File Transfer Protocols
These protocols are used to transfer files across networks, offering different levels of security, reliability, and platform support.
Protocol |
Description |
Use Case |
---|---|---|
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) |
Standard protocol for transferring files over TCP, but lacks encryption. Widely used but not secure unless combined with tunneling or encryption layers. |
Internal file transfers in trusted networks. |
FTPS (FTP Secure) |
FTP over SSL/TLS encryption for secure data transmission. Encrypts both commands and data — supports certificates and secure authentication. |
Secure file transfer over the internet. |
SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) |
File transfer protocol over SSH. Provides full encryption and secure authentication. |
Secure transfers and remote file management over SSH. |
SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) |
Simple and fast file transfer over SSH. One-way secure copy; lacks advanced features like resume or GUI. |
Quick secure file copies between Unix/Linux systems. |
TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) |
Lightweight file transfer without authentication or encryption. Used in LANs and for bootstrapping network devices (e.g., PXE). |
Transferring firmware or boot images to devices. |
NFS (Network File System) |
Allows shared access to files over a network, mainly in Unix/Linux systems. Mounts remote file systems as if they were local. |
Centralized file storage and sharing within a network. |
RFC: RFC 959
Main Features:
Standard protocol for file transfers over TCP (ports 20 and 21)
Allows file upload/download, directory navigation, and file operations
Does not provide encryption for commands or data
Supports anonymous and authenticated access
Widely supported across operating systems
Use Cases:
Internal file transfers in trusted networks
Legacy systems and applications that require FTP support
Bulk data upload/download in low-security environments
Alternative Protocols:
FTPS – FTP with SSL/TLS encryption
SFTP – Secure file transfer over SSH
SCP – Simple, secure file copy
TFTP – Lightweight transfers for device booting
Let us learn more about FTP:
RFC: RFC 4217
Main Features:
FTP enhanced with SSL/TLS encryption for control and data channels
Supports secure authentication with certificates or credentials
Explicit (AUTH TLS) and implicit encryption modes available
Compatible with many FTP clients and servers
Use Cases:
Secure file transfer over public or untrusted networks
Compliance-driven environments requiring encryption (e.g., PCI-DSS)
Secure publishing of data or logs to external partners
Alternative Protocols:
SFTP – Secure alternative with simpler firewall handling
SCP – Lightweight secure copy with fewer dependencies
HTTPS-based file transfer portals
Let us learn more about FTPS:
RFC: Part of SSH-2 protocol (Draft Standard)
Main Features:
File transfer protocol built on SSH (port 22)
Provides strong encryption and authentication
Supports remote file manipulation (rename, delete, permissions)
Resistant to packet sniffing and man-in-the-middle attacks
Use Cases:
Secure file transfers and automation (cron jobs, CI/CD)
Remote file management over secure tunnels
File exchange with servers over the internet
Alternative Protocols:
SCP – Simplified file transfer over SSH
FTPS – FTP with SSL/TLS
rsync over SSH – For incremental file syncing
RFC: None (based on SSH)
Main Features:
Secure, fast file transfer protocol using SSH (port 22)
Simple syntax for single-session transfers
Lacks features like resume, progress tracking, or directory listing
Available on most Unix/Linux systems by default
Use Cases:
Quick secure file copies between Unix/Linux systems
Simple remote backups or file pushes
Transferring files in automated SSH scripts
Alternative Protocols:
SFTP – Feature-rich secure file transfer
rsync – Efficient file sync and transfer over SSH
FTPS – Secure alternative using standard FTP architecture
Let us learn more about SCP:
RFC: RFC 1350
Main Features:
Very simple file transfer protocol over UDP (port 69)
No authentication, encryption, or directory support
Ideal for constrained environments or bootstrapping
Limited to read/write of preconfigured files
Use Cases:
Transferring firmware or boot images (e.g., PXE boot)
Embedded systems and networking devices
Simple LAN-based file delivery without user interaction
Alternative Protocols:
FTP – For more complex file transfers
NFS – For persistent file sharing in local networks
HTTP/HTTPS – For firmware distribution with progress/validation
Learn More About TFTP
RFC: RFC 1094 (v2), RFC 1813 (v3), RFC 7530 (v4)
Main Features:
Distributed file system protocol for sharing directories/files over LAN
Allows remote mounting of file systems as if they were local
Stateless (v2/v3) or stateful (v4) client-server architecture
Supports file locking, permissions, and access control
Use Cases:
Centralized file storage across Unix/Linux systems
Home directory sharing in enterprise and academic environments
High-performance computing clusters with shared data
Alternative Protocols:
SMB/CIFS – Windows-based file sharing
WebDAV – HTTP-based file system access
FTP/SFTP – For simpler file-based transfers
Let us learn more about NFS: