Overview

FTP is an abbreviation for file transfer protocol. It is a standard communication protocol shown on a computer network to transfer computer records from a server to a client. It is also the architecture of a client and server model. It also supervises connectivity between the client and the server.

FTP

Description

• FTP is used to transfer files from one system to another over a TCP/IP network.
• FTP is an acronym for file transfer protocol, which is used to exchange files over the internet. It functions similarly to the HTTP protocol.
• FTP is a method of sending and retrieving files over the internet without the use of an email address or a password. It transfers large amounts of data at once.
• In FTP, both the sender and the receiver have the FTP host's username and password. It only authenticates the authorised user.
• When a user sends data to a recipient, the data is encrypted to ensure data security.
• In FTP, there are two modes of communication. The first is Active mode, while the second is Passive mode. Both modes are used to safely transfer files.

History

File transfer protocol (FTP) is an Internet tool provided by TCP/IP. The first feature of FTP is developed by Abhay Bhushan in 1971. It helps to transfer files from one computer to another by providing access to directories or folders on remote computers and allows software, data, text file to be transferred between different kinds of computers. The end-user in the connection is known as localhost and the server which provides data is known as the remote host.

Goals

• It promotes direct use of distant computers.
• Users are protected from system changes through it operating system, directory structures, file structures, etc.
• Sharing of files and other kinds of material is encouraged.

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How it works?

The operation of ftp is very simple; when a user sends a file via ftp, the files are uploaded from the user's computer to the FTP server. When a user requires a file, they can download it from the ftp server. Ftp is a very fast and efficient protocol. It was also suitable for transferring large files.
• There 2 communication channels between client and the server.
1. Control Connection
This creates the connection on port number 21 as well as the primary connection. It is also used to send commands back and forth between client and server over the internet. It is used to send and receive orders as well as responses. To establish a connection, a user must normally log in to the FTP server, though some servers make all of their content available without requiring a login. They are known as anonymous FTP servers.
2. Data Connection
To send a file to a recipient, establish a data connection. Port 20 is used to establish a data connection. Because it uses a separate control connection, FTP sends control information out-of-band. Some protocols use the same TCP connection to send the request and response header lines, as well as the contents.

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Advantages of FTP

• It's faster than HTTP.

• Speedy file transfer

• FTP is a protocol for transferring numerous files and directories.

• Almost every host supports it.

• Many clients include a connectivity tool..

• The ability to queue items for sending and receiving data.

• It has feature of backup system that runs automatically.

• There are no size restrictions on single transfers.

Disadvantages of FTP

• Passwords, usernames, and files are all transferred in plain text.

• When shopping for an FTP provider, keep in mind that encryption isn't always available or enforced.

• Every service does not provide or enforce encryption by default.

• It is possible to find a vendor who offers data encryption, many others do not. Because FTP lacks encryption, transferred data is extremely easy to intercept.

• Spoofing attacks, in which a hacker impersonates a genuine user or device on the network, are also possible

Types of FTP

FTP

FTP is intended for both single and large file transfers.
You shouldn't have any compatibility issues because it's been around for a while. It's likely that your trading partner will be able to exchange data through it.

HTTP

FTP is made to manage both small and large file transfers. You shouldn't experience any compatibility concerns because it has been around for a while. There's a significant chance that your trading partner will be able to share data through it.

FTPS

All the advantages of FTP are available when using FTPS, including SSL's additional security features like data-in-motion encryption and server and client authentication. Due to the fact that FTPS is based on FTP, the same firewall issues that FTP has still apply.

HTTPS

HTTPS is the encrypted variation of HTTP. If you don't like having to install client programmes for your end users and a large portion of your end consumers are non-technical, this can be your best alternative. It is more dependable and user-friendly than FTP/S.

SFTP

SFTP is built on SSH, a safe protocol that, like SSL, supports client/server authentication and data encryption in transit.
SFTP has higher firewall friendliness than FTPS, which is frequently used as a comparison.

SCP

This is an older, more rudimentary iteration of SFTP. It makes use of SSH as well, therefore it shares the same security features. However, if you're using a recent version of SSH, you'll already have access to SCP and SFTP. SCP is inferior to SFTP in my opinion since it offers fewer functionalities.

WebDav

(Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning).Here's one that is much more versatile than merely a file transfer tool. The primary application of WebDAV, an HTTP-based technology, is for collaborative operations. With WebDAV, users will be able to do more than just exchange files. Even if they are working on the same file from separate locations, they will be able to collaborate on it. Enterprises that require distributed writing, like universities and research institutes, are probably best suited for WebDAV.

WebDavs

A more secure version of WebDAV is called WebDAVS. Like WebDAV, WebDAVS also uses HTTPS rather than HTTP. All of WebDAV's benefits are present, plus SSL's extra security.

TFTP

(Trivial File Transfer Protocol).Unlike the others, you won't be exchanging spreadsheets, documents, or pictures with this file transfer protocol. In reality, using this won't allow you to share data with devices outside of your network. TFTP is better suited for network management tasks like network booting, backing up configuration files, and installing operating systems via a network.

Similarities Between TCP/IP and OSI Mode

• Both the TCP/IP and OSI models support layered information processing and logical networking. Each layer in both systems has a specific function. This makes it simpler to identify the issue's origin in the event of a failure.

• For instance, in both models, you may isolate any flaws in the hardware layer (TCP/IP) or the data connection layer (OSI) to determine whether data is not being sent to a hardware device appropriately.

Differences Between the TCP/IP and OSI Model

• The OSI model splits various functions into single layers, but the TCP/IP model does not, and this is the key difference between the two models. This holds true for the application and network access levels of the TCP/IP paradigm, both of which have multiple layers according to the OSI model.
• There is a substantial difference when using the TCP/IP model that can make repairing problems and enhancing performance more difficult. You can utilize the OSI model to narrow your attention to the application layer, presentation layer, or session layer in order to determine why data isn't coming out the way you want it to.

References

File transfer protocol (FTP). GeeksforGeeks. (2021, July 20). Retrieved July 20, 2022, from

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/file-transfer-protocol-ftp/

Wikipedia contributors. (2022, July 15). File Transfer Protocol. Wikipedia.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File_Transfer_Protocol

G., D. (2022, March 10). What is FTP: FTP Explained for Beginners. Hostinger Tutorials.
https://www.hostinger.com/tutorials/what-is-ftp

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Deliverable #2

Student Assignment Submission Form
We declare that the attached assignment is our own work in accordance with Seneca Academic Policy. No part of this assignment has been copied manually or electronically from any other source (including web sites) or distributed to other students.
Name(s) ID
Subash Paudel Chhetri 149024218
Yash Mulchandani 156489213
Jahanvi Jitendrakumar Randhejiya 113194211