File Transfer Protocol (FTP) Overview

Study Notes

Protocols: File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

Definition:
- FTP is a standard network protocol used for transferring files between a client and a server on a computer network.
Purpose:
- To facilitate the uploading and downloading of files over the Internet or other TCP/IP networks.
Key Characteristics:
- Operates on a client-server model.
- Utilizes TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) for reliable data transfer.
- Supports both binary and ASCII file types.
Ports:
- Default port for FTP: 21 (control connection).
- Data transfer can occur over a separate port (often port 20 for active mode).
Modes of Operation:
- Active Mode:
  - Client opens a random port and informs the server to connect back to it.
- Passive Mode:
  - Server opens a random port and the client connects to it; useful for bypassing firewalls.
Authentication:
- Requires user credentials (username and password) for access.
- Anonymous FTP allows users to connect without credentials, typically for public file access.
Commands:
- Common FTP commands include:
  - USER: Specify username.
  - PASS: Specify password.
  - RETR: Download a file from the server.
  - STOR: Upload a file to the server.
  - LIST: List files in the current directory.
  - CWD: Change working directory.
Secure Variants:
- FTPS: FTP over SSL/TLS; adds a layer of security for data transmission.
- SFTP: Secure File Transfer Protocol; runs over SSH for a secure transmission channel.
Applications:
- Website maintenance (uploading website files).
- Data backup and sharing in corporate environments.
- File sharing among users.
Limitations:
- Lacks encryption in standard FTP, exposing data to potential interception.
- Firewall configurations may restrict FTP access, especially in active mode.
Alternatives:
- HTTP/S for web-based file transfers.
- SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) for secure file transfers.
- Cloud storage services for user-friendly file sharing.

Definition and Purpose

FTP is a standard network protocol designed for transferring files between a client and a server.
Its primary purpose is to facilitate the uploading and downloading of files over the Internet or TCP/IP networks.

Key Characteristics

Operates on a client-server model, with clients requesting resources from a server.
Utilizes Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) for safe and reliable data transfer.
Supports two file types: binary (for all file types) and ASCII (for text files).

Ports

The default control connection port for FTP is 21.
Data transfer typically occurs on a separate port, commonly port 20 during active mode connections.

Modes of Operation

Active Mode: The client opens a random port and informs the server to establish a connection back to the client.
Passive Mode: The server opens a random port, allowing the client to connect; useful for navigating firewall restrictions.

Authentication

FTP requires user credentials (username and password) for access.
Allows anonymous FTP access, enabling users to connect without credentials for public files.

Common Commands

USER: Specify the username for authentication.
PASS: Specify the password for authentication.
RETR: Retrieve (download) a file from the server.
STOR: Store (upload) a file to the server.
LIST: List files within the current directory.
CWD: Change the active working directory on the server.

Secure Variants

FTPS: Enhances FTP with SSL/TLS for encrypted data transmission.
SFTP: Runs over SSH, ensuring a secure channel for file transfers.

Applications

Utilized in website maintenance for uploading website files.
Provides data backup and sharing capabilities in corporate environments.
Facilitates file sharing among users.

Limitations

Standard FTP lacks encryption, exposing transferred data to potential interception.
Firewall settings can restrict FTP access, particularly in active mode connections.

Alternatives

HTTP/S is commonly used for web-based file transfers.
SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) offers secure file transfer capabilities.
Cloud storage services provide user-friendly options for file sharing and storage.

Description

This quiz provides an overview of the File Transfer Protocol (FTP), a crucial standard for transferring files on computer networks. It covers its definition, purpose, key characteristics, operational modes, and authentication methods. Test your knowledge of how FTP facilitates file uploads and downloads.