In computing, FTP is known as the acronym for File Transfer Protocol. It is a protocol for transferring information between systems connected to a TCP network (Transmission Control Protocol) which is based on the client-server architecture.
In alternate words, it’s a communication protocol that allows you to upload or download files from one computer (server) to another computer (client), irrespective of the operating system(OS) that both the computers use. For this, a TCP / IP network layer model is implemented with a password to establish a remote connection.
Connections established through an FTP are designed to be fast, this results in maximizing the rate of information transfer, but this is not secure as the information is handled as simple text. So, SCP & SFTP programs are generally used to encrypt the content of the connections and prevent third parties access to the information.
Before the invention of the TCP / IP protocol in 1971, a similar type of technology began (known as RFC 114) and its current version is published in 1985 (RFC 959). Usually, these types of connections are established by using ports 20 and 21 of the system.
Also Read: What Is A HEAT SINK And What Are Its Main Features In PC
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What is an FTP for?
FTPs are extremely useful for transferring huge amounts of data at a good pace from one computer to another without the need for removable media (compact discs, memory drives, etc.). This facilitates the transferring of data, especially if it is a significant volume.
Nowadays, FTPs are used to share editorial, visual and audiovisual work information areas, in which a huge volume of files are usually handled & worked remotely. Also in the mobilization of data through WAN and MAN, which are medium-sized networks used to upload information to the Internet.
What Is An FTP Client?
An FTP client is a computer program that is installed on a user’s computer, which allows you to access a server by using FTP protocols to upload/download data from it. This software allows the establishment of FTP or SFTP(more secure) connections, once a password and a specific address of the system are provided.
FTP clients are usually pre-installed on OS(operating systems) such as Windows, but we can choose more advanced programs to switch between different connection modes.
What Is An FTP Server?
An FTP server is a program designed to run on a computer connected to the Internet and this program fulfils the function of data provider in a network. This program manages all the connections and allows the information to flow from the different clients. These programs are not usually implemented in personal computers but the repositories of the information of large companies.
The difference between an FTP client and an FTP Server is that the same server can serve N number of clients as it is the central node of the information transfer.
