Internet Protocols Questions Medium
The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard network protocol used for transferring files between a client and a server on a computer network. Its primary role is to facilitate the transfer of files from one computer to another over a TCP/IP-based network, such as the internet.
FTP allows users to upload, download, and manage files on remote servers. It provides a reliable and efficient method for transferring files, ensuring that data integrity is maintained during the process. FTP supports various file types, including text, images, audio, and video files.
The key role of FTP is to establish a connection between a client and a server, enabling the client to send commands and the server to respond accordingly. The client can authenticate itself using a username and password, granting access to specific directories and files on the server.
FTP also supports various operations, such as creating directories, renaming files, deleting files, and listing the contents of directories. It allows users to navigate through the directory structure of the server and perform file management tasks remotely.
Furthermore, FTP supports both active and passive modes of data transfer. In active mode, the client initiates the connection and specifies the port for data transfer, while in passive mode, the server specifies the port for data transfer. This flexibility ensures compatibility with different network configurations and firewall settings.
Overall, the role of FTP is to provide a standardized and efficient method for transferring files over a network, enabling users to share and access files remotely. It has been widely used for decades and continues to be an essential protocol for file transfer in various industries and applications.