FTP, its Advantages and Disadvantages

FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) refers to a standard Internet protocol that is meant for transferring files between computers over the Internet on Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) connections. It is a client-server protocol. In it a client asks for a file which is provided by a local or remote server. Those users who have the access can transfer and receive files on the server related to File Transfer Protocol. Local host machine is the name given to the end-user’s machine. This local host machine is connected to the remote host over the Internet. The remote host is the second machine. It runs the FTP software. Website developers make use of FTP in order to make changes to a website. FTP increases the comfort and security of managing a large volume of files.

How FTP Functions?

Two parties are needed by an FTP connection for the purpose of communicating over the network. For that to work, users need permission. This is accomplished by making the credentials available to the FTP server. Credentials might not be required by certain FTP servers that are public, in order to access the files. This is commonplace in an anonymous FTP. Two communication channels establish an FTP connection. One of these is the command channel. In it instruction and response are initiated. The other channel is the data channel. It is related to the distribution of data. The protocol to request creation of changes in the server is used by an authorized user for the purpose of getting or transferring a file. Access is granted by the server in response, in a session that is called the active connection mode. In the event that a firewall is ensuring the protection of a user’s machine, a problem might be encountered by the distribution in active mode. Unauthorized sessions from an external party are not allowed by a firewall. Both, command and the data channel are established by the user in this mode. In this mode the server is asked to listen instead of trying to establish a connection back to the user.

Establishing an FTP connection

An FTP connection can be established in 3 ways. One of these methods gets this done by using a command-line FTP. For example, the use of Command prompt for Windows or Terminal in Mac/Linux. It is used frequently. Alternatively, a web browser can be used by a user for communicating with the FTP server. It ensures better convenience in the event that users need to have access to large directories in the server. It can prove to be not as reliable as a dedicated FTP program. It can be slower as well in comparison to a dedicated FTP program. FTP is most commonly used these days as an FTP client. This is especially true for those that are web developers. More freedom is provided by an FTP client as compared to the command line and the web browser. Moreover, it can be managed easily and is more powerful than the other methods. An FTP client offers more features as well. Large files can be easily transferred via it and it uses synchronizing utility.

To digress, the talk on servers reminds us of the servers that are used by web hosting companies for the purpose of hosting the files of websites. Storage space is leased by web hosting companies for this purpose. Web hosts also make available the technology that is needed by websites to be up and running along with providing efficient customer service to resolve any problem that the clients might be facing. Efficient and reliable web hosting service providers are often referred to as the “Best Web Hosting Company” or as the “Best Windows Hosting Company in India” or even as the “Top Cloud Hosting Company”.

Advantages of FTP

There are many advantages of File Transfer Protocol. These are mentioned below, in no particular order.

Multiple file directories can be sent simultaneously

Data can be transferred efficiently in bulk across a network

Files can be moved easily in an organized manner

There is no loss of progress, even when connection has timed out

Configuration is needed once. The settings get saved

It is easy to use for those with an IT background

Multiple levels of access can be created

Data transfer mode can be selected

Disadvantages of FTP

FTP has certain disadvantages as well, which are mentioned below.

It is old and challenging to use for those that don’t have an IT background

Ownership of a file can’t be changed

Inconvenience of accidentally wiping out work by inexperienced users

Doesn’t provide security when transferring data because of lack of encryption

Usernames and passwords are in plain text

It is challenging to make recursive changes

Various attacks can be encountered while transferring data by FTP

It is not easy to identify errors unless one knows the server response codes

It is expensive to make one’s own server

Provides very limited mobile device access without an application

It is difficult to create automatic scripts

There isn’t any integration setup, such as Outlook etc.

It isn’t easy to scan for virus

Doesn’t provide any simple option to share files

Provides very limited integration capabilities when there is no upfront work

Provides minimal auditing capabilities because of limited logging and reporting

Provides very minimum user permissions

Drive cannot be mounted easily

It is difficult to scale users or storage

Loss of branding on external file shares

It is almost impossible to create activity notifications

Source: https://htswebhosting.wordpress.com/2021/01/25/ftp-its-advantages-and-disadvantages/