Learn About FTP

FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol.  FTP is a standard network protocol, used to transfer files between computers via the internet [TCP/IP].    Whether you are checking your email, visiting a web site or downloading files, you are using TCP/IP.  FTP uses two different ports for data transfer.  Port 21 is used for data transfer and 20 is used for creating a connection between the client and server.  FTP does not take any precautions to protect information transmitted during a upload session.  This session includes your username, password, and any files to be transmitted in a plain text format.

FTPS (FTP-SSL) - FTPS is an extension to standard FTP and adds security to file transfer.  FTPS is split into:

• Explicit FTPS: After establishing the connection, it is required that FTP client should send a specific command to the server for establishing the SSL link.  If a client does not request security, the FTPS server can either allow the client to continue insecure or refuse the connection.  Default FTP Server port(21) is used. 

• Implicit FTPS: In Implicit FTPS,   security is automatically turned on as soon as the FTP client makes a connection to an FTP server.  In this case, the FTP server defines a specific port for the client (990) to be used for secure connections. 

SFTP(Secured File Transfer Protocol) – SFTP is a program that uses SSH to transfer files.  It typically runs on port 22.  Unlike FTP/S, SFTP does not have the concept of separate command and data channels.  Instead both data and commands are transferred in specially formatted packets via a single connection.