What is FTP?
•FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol.
• Standard network protocol to transfer files over TCP/IP.
• Introduced in the early 1970s (RFC 959 – 1985).
• Works on client-server architecture.
3.
History & Background
•Developed by Abhay Bhushan in 1971 (RFC 114).
• Used in ARPANET (early internet).
• RFC 959 (1985) is the current standard.
• Secure versions: FTPS and SFTP.
4.
Why FTP isUsed
• Upload/download files from remote servers.
• Website maintenance – web pages and media.
• Backup and large file transfer.
• Remote file sharing and collaboration.
5.
How FTP Works– Basics
• Client-server model: client requests, server responds.
• Uses two ports:
• - Port 21: control connection (commands).
• - Port 20: data connection (file transfer).
6.
FTP Modes –Active vs Passive
• Active Mode: client opens port, server connects back.
• Passive Mode: server opens port, client connects.
• Passive mode is firewall-friendly and more common now.
7.
FTP Commands
• USER– login username
• PASS – password
• LIST – list files
• RETR – retrieve (download) file
• STOR – store (upload) file
• QUIT – end session
8.
FTP Process (Step-by-Step)
•Client connects via port 21.
• Authenticates with username/password.
• Chooses active or passive mode.
• Uses commands to transfer files.
• Ends connection with QUIT.
9.
FTP vs OtherProtocols
• FTP – Port 21, No encryption, File transfers.
• FTPS – Port 21/990, SSL/TLS encryption.
• SFTP – Port 22, SSH-based file transfer.
• HTTP/HTTPS – Port 80/443, Web content.
10.
Pros and Consof FTP
• Pros: Simple, good for large files, widely supported.
• Cons: No encryption, insecure, replaced by secure protocols.
11.
Modern Usage &Security
• Still used in web hosting and legacy systems.
• For secure transfers, use FTPS or SFTP.
• Avoid plain FTP for sensitive data.
12.
Real Life Example
•Open FileZilla client.
• Connect to hosting server with credentials.
• Upload files to /public_html/.
• Website updates instantly.
13.
Tools that UseFTP
• FileZilla – popular FTP client.
• Other tools: WinSCP, Cyberduck, Transmit.
• cPanel and other web hosting panels use FTP.
14.
Summary
• FTP =classic file transfer protocol.
• Uses ports 21 (control) and 20 (data).
• Basic but insecure – use FTPS/SFTP.
• Still used in web development.
