File Transfer Protocol
File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard network protocol used for the transfer of computer files between a client and server on a computer network. FTP operates over the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) or, in some cases, over the User Datagram Protocol (UDP). Typically, FTP operates on port 21 for control connections and port 20 for data connections.
Operation
FTP allows users to upload and download files from a server. It provides commands to navigate directories, list files, upload and download files, and perform other file operations.
Security
FTP originally lacked security features, transmitting data in plain text, including usernames, passwords, and file contents. However, secure variants of FTP have been developed, such as FTPS (FTP Secure) and SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol), which encrypt the data during transmission, providing confidentiality and integrity.
Advantages
- FTP is widely supported by most operating systems and network devices.
- It allows for the transfer of large files efficiently.
Disadvantages
- FTP does not natively support encryption, making it vulnerable to eavesdropping and data tampering.
- It requires a separate port for data transfer, which can complicate firewall configurations.
Alternatives
Alternative protocols for file transfer include SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP), which provides encrypted file transfer capabilities over an SSH connection, and FTP Secure (FTPS), which adds encryption to the FTP protocol.
See Also
