Do you know how to transfer large files or collections of files effectively? Explore File Transfer Protocol (FTP) in more depth, and learn more about alternatives like SFTP and Dropbox Transfer.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a fundamental tool for transferring files over a network. However, there may be a simpler solution for your data transfer needs.
In this article, we delve into the intricacies of FTP, exploring what it is, how it works, along with its benefits and drawbacks. We’ll also introduce some alternatives, highlighting the evolving landscape of file transfer solutions in response to modern cybersecurity challenges.
And it’s best to start with the obvious question first.
What is FTP?
FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. Let’s break this down.
Essentially, a “protocol,” or internet protocol, is a set of procedures or rules that allow electronic devices to communicate with one another. FTP is the set of rules that devices on a TCP/IP network (the internet) use to transfer files.
When you use the internet, you’re actually using a range of different protocols. For browsing, you’ll use HTTP. For sending and receiving instant messages, you’ll use XMPP. FTP is simply the protocol used to move files around.
What’s an FTP server?
FTP servers are software applications that enable the transfer of files from one device (i.e., a Mac, Windows, or Linux computer) to another.
It might sound complicated, but FTP servers are simply computers that have an FTP address and are dedicated to receiving FTP connections. They perform two simple tasks: “get” and “put.” You can either “get” files from the FTP server or “put” files on the FTP server.
When you upload files, they’ll be transferred from your device to the server. Alternatively, when you download files, they’ll be transferred from the server to your device. Therefore, at the most basic level, FTP servers are the midpoint between the recipient and the sender.
How does FTP work?
FTP is a client-server protocol. In other words, the client requests the files, and the server provides them. This requires two basic channels to establish a connection:
- Command channel: Initiates the instruction, carries basic information, i.e., which files to access
- Data channel: Transfers the file data between the two devices
To establish a connection, users will need to provide credentials to the FTP server, which typically uses port number 21 as its default mode of communication. Put very simply, “ports” are numbers used to identify information transactions over a network. There are two distinct FTP connection modes: active and passive.
In the active FTP mode, the server takes an active role by approving a request for data. However, the active mode can sometimes run into issues with firewalls, which block unauthorized sessions from third parties. That’s when the passive mode comes into play.
In passive mode, the server doesn’t actively maintain the connection—the user establishes both the data channel and the command channel. Essentially, the server “listens” but doesn’t actively participate, allowing the other device to handle the bulk of the work.
What problems does FTP solve?
FTP is often used to handle large numbers of files, so it can often come in handy in web development. When making changes to a website, you can manage file transfers with an FTP session, which provides a simple way to upload specific files, add image files, move web templates, and so on. IT professionals may also use it to transfer data and large batches of server files within a closed system.
Pros and cons of FTP
What are the pros of FTP?
FTP has a couple of benefits that are important to mention. Most importantly, it can transfer multiple files at the same time, resume a transfer if the connection is lost, and schedule transfers.
Also, since it’s been around for a long time, most people are already familiar with the protocol. There are many desktop FTP software tools—including FileZilla, WinSCP, Cyberduck, and more—that make using FTP reasonably straightforward.
What are the cons of FTP?
There’s one significant drawback associated with FTP, and that’s the lack of security. Since FTP was invented in the 1970s, it predates many cybersecurity measures that we’ve come to rely on in the modern world. It wasn’t designed to be a secure protocol. FTP transfers aren’t encrypted, which means that your passwords, usernames, and other sensitive data can be read relatively easily by hackers.
Because of these security holes, FTP support is dropping. A range of different replacement options have come onto the market, including SFTP, HTTPS, AS2, and FTPS.
As of 2020, Google Chrome switches off FTP by default, and Firefox has removed FTP from its code. So, if you’re still using FTP servers for important business functions, it may be time to look for an alternative.
Are there any alternatives to FTP?
FTP isn’t the only solution out there. In fact, some might be better suited to your needs than the standard FTP.
Invest in a SFTP
SFTP (also known as the SSH File Transfer Protocol) is a separate protocol that works over the Secure Shell (SSH) data stream to provide a higher level of protection when you’re transferring files.
Unlike FTP clients, which use port number 21, SFTP uses port number 22. Because FTP is an insecure protocol, SFTP is often preferable, as it provides underlying security features and offers the ability to piggyback on an SSH connection.
Simplify file transfers with cloud storage
Does all of this sound overly complicated? Would you rather not have to have an entire IT department dedicated to managing a web server? As FTP support dwindles and cybersecurity threats become increasingly sophisticated, it could pay to look for safe and easy alternative options for accessing, transferring, and managing your business’s files.
Dropbox can be an effective FTP alternative, offering a secure and stress-free way to share files.
Choose a trusted file transfer tool
Dropbox Transfer is a simple and secure file transfer service that’s ideal for delivering large files (you can transfer up to 100 GB to anyone, regardless of whether they have a Dropbox account).
Dropbox Transfer will confirm delivery of your file transfers with download notifications. It also provides you with the ability to control access with password protection, helping to ensure that your files are only viewed by the people who need to see them.
You can even add a background image and logo to your transfer’s download page for custom branding that makes a strong impression.
Enjoy safe, secure file transfers with Dropbox Transfer
FTP is an effective way to transfer files, but it’s somewhat outdated and has been surpassed by some other network protocols that are now available, such as SFTP as a service.
As an FTP alternative, Dropbox Transfer is a quick and easy data transfer tool that lets you hand off up to 250 GB of files in each transfer. With password protection, link expiration, and download notifications, Transfer gives businesses extra peace of mind that large files are delivered securely.
