In the active FTP mode, the server takes an active role by approving a request for data. It’s also important to note that there are two distinct FTP connection modes: active and passive. Put very simply, “ports” are numbers used to identify information transactions over a network. To establish a connection, users will need to provide credentials to the FTP server, which typically uses port number 21 as its default mode of communication. Data channel: transfers the file data between the two devices.Command channel: initiates the instruction, carries basic information, i.e., which files to access.

As such, an FTP protocol requires two basic channels to establish a connection: In other words, the client requests the files, and the server provides them. How does FTP work?įTP is a client-server protocol. Therefore, at the most basic level, FTP servers are the midpoint between the recipient and the sender. Alternatively, when you download files, they’ll be transferred from the server to your personal device. When you upload files, they’ll be transferred from your personal device to the server. They perform two simple tasks: “get” and “put.” You can either “get” files from the FTP server or “put” files on the FTP server. It might sound complicated, but FTP servers are simply computers that have an FTP address and are dedicated to receiving FTP connections. What is an FTP server?įTP servers are software applications that enable the transfer of files from one device (i.e., a Mac, Windows, or Linux computer) to another. FTP is simply the protocol used to move files around. For sending and receiving instant messages, you’ll use XMPP. When you use the internet, you’re actually using a range of different protocols. FTP is the set of rules that devices on a TCP/IP network (the internet) use to transfer files. Essentially, a “protocol,” or internet protocol, is a set of procedures or rules that allow electronic devices to communicate with one another.

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