What is FTP?

The File Transfer Protocol is a popular communication protocol used on computer networks to transfer files from a server to a client. In a client-server architecture, FTP uses separate control and data connections between the client and the server.

In an FTP transaction, the local host is frequently referred to as the end user's computer. The second machine in an FTP connection is called the remote host, which is often a server. Both computers must be networked and properly setup in order to send data over FTP. Clients must install FTP software and configure their servers to run FTP services in order to access these services.

Types of FTP

• Anonymous FTP - This is the most basic form of FTP. It permits data exchanges without encrypting data or requesting a username and password. The vast majority of the time, it is used to download freely distributable content.
• Password-protected FTP - Although the service may not be encrypted or secure, this basic FTP option also needs the usage of a username and password. Port 21 also functions with it.
• FTP Secure (FTPS) - Transport Layer Security (TLS) is made implicit by this technique, often referred to as FTP Secure Sockets Layer (FTP-SSL), as soon as an FTP connection is established. FTPS was initially used to enable a more secure means of FTP data delivery. Port 990 is typically used by default.
• FTP over explicit SSL/TLS (FTPES) - Explicit TLS support is enabled by converting an FTP connection on port 21 to an encrypted connection using this technique. This method is often used by web and file-sharing services to enable secure file transfers.
• Secure FTP (SFTP) - Even while it isn't precisely an FTP protocol, this one functions similarly. Instead, SFTP is a component of the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol and uses port 22. Systems administrators routinely utilize SSH, which includes the secure file transfer method SFTP, to safely access systems and applications from a distance.

Active or passive modes are used for FTP sessions:

• Active mode - The server establishes a data connection with the client and starts exchanging data once the client requests a session over a command channel.
• Passive mode - The client receives the information required to launch a data channel from the server via the command channel. Passive mode successfully navigates firewalls and network address translation gateways since all connections are started by the client in this mode.

How does FTP work?

An FTP connection needs two parties in order to be established and for communication to take place. Users must grant the FTP server authorization by providing their login credentials. It's possible that no login information is needed to see the files on a public FTP site. So-called anonymous FTP usually makes advantage of this technique.

There are two distinct communication routes when creating an FTP connection. The command channel is the initial one when the command and response are initiated. Data dispersion occurs on the other, which is referred to as a data channel.

Advantages and Disadvantages of FTP

Disadvantages

• FTP Lacks Security - FTP is inherently an unsafe way to transport data. When a file is transferred using this protocol, the contents, login, and password are all communicated in plain text, making it simple for a hacker to get this information. To protect data, use a better version of FTP, such as FTPS or SFTP.
• Not All Vendors Are Created Equal - To overcome the problem of security vulnerabilities, businesses adopt hosted FTP solutions managed by vendors. It is unfortunately challenging to choose the best provider because not all of them can pass the required security checks. Each competing business offers its own set of features, many of which fall short of what you truly need, such as access controls, security, usability, and price alternatives, among other things. 
• Encryption isn’t a Given - Some businesses offer data encryption as a service, but many of them fall short. As FTP doesn't support encryption, intercepting sent data is really simple. You'll also discover that encryption isn't typically offered or required while browsing for an FTP provider. Encryption for your FTP solution is not simply a nice to have for enterprises handling sensitive data, such as ePHI or card payment data (electronic protected health information). That is without a doubt important.
• FTP can be Vulnerable to Attack - Your data may not be protected by an FTP solution if you choose the wrong vendor, making you open to hacker techniques like brute force attacks and spoofing attacks. Hackers utilize brute force attacks to access your solution by quickly trying thousands of username and password combinations. They eventually find the proper username/password combination, and they are then admitted.
• Compliance is an Issue - Compliance should be taken into consideration when delivering files using FTP. Whether you utilize FTP on your own or with an unreliable FTP vendor, your business could be vulnerable to noncompliance fines. Finding an FTP solution that can help you comply with compliance laws like HIPAA, ITAR, PCI-DSS, SOX, or GLBA may be challenging. Choosing a solution that complies with your compliance needs is essential because noncompliance is greatly facilitated by a lack of encryption.
• It’s Difficult to Monitor Activity - The reporting requirements for your business should be taken into consideration when working with an FTP vendor. It may be difficult or inconsistent to follow what has been uploaded to the remote system while using multiple FTP platforms. As a result, it could be difficult to identify the root cause of an issue if files are handled improperly or there is a data breach. The majority of FTP services lack the access controls required to guarantee that your team follows proper file-sharing procedures.

Advantages

• FTP is Capable of Large File Transfers - Many businesses have more complex file transfer requirements than simply transmitting one Microsoft Word document at a time. It may be necessary to deliver several hundred gigabytes of data all at once. These huge transfers are easily handled by FTP, and you gain from an increase in the number of file transfers.
• Your Workflow is Improved - The file transfer requirements for many firms are more complicated than just sending one Microsoft Word document at a time. Many hundred gigabytes of data may need to be delivered all at once. FTP can easily handle these large transfers, and you benefit from an increase in file transfers.
• Transfers can be Resumed - If your file communication is interrupted, you won't risk losing any progress. With FTP, you can resume a halted file transfer if your connection is lost. Instead of restarting the transfer, continue where you left off.
• Transfers can be Scheduled  - Have you become weary of taking time out of your day to send a lot of data? The best FTP solutions allow you to schedule transfers for times when they won't significantly affect your workflow, such as overnight or on the weekend. Your productivity is unaffected as a result of these transfers because they are automated.
• Recover Lost Data - The best FTP service providers guarantee that data is never lost, even in the case of unanticipated events. Your files are frequently and automatically backed up with disaster recovery, so you won't have to worry about losing data in the case of a flood, fire, or power outage. Since that FTP has a wide range of advantages and disadvantages, how can you decide if it is the right solution for your business? If FTP is to be utilized correctly, the right provider must be selected. Examine your requirements carefully when evaluating FTP providers, and determine if they have policies in place to mitigate the disadvantages of using FTP.

Final Thoughts

You may now transmit and receive files from an FTP server, so there you have it. As a web developer, you will need to use FTP with an FTP client to access the website that you are maintaining. Moreover, reading a huge number of files on the server and creating and deleting folders is also made simpler.

We hope that this article has given you a better understanding of FTP as well as the various techniques and applications.