File Transfer Protocol: Difference between revisions
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'''FTP''' or '''file transfer protocol''' is a commonly used protocol for exchanging files over any network that supports the TCP/IP protocol (such as the Internet or an intranet). There are two computers involved in an FTP transfer: a server and a client. The '''FTP server''', running FTP server software, listens on the network for connection requests from other computers. The client computer, running '''FTP client''' software, initiates a connection to the server. Once connected, the client can do a number of file manipulation operations such as uploading files to the server, download files from the server, rename or delete files on the server and so on. Any software company or individual programmer is able to create FTP server or client software because the protocol is an open standard. Virtually every computer platform supports the FTP protocol. This allows any computer connected to a TCP/IP based network to manipulate files on another computer on that network regardless of which operating systems are involved (if the computers permit FTP access). | '''FTP''' or '''file transfer protocol''' is a commonly used protocol for exchanging files over any network that supports the TCP/IP protocol (such as the Internet or an intranet). There are two computers involved in an FTP transfer: a server and a client. The '''FTP server''', running FTP server software, listens on the network for connection requests from other computers. The client computer, running '''FTP client''' software, initiates a connection to the server. Once connected, the client can do a number of file manipulation operations such as uploading files to the server, download files from the server, rename or delete files on the server and so on. Any software company or individual programmer is able to create FTP server or client software because the protocol is an open standard. Virtually every computer platform supports the FTP protocol. This allows any computer connected to a TCP/IP based network to manipulate files on another computer on that network regardless of which operating systems are involved (if the computers permit FTP access). | ||
== Specifications == | |||
*[http://filezilla-project.org/specs/rfc0959.txt RFC <b></b>959] "FILE TRANSFER PROTOCOL"<br />This document describes the basic FTP protocol. | |||
*[http://filezilla-project.org/specs/rfc0854.txt RFC <b></b>854] "TELNET PROTOCOL SPECIFICATION"<br />The FTP protocol is implemented on top of Telnet which is specified in this document. Especially the specification of the NVT (Network Virtual Terminal) is of importance. | |||
=== Protocol extensions === | |||
* [http://filezilla-project.org/specs/rfc2228.txt RFC <b></b>2228] "FTP Security Extensions"<br />This document describes the mechanism to use different authentication and encryption schemes using commands like AUTH, PROT and related new commands. | |||
* [http://filezilla-project.org/specs/rfc2389.txt RFC <b></b>2389] "Feature negotiation mechanism for the File Transfer Protocol"<br />Describes the FEAT command to detect available feature extensions and the OPTS command to change the behaviour of some features. | |||
Revision as of 15:40, 9 October 2006
FTP or file transfer protocol is a commonly used protocol for exchanging files over any network that supports the TCP/IP protocol (such as the Internet or an intranet). There are two computers involved in an FTP transfer: a server and a client. The FTP server, running FTP server software, listens on the network for connection requests from other computers. The client computer, running FTP client software, initiates a connection to the server. Once connected, the client can do a number of file manipulation operations such as uploading files to the server, download files from the server, rename or delete files on the server and so on. Any software company or individual programmer is able to create FTP server or client software because the protocol is an open standard. Virtually every computer platform supports the FTP protocol. This allows any computer connected to a TCP/IP based network to manipulate files on another computer on that network regardless of which operating systems are involved (if the computers permit FTP access).
Specifications
- RFC 959 "FILE TRANSFER PROTOCOL"
This document describes the basic FTP protocol. - RFC 854 "TELNET PROTOCOL SPECIFICATION"
The FTP protocol is implemented on top of Telnet which is specified in this document. Especially the specification of the NVT (Network Virtual Terminal) is of importance.
Protocol extensions
- RFC 2228 "FTP Security Extensions"
This document describes the mechanism to use different authentication and encryption schemes using commands like AUTH, PROT and related new commands. - RFC 2389 "Feature negotiation mechanism for the File Transfer Protocol"
Describes the FEAT command to detect available feature extensions and the OPTS command to change the behaviour of some features.
