File Transfer
File Transfer Protocols: Overview
File transfer protocols enable the movement of files between devices over a network. Below are key file transfer protocols, their port numbers, use cases, and security considerations.
1. File Transfer Protocols and Their Characteristics
| Protocol | Port(s) | How It’s Used | When It’s Used | Where It’s Used |
| FTP (File Transfer Protocol) | 21 (control), 20 (data) | Transfers files between client and server; lacks encryption | Used for public file downloads or internal networks where security is not a concern | Web hosting, internal file transfers |
| FTPS (FTP Secure – SSL/TLS) | 990 (Implicit), 21 (Explicit) | Secure version of FTP; encrypts data with SSL/TLS | Used when secure file transfers are required | Secure enterprise data exchange |
| SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) | 22 | Transfers files over an SSH connection | Used for secure file transfer | System administration, backups, cloud services |
| SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) | 22 | Secure file copying over SSH | Used to copy files securely between hosts | System administration, automated scripts |
| TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) | 69 | Simplified file transfer without authentication | Used in network booting and firmware updates | Network devices, embedded systems |
| SMB (Server Message Block) | 445 | Allows shared access to files and printers in Windows networks | Used for file sharing and remote access | Corporate networks, Windows environments |
2. How These File Transfer Protocols Are Used
- FTP & FTPS: Used to upload website files to a web server.
- SFTP & SCP: Used by system administrators for secure file transfers.
- TFTP: Used to upload firmware updates to network devices.
- SMB: Used for shared folders in Windows networks.
3. Analogy for File Transfer Protocols
Imagine different ways of sending a package:
- FTP is like sending an open package through regular mail—anyone can inspect the contents.
- FTPS is like sending the package through a courier with a sealed lock.
- SFTP/SCP is like using a high-security delivery service requiring ID verification.
- TFTP is like handing off a package at an unattended drop-off with no tracking.
- SMB is like sharing a filing cabinet in an office where multiple people can access the files.