What is FTP (File Transfer Protocol)?

What is FTP (File Transfer Protocol)?

Have you ever wondered how files move between your computer and your website?

That’s where FTP — File Transfer Protocol — comes in. Think of it as the digital courier service of the internet, designed specifically to move files between devices over a network.

Originally developed in the 1970s, FTP was one of the first ways to upload website content, share files, and create online backups. While newer and more secure methods exist today, FTP remains a reliable tool for simple and direct file management.

This guide will walk you through how FTP works, its key features, and its limitations — and when you should use SFTP or FTPS instead.

 How Does FTP Work?

FTP operates using the TCP/IP model, which powers most of the Internet today.

It follows a client–server structure — meaning one device (the client) connects to another device (the server) to upload, download, or manage files.

You can connect using:

• A desktop FTP client (like FileZilla or Cyberduck)
• Command line tools
• Or through your web hosting control panel (like cPanel or Plesk)

 The Connection Process

Here’s how a typical FTP session works:

1. Establish Connection

• Enter your hostname (or IP), username, and password in your FTP client.
• Some servers also support anonymous FTP (no login required).

Communication Channels

FTP uses two channels:

• Control Channel (Port 21): Handles commands like upload, rename, or delete.
• Data Channel: Transfers the actual files.

Transfer Files

Once connected, you can upload, download, rename, copy, or delete files. Disconnect

After finishing, close the client or click “Disconnect.” FTP does not store active sessions.

 FTP Modes: Active vs Passive

Because of firewalls and network setups, FTP uses two connection modes:

•  Active Mode

The client provides an IP and port, and the server initiates the data connection. This can fail on restrictive networks where incoming connections are blocked.

 Best for: trusted, open networks (like office LANs).

•  Passive Mode

The server provides the IP and port, and the client initiates the data connection. This avoids most firewall issues — and is the default in modern FTP clients.

 Best for: public networks, routers, or firewalled environments.

• Key Features of FTP

FTP remains popular because of its simplicity and versatility. Here are its main capabilities:

• File Transfers: Upload and download files between your computer and server.
• Directory Management: Create, rename, move, and delete folders remotely.
• Transfer Modes:
• • ASCII Mode: For plain text files — ensures compatibility across systems.
  • Binary Mode: For images, videos, executables — keeps files intact.
• Batch Transfers: Queue or resume multiple uploads/downloads.
• User Authentication: Uses username and password for secure access.
• Command Line Access: Advanced users can manage files directly via terminal.
• Security Add-ons:
• • SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol): Encrypts both login and data.
  • FTPS (FTP Secure): Adds SSL/TLS encryption to standard FTP.

•  Drawbacks of FTP

Although widely used, FTP has several weaknesses to be aware of:

•  Lack of Encryption

Standard FTP transfers data in plain text — meaning your login and files can be intercepted. Use SFTP or FTPS for encrypted connections:

• SFTP (Port 22): Uses SSH for secure file transfers.
• FTPS (Port 21 + SSL/TLS): Uses certificates to protect data.

•  Firewall & Network Issues

Active mode connections can be blocked by firewalls. Passive mode solves this but requires open ports on the server.

•  Limited User Management

Admins must manually create user accounts and directory permissions.

•  Outdated Design

FTP hasn’t been updated since 2010, lacks modern speed and compression features, and has limited integrity checks.

•  Basic Logging

FTP logs show file names and timestamps but lack detailed activity tracking or security context.

•  When Should You Use FTP?

 Use FTP or SFTP when:

• Uploading or editing website files
• Migrating backups or log archives
• Sharing large datasets with trusted users

Avoid using plain FTP on public networks — use SFTP or FTPS instead.

• FTP with Thamara Cloud

All Thamara Cloud hosting plans support:

• FTP – Standard file transfer
• SFTP (SSH) – Secure file transfer
• FTPS (SSL/TLS) – Encrypted FTP

You can connect using your preferred client, such as FileZilla, WinSCP, or Cyberduck.See our setup guide: [How to Connect to Your Hosting Account via FTP] (link placeholder).

Updated on: 03/11/2025