FTP can be used by backup services or individual users to backup data from one location to a secured backup server running FTP services. Without FTP, file and data transfer can be managed with other mechanisms - such as email or an HTTP web service - but those other options lack the clarity of focus, precision and control that FTP enables.įTP is used for file transfers between one system and another, and it has several common use cases, including the following: Why is FTP important and what is it used for?įTP is a standard network protocol that can enable expansive file transfer capabilities across IP networks. Web browsers can also serve as FTP clients. Users can work with FTP via a simple command-line interface - from a console or terminal window in Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS or Linux - or with a dedicated graphical user interface. Because passive mode has the client initiating all connections, it works well across firewalls and network address translation gateways. The server uses the command channel to send the client the information it needs to open a data channel. After a client initiates a session via a command channel request, the server creates a data connection back to the client and begins transferring data. Using FTP, a client can upload, download, delete, rename, move and copy files on a server.įTP sessions work in active or passive modes:.The client initiates a conversation with the server when the user requests to download a file.A user typically needs to log on to the FTP server, although some servers make some or all of their content available without a login, a model known as anonymous FTP.Here is how a typical FTP transfer works: How does FTP work?įTP is a client-server protocol that relies on two communications channels between the client and server: a command channel for controlling the conversation and a data channel for transmitting file content. It is also sometimes used to download new applications via web browsers. Servers must be set up to run FTP services, and the client must have FTP software installed to access these services.Īlthough many file transfers can be conducted using Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) - another protocol in the TCP/IP suite - FTP is still commonly used to transfer files behind the scenes for other applications, such as banking services.
Both computers need to be connected via a network and configured properly to transfer files via FTP. The second computer involved in FTP is a remote host, which is usually a server. In an FTP transaction, the end user's computer is typically called the local host. Within the TCP/IP suite, FTP is considered an application layer protocol.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a network protocol for transmitting files between computers over Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol ( TCP/IP) connections.
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