What Is: Ftp? File Transfer Protocol

[soleimanian 0]

FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. A protocol is a language that enables computers to speak to one another. FTP is used to make files and folders publicly available for transfer over the Internet. In some cases you may need to get permission from the network computer's administrator to log on and gain access to files on the computer. But often you'll find that you can use FTP to gain access to certain networks or servers without having an account, or being an official password holder, with that computer.

These "anonymous" FTP servers can contain a broad range of data that is publicly available through FTP.

The Internet address (URL) for an FTP server looks slightly different from the URL you use for a typical Web page.


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This is the Wikipedia definition of FTP:

The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a software standard for transferring computer files between machines with widely different operating systems. It belongs to the application layer of the Internet protocol suite.

FTP is an 8-bit client-server protocol, capable of handling any type of file without further processing, such as MIME or Uuencode. However, FTP has extremely high latency; that is, the time between beginning the request and starting to receive the required data can be quite long, and a sometimes-lengthy login procedure is required.

Overview

FTP is commonly run on two ports, 20 and 21. Port 20 is a data stream which transfers the data between the client and the server. Port 21 is the control stream and is the port where commands are passed to the ftp server. While data is being transferred via the data stream, the control stream sits idle. This can cause problems with large data transfers through firewalls which time out sessions after lengthy periods of idleness. While the file may well be successfully transferred, the control session can be disconnected by the firewall, causing an error to be generated.

The objectives of FTP are:

  1. To promote sharing of files (computer programs and/or data).
  2. To encourage indirect or implicit use of remote computers.
  3. To shield a user from variations in file storage systems among different hosts.
  4. To transfer data reliably and efficiently.

Disadvantages are:

  1. Passwords and file contents are sent in clear text, which can be intercepted by eavesdroppers.
  2. Multiple TCP/IP connections are used, one for the control connection, and one for each download, upload, or directory listing. Firewall software needs additional logic to account for these connections.
  3. It is hard to filter active mode FTP traffic on the client side by using a firewall, since the client must open an arbitrary port in order to receive the connection. This problem is largely resolved by using passive mode FTP.
  4. It is possible to abuse the protocol's built-in proxy features to tell a server to send data to an arbitrary port of a third computer.

FTP, though usable directly by a user at a terminal, is designed mainly for use by FTP client programs.

Many sites that run FTP servers enable so-called "anonymous ftp". Under this arrangement, users do not need an account on the server. By default, the account name for the anonymous access is 'anonymous'. This account does not need a password. Although users are commonly asked to send their email addresses as their passwords for authentication, usually there is trivial or no verification, depending on the FTP server and its configuration.
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The WikiPedia part has been added by me to make the post more complete. From now on we can use this post to reply to all the "What is FTP" type questions. No need of repeating the same stuff over and over again. Just provide a link to this topic. : m^e

Edited December 22, 2016 by OpaQue (see edit history)

[Troop107-Admin 0]

yes, the internet address if you want to connect to a FTP server is usuallyDomain: ftp.mydomain.comSub-domain:ftp.mydomain.astahost.comYour browser will usually prompt you for your username and password once you connect

[Hercco 0]

One thing that people far too often don't realize is that FTP is NOT a secure way of transferring data. It is surprising to see how much FTP is used with it being as big security problem as it is.First of all, FTP traffic is in NO WAY crypted. So when you log into your webhosts ftp server your username password travels through the net in plain text. You could train a monkey to sniff the password from the traffic. And second of all the architecture of FTP, being a two channeled system (one constantly open channel open for control messages and one channel opened and closed for each file transfer) it is a real pain in the *bottom* for firewalls. Especially active FTP, which is usually simply not allowed, as you may have noticed if you have tried contacting from behind your corporation's or university's firewall.There are ways created to make FTP more secure. Basically this means the use of either SSL or SSH. Although they're slighly slower to use, I'd advice everyone to use them, if available. One option is to forget whole FTP concept and use SCP, which requires a SSH access to the server. Gladly Xisto offers SSH access in all packeges which is a great thing. *thumbs up*

[OpaQue 15]

Due to recent server attacks and stuff, I have been given instructions, not to allow SSH. SO, I may shut down the SSH access for a while. If it is extremely urgent and important, member's are free to request, But i will have to go through some procdures to request for your specific amount. So, request only if you really need it.

[chino 0]

Is correct?user:pass@ftp.mydomain.astahost.comI think that when using the ftp into Windows, is not in pasive mode, is a doubt...Regards

[darkool 0]

oh yeah FTP rules i dont stop using it .... hehe .i use Flashfxp its a good FTP cliente i use it do access my computer browsing my own files inside my own computer , to create a server i use servu and i can set my username and password and access door (Port:21 to 9999) really cool

[darkool 0]

Is correct?

user:pass@ftp.mydomain.astahost.com

 

I think that when using the ftp into Windows, is not in pasive mode, is a doubt...

 

Regards

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

the correct one is user:pass@ip or url:door (some servers may change door )

[elmosh 0]

well if you use flash fxp.. you dont have problem.. is very simple ad easy.. excelent program to webmaster..i use a lot..

[flomarilius 0]

i might be wrong but FTP is basically what servers use to transer files from one to another?

[emersonbrum 0]

using FTP command how do i change to passive mode ?

[ruben1405241511 0]

Hey, I'd like to ask you what the best settings are, when working with Xisto FTP servers. I've an advanced ftp client integrated in Adobe Golive and I'm not sure what to do with the options It was really slow some time ago, so I was hoping to change something about it by using the right options. I searched the site and found one post, in which OpaQue said, that secure ftp was disabled. No problem for me, it just slows down anyway.But now I'm wondering about Passive Mode and Connection Keep Alive. I just turned off Passive Mode and it seems to work light speed compared to before. And Connection keep Alive: Is that just a simulation by GoLive and in fact it just connects again everytime you use the FTP? I tested a little and I think so. If it is not a simulation: Does it slow down the connection?Does anyone know if it is normal for the FTP to be slow, when you connect from Europe?Thanks a lot if you know more and if not my research might help anyway.

[allwazabsnt 0]

wow...well now i know what it means....i have always saw people mention FTP and now i know what it is! awsome time to spread my knowledge on to the other people that are like me and dont know what it is....which cant be many