FTP

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard network protocol used for transferring files between a client and a server on a computer network. FTP is commonly used to exchange files between computers, such as uploading web pages to a server or downloading files from a server.

Connecting to an FTP Server

There are several ways to connect to an FTP server:

• FTP Clients: Dedicated FTP client applications (e.g., FileZilla, WinSCP, Cyberduck) provide a user-friendly interface for connecting to FTP servers.

   * To connect, you'll typically need the FTP server address (hostname or IP address), port number (usually 21), username, and password.

• Command Line: Most operating systems have a built-in command-line FTP client.

   * To connect, open the command prompt or terminal and use the `ftp` command followed by the server address (e.g., `ftp ftp.example.com`).
   * You'll be prompted for a username and password.

• Web Browsers: While most modern web browsers no longer support FTP directly, older browsers or specific browser extensions might still allow FTP connections. It's generally recommended to use dedicated FTP clients for better functionality and security.

FTP connection and Pulsed Media

Pulsed Media does not support FTP connections. Use SFTP , port 22, connection type.

Transferring Files via FTP

Once connected to an FTP server, you can transfer files between your local computer and the server.

• Downloading Files:

   * In an FTP client, navigate to the directory on the server containing the files you want to download.
   * Select the files and choose the "Download" or "Get" option.
   * Specify the destination directory on your local computer to save the downloaded files.

• Uploading Files:

   * In an FTP client, navigate to the directory on your local computer containing the files you want to upload.
   * Select the files and choose the "Upload" or "Put" option.
   * Navigate to the desired directory on the server where you want to upload the files.

Security Considerations

• Plain Text Transmission: Standard FTP transmits data, including usernames and passwords, in plain text, making it vulnerable to interception.
• Secure Alternatives: For secure file transfers, consider using:

   * FTPS (FTP Secure): FTP over SSL/TLS, which encrypts the data.
   * SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol): A separate protocol built on SSH, providing secure file transfer capabilities.

See Also

• FTPS
• SFTP