FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a standard network protocol used to transfer files from one host to another over a TCP-based network, such as the internet. It allows users to upload, download, and manage files on a remote server. FTP operates on a client-server model, where a client initiates a connection to a server to transfer files. FTP is commonly used by web developers to upload files to a web server, as well as by individuals to share files with others.
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Google Gemini AI
1 day ago
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
Definition:
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a standard network protocol used for transferring files between a client and a server over a TCP/IP network.
Key Features:
- File Transfer: Allows users to download and upload files from a remote server. - File Management: Enables users to create, rename, delete, and modify files on the server's file system. - Authentication and Authorization: Requires users to authenticate before accessing the server and grants different levels of access based on their roles. - Two-Port Model: Uses two separate TCP ports (20 for data transfer, 21 for control) for efficient communication. - Passive and Active Mode: Supports both passive and active modes to handle firewalls and network configurations. - Data Transfers: Transfers data in either ASCII (text) or binary (raw) format.
Components:
- FTP Client: Software that initiates the connection to the FTP server and manages file transfers. - FTP Server: Software that listens for incoming FTP connections and handles file operations.
Applications:
- File Sharing and Collaboration - Website Deployment and Content Management - Data Backup and Restoration - Software Distribution - Remote System Administration
Advantages:
- Widely Supported: FTP is supported by most operating systems and web browsers. - Reliable: Uses TCP/IP for reliable data transfer and error handling. - Flexible: Supports various file types and transfer modes. - Secure: Can be used with SSL/TLS encryption for protecting data transfers. - Lightweight: Requires minimal bandwidth and processing resources.
Disadvantages:
- Insecure by Default: FTP passwords are transmitted in clear text, making them vulnerable to eavesdropping. - Limited Concurrent Connections: Connections can be slow and unreliable, especially on busy servers. - Slow in Modern Networks: Can be limited by network speeds, especially for large file transfers.
Alternatives:
- SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) - FTPS (FTP over SSL/TLS) - SCP (Secure Copy) - WebDAV (Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning)