What is an FTP Server? Overview and How It Works

Have you ever wanted a dependable method to transfer and update data on your website or found it strenuous to deliver a heavy video file via email? FTP servers provide an answer.

Thanks to them, large files that might otherwise be challenging to handle may now be transferred securely and efficiently. Consider photographers sending clients or companies high-resolution photos so they may share large datasets for analysis. FTP excels in these situations.

Let’s examine what an FTP server is, its operation, and its continued relevance in our globalised society.

Understanding FTP Server

In essence, an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server is computer software that facilitates file exchange over a TCP/IP network using a shared network protocol.

Think of it as a digital post office that was created primarily to manage file transfers. The server and the client are the two primary participants in this protocol, which functions at the network level inside a client-server architecture.

Another name for the FTP server is a machine that hosts file collections and runs FTP server software. To service the greatest number of clients, large FTP sites can be operated by multiple computers.

Key Benefits of FTP Servers

The two main tasks that FTP servers carry out are uploading (“Put”) and downloading (“Get”) files.

Data is moved from your machine to the server when you upload files. On the other hand, files are transferred from the server to your PC when you download them.

In addition to these fundamental features, FTP enables safe file sharing via the internet. Users may rename files, manage files, make folders, and manage access permissions with it.

Because of this, FTP servers are beneficial for data backups, software distribution, and website maintenance.

Additional Benefits

• You can use FTP servers to let your clients download white papers and documentation or if you have remote workers who need to upload non-confidential data, such as timesheets.
• You can set up a FTP server to share non-sensitive information with business associates.
• To access their data if their files are physically destroyed, some people even use FTP servers for offsite backup.

How FTP Works: A Step-By-Step Guide

Two connections are primarily established between the computers participating in the transfer for FTP to function. These links establish discrete channels of communication that guarantee effective data transfer.

• Command Channel: This channel starts the client-server exchange of commands and answers. It controls the entire conversation, much like the control centre.
• Data Channel: The actual data distribution takes place in the data channel. The sole purpose of this channel is to transfer the actual contents of the files.

This is how a conventional FTP transfer goes:

• The user accesses the FTP server. Anonymous FTP, which doesn’t require a login, may be available on some servers.
• To download a file, the client starts a dialogue with the server.
• A client can move, copy, rename, upload, download, and delete files on the server using FTP.

There are two ways that FTP sessions can function

1. Active Mode: In active mode, the server establishes a data connection back to the client and starts data transfer once a client initiates a session by a command channel request.
2. Passive Mode: In passive mode, the FTP client initiates both data and control connections to the FTP server, while the client dynamically opens a port and listens while the server actively connects to it. Because the client is starting all connections passively, it functions well with Network Address Translation gateways and firewalls.

Is an FTP Server Still Relevant?

Even if there are more modern file transmission techniques, FTP is still relevant due to its ease of use and broad compatibility and serving as a built-in support in many web browsers and operating systems.

Additionally, FTP servers are still utilised for specific reasons across a range of sectors, including:

• Web Development: Managing the files and content of a website
• Software Distribution: Supplying patches and updates for software
• Data Backup: Remote data storage for contingency
• Internal File Sharing: Facilitating file exchange within organisations is known as internal file sharing

Conclusion

FTP servers are programs designed to move files from one computer to another. They operate on a network, using a standard protocol to transfer data between a client and a server.

However, traditional FTP raises a few security issues. But, secure alternatives like SFTP and FTP/S offer better security.

For companies that require dependable file transfer, Crazy Domains has ideal hosting options that are scalable and safe, along with round-the-clock assistance and smooth FTP integration.

To start your own website, reach out to us now!