Difference between FTP and TFTP

FTP and TFTP are application layer protocols that aid in transferring files from a server to a client and from a client to a server. FTP is far more complicated than TFTP. There are some important distinctions between FTP and TFTP. TFTP uses a single connection when transferring files between the client and the server, whereas FTP uses two connections. The connections utilized in FTP are TCP ports 20 and 21 for the control connection. In contrast, the TFTP makes use of UDP port 69.

In this article, you will learn about the difference between FTP and TFTP. But before discussing the differences, you must know about FTP and TFTP and their advantages and disadvantages.

What is FTP?

FTP is an abbreviation for "File Transfer Protocol". The FTP protocol transmits or copies files from one host to another. However, there can be issues like different file names and directories when sending and receiving files in different hosts or systems. Furthermore, FTP does not provide a secure channel for transferring files across sites or systems. FTP uses two ports: 20 and 21. One is for data, while the other is for connection control. This FTP protocol is based on the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP).

Advantages and Disadvantages of FTP

There are various advantages and disadvantages of FTP. Some main advantages and disadvantages of FTP are as follows:

Advantages

1. It is simple to use and implement.
2. There is no need to worry about losing a connection while uploading data because you may resume it later. The data transfer can be stopped and then resumed at any time.
3. All users of the operating systems (Linux, Windows, and Mac) can successfully connect to the server using the FTP or Secure FTP protocol.
4. It sends info to control commands over a separate TCP connection. It allows for faster data transport.
5. It is a connection-oriented protocol with powerful control commands.

Disadvantages

1. It needs large memory and programming.
2. It doesn't enable server-to-server copy and recursive directory removal tasks.
3. It is difficult to script jobs utilizing the FTP protocol.
4. When sending files via FTP, compliance may be an issue.
5. Filtering active FTP connections on your local system is a difficult task.

What is TFTP?

TFTP is an abbreviation for "Trivial File Transfer Protocol". It is a sample protocol that is commonly used for file transmission. TFTP employs the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) to transport data from one end to the other. In comparison to the FTP, it is very simple in design and has limited functionalities (FTP). TFTP doesn't provide authentication or security while transferring data. As a result, boot data or configuration files are typically shared between computer systems in a local setup. It aids in booting devices and systems that lack storage devices or hard disk drives because utilizing a small amount of memory may be easily installed. It is primarily used for booting systems that store configuration on a remote TFTP server. It operates on Port number 69, and its service is given by UDP.

Advantages and Disadvantages of TFTP

There are various advantages and disadvantages of TFTP. Some main advantages and disadvantages of TFTP are as follows:

Advantages

1. It utilizes the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) protocol.
2. It is very easy to use and implement.
3. It needs minimum coding.
4. It needs minimum memory utilization.
5. It is a faster file transfer protocol.

Disadvantages

1. It doesn't offer file security as compared to FTP.
2. It doesn't list the directory's contents.
3. It is an unsecured FTP.
4. There is no encryption or authentication mechanism.

Main Differences between FTP and TFTP

Here, you will learn the main differences between FTP and TFTP. Some main differences between FTP and TFTP are as follows:

1. FTP is an abbreviation for File Transfer Protocol. In contrast, TFTP is an abbreviation for Trivial File Transfer Protocol.
2. FTP uses two connections to establish an FTP connection: the first is a control connection on port number 20, and the second is a data connection on port number 21. In contrast, TFTP only uses one connection established at port 69 for file transfer.
3. FTP allows user authentication. In contrast, TFTP doesn't allow user authentication.
4. Remote users utilize the FTP protocol to download and upload files. In contrast, TFTP is mainly used to transfer configurations to network devices.
5. FTP protocol is a connection-oriented service. In contrast, the TFTP protocol is a connection-less service.
6. FTP protocol utilizes a lot of commands to perform tasks. In contrast, the TFTP protocol utilizes five messages to perform tasks.
7. FTP protocol uses robust control commands. In contrast, the TFTP protocol uses simple commands.
8. FTP protocol uses robust control commands. In contrast, the TFTP protocol uses simple commands.
9. FTP protocol needs large memory and programming efforts. In contrast, the TFTP protocol needs less memory and programming efforts.
10. FTP protocol specified in RFC959 document. In contrast, the TFTP protocol is specified in the RFC783 document.

Head-to-head comparison between FTP and TFTP

Here, you will learn the head-to-head comparisons between FTP and TFTP. The main differences between FTP and TFTP are as follows:

Conclusion

In summary, both FTP and TFTP are File Transfer Protocols. Both TFTP and FTP protocols send data in plaintext and are widely utilized by the industry. The key distinction between these protocols is that FTP is a connection-oriented service, whereas TFTP is a connection-less service.