What does file transfer protocol (FTP) mean?
The term ‘file transfer protocol (FTP)’ refers to a type of network protocol that is designed to facilitate the transfer of files between different computers over a TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/internet protocol) connection.
If you want a more in-depth understanding of this topic, check out the FAQ section below:
Question #1: What is the difference between file transfer protocol (FTP) and hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP)?
The main difference between file transfer protocol (FTP) and hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) is the types of files they are used for. File transfer protocol (FTP) works with virtually all types of files while HTTP is used exclusively for web pages. In addition to this, however, there are a couple of other differences between the two protocols.
First, unlike (FTP), which can handle files of all sizes with ease, HTTP is more suited to smaller files.
Second, while (FTP) supports both the control and data connection, HTTP is designed to only support the latter.
Third, unlike (FTP), which typically requires authentication, HTTP does not—which is exactly why anyone in the world can freely access non-restricted web pages.
Finally, while FTP is designed to save any file transferred to the client computer’s memory, HTTP is not.
Question #2: How does file transfer protocol (FTP) work?
File transfer protocol (FTP) works by outlining (and implementing) the rules for uploading and downloading files over an internet connection. It requires two active communications channels between a client and a server computer, a command channel to control the communication, and finally, a data channel to handle the transmission of files.
There are three types of (FTP):
- FTP plain
- FTPS
- FTPES
Let us take a look at each one in more detail:
FTP plain, as the name suggests, is the most basic type of FTP with zero encryption. It is the type supported by most modern web browsers.
The ‘S’ in FTPS stands for ‘secure’. This is because unlike FTP plain, it uses secure sockets layer (SSL) to encrypt the data transferred between the client and server computer during an FTP transmission. Needless to say, it is a more secure form of FTP compared to FTP plain.
Finally, FTPES stands for ‘file transfer protocol over explicit transport layer security’. It uses TLS/SSL encryption during data transmission and tends to work better with firewalls than the first two types.
Question #3: What are the benefits of using (FTP)?
The biggest benefit of using file transfer protocol (FTP) is that it can be used to transfer multiple massive files at once with zero issues. As long as you have a stable internet connection and the client computer has enough space to store the files, there is no limit to the size and quantity of files you can send in one go using FTP.
You can check this article from FTP Today, to learn more about the benefits of FTP.
Question #4: What are the downsides to using (FTP)?
The biggest downside to using file transfer protocol (FTP) is that it lacks security. Again, in its most basic form, it does not encrypt the data transferred between the client and server computers. This means that any data—including sensitive information such as usernames and passwords—you upload, download, or manage using FTP can be easily accessed by anyone who knows what they are doing.
This is exactly why if you plan to transfer sensitive files and information over the internet, it is always a good idea to use an encrypted method to do so, such as FTPS. In fact, even modern browsers are slowly starting to drop support for basic FTP and moving over to more secure alternatives.
Some people—including IT professionals—however, still use FTP to either transfer low-value data over the internet or move multiple massive files from one location to another within a closed network.