3.55 / 5 (49 ratings)
- **Version:** 4.1.1.1
- **Last updated:** 2022-02-15
- **First published:** 2018-12-11
- **Size:** 91 KB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-14
- **Store listing:** [Firefox Add-ons Store](https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/ibm-aspera-connect/)
- **Website:** [https://www.ibm.com/aspera/connect/](https://www.ibm.com/aspera/connect/)

## Description

IBM Aspera Connect is a Firefox add-on designed to facilitate lightning-fast transfer of large files directly from your computer to an IBM Aspera server. Requiring the IBM Aspera Connect desktop application (version 3.9.0 or newer), this extension leverages the FASP protocol, which dramatically speeds up file transfers compared to traditional TCP/IP.

This extension activates only on websites that utilize IBM Aspera's technology and ensures user privacy by not reading or storing any personal data. It's essential for users to have an account on the relevant Aspera server to utilize the service effectively. In case of download errors, updating Firefox often resolves connectivity issues.

## Rankings

- #367 — Overall
- #21 — Download Management
- #47 — Other extensions
- #2 — connect
- #6 — concert
- #7 — connection

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `http://*/*`
- `https://*/*`
- `nativeMessaging`
- `activeTab`

### Content script matches

- `<all_urls>`

## Safety

- **Risk impact:** Moderate risk impact
- **Risk likelihood:** Low risk likelihood

### Analysis details

- Allows access to all websites, posing a significant security risk as it can monitor and modify data from any visited site.
- This extension has medium user count. Unpopular extensions may not be stable or safe.

> Some risk analysis details are omitted from this free response. [Upgrade to view the full analysis](https://chrome-stats.com/pricing).

## Review summary

### Pros

- Enables fast transfer of large files across networks using Aspera's FASP protocol.
- Allows integration between web browser and desktop for file transfers.
- Provides a method to move huge files quickly to and from an Aspera server.

### Cons

- Requires installation of both a browser extension and a desktop application, leading to a complex setup.
- Extension lacks updates compared to other platforms, leading to compatibility issues.
- Slow download speeds reported, slower than expected given network bandwidth.
- Concerns about excessive permissions and potential privacy risks due to access to all website data and communication with external programs.
- Installation process can cause system instability and is considered cumbersome and intrusive by users.

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/ibm-aspera-connect)