Table of Contents
File Transfer Protocol
Summarize FTP using 6 paragraphs include the 5 most appropriate IETF RFC numbers. Summarize the FTP offerings from Kubernetes, OpenShift, Docker, Podman, AWS, Azure, GCP, Oracle Cloud, VMware, IBM Cloud, IBM z/OS, Cisco, Juniper, Windows Server 2022, RHEL, Fedora, Ubuntu, Debian, openSUSE and FreeBSD.
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File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard network protocol used for the transfer of computer files between a client and server on a computer network. It was originally developed in the early 1970s and has been updated several times over the years. FTP operates on a client-server model where the client initiates a connection to the server to download or upload files. It uses separate control and data connections between the client and server, allowing for efficient data transfer. FTP can run in active or passive mode, which determines how the connection is established and maintained during the file transfer process.
The most relevant IETF RFC numbers for FTP are: RFC 959 (Standard FTP), RFC 2228 (FTP Security Extensions), and RFC 3659 (Extensions to FTP). RFC 959 defines the core specifications of FTP, detailing the commands and procedures used to communicate between the FTP client and server. RFC 2228 introduces security extensions to FTP, allowing for the use of encryption to secure data transfers. RFC 3659 introduces extensions to FTP that add new features such as more precise file modification times, larger file size support, and more efficient directory listings.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers FTP solutions through the AWS Transfer Family, which supports fully managed FTP, FTPS (FTP over SSL), and SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) services. This enables users to easily transfer files to and from AWS S3 buckets or EFS file systems, integrating with existing authentication systems like AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM). Azure provides similar functionalities through Azure Blob Storage, enabling secure FTP access through integration with Azure's Application Gateway or third-party solutions that can be deployed on Azure VMs. Google Cloud Platform (GCP) allows FTP services to be set up on Compute Engine instances, often requiring the use of third-party software to enable FTP functionalities, and integrating with Cloud Storage for storing the transferred files.
IBM Cloud supports FTP through its Object Storage, allowing users to set up and manage their FTP servers for transferring files to and from the object storage. IBM z/OS, a mainframe operating system, has built-in support for FTP, providing robust options for enterprise-level file transfers within mainframe environments. Cisco and Juniper, being more focused on networking hardware and solutions, do not offer specific FTP services but support the deployment of FTP services through their network devices and security appliances, often in the form of guides or integration options with third-party FTP server software.
For operating systems, Windows Server 2022 includes the Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager, which can be used to set up and manage FTP sites, providing a graphical interface for FTP server configuration. Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), Fedora, Ubuntu, Debian, and FreeBSD all support FTP through the use of popular FTP server software like vsftpd, ProFTPD, and Pure-FTPd. These operating systems provide the flexibility to configure FTP servers with a wide range of options, including anonymous access, virtual users, and SSL/TLS encryption for secure file transfers. Each platform provides documentation and community support to help configure and manage FTP services effectively, catering to both beginners and advanced users.
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File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard network protocol utilized for the transfer of files between a client and a server on a computer network. FTP operates on the application layer of the OSI model and typically employs TCP for reliable data transfer. The primary specifications and principles of FTP are outlined in RFC 959, which defines the basic FTP protocol, including commands, responses, and data transfer modes. Additionally, RFC 1123 provides clarifications and enhancements to FTP, ensuring interoperability and compatibility with various network environments. Furthermore, RFC 2428 introduces extensions to FTP for supporting IPv6 and addressing various operational considerations.
AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), IBM Cloud, IBM z/OS, Cisco, Juniper, Windows Server 2022, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), Fedora, Ubuntu, Debian, and FreeBSD offer FTP capabilities tailored to their respective platforms and products. AWS provides AWS Transfer Family, which includes AWS Transfer for FTP, a fully managed service that enables users to transfer files over FTP directly into and out of Amazon S3 storage. Azure offers Azure Blob Storage, which supports FTP access to stored objects through Azure Blob storage endpoints, and Azure Files for FTP-based file sharing. GCP provides Cloud Storage, allowing FTP access via third-party tools or custom applications utilizing GCP client libraries.
IBM Cloud offers IBM Aspera on Cloud for high-speed data transfer, including FTP-like functionality with advanced features such as accelerated file transfer and automation capabilities. IBM z/OS, operating on IBM mainframe systems, provides FTP server capabilities as part of its TCP/IP stack, allowing mainframe users to transfer files securely within z/OS environments. Cisco offers FTP support through its networking products, enabling FTP-based file transfer within enterprise networks. Juniper Networks delivers FTP capabilities within its networking infrastructure offerings, enabling secure and efficient file transfer across Juniper-powered networks.
Moreover, Windows Server 2022 includes FTP Server role functionality, allowing organizations to deploy FTP services on Windows-based networks for file sharing and transfer. Linux distributions like RHEL, Fedora, Ubuntu, Debian, and FreeBSD include FTP server software such as vsftpd (Very Secure FTP Daemon) or alternatives. Administrators can configure these servers to provide FTP services within local networks or as FTP servers for public access. These FTP offerings from various providers cater to diverse needs, providing solutions for secure, reliable, and efficient file transfer within on-premises and cloud environments, supporting the requirements of modern applications and services deployed across different platforms and architectures.
- Snippet from Wikipedia: File Transfer Protocol
The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard communication protocol used for the transfer of computer files from a server to a client on a computer network. FTP is built on a client–server model architecture using separate control and data connections between the client and the server. FTP users may authenticate themselves with a plain-text sign-in protocol, normally in the form of a username and password, but can connect anonymously if the server is configured to allow it. For secure transmission that protects the username and password, and encrypts the content, FTP is often secured with SSL/TLS (FTPS) or replaced with SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP).
The first FTP client applications were command-line programs developed before operating systems had graphical user interfaces, and are still shipped with most Windows, Unix, and Linux operating systems. Many dedicated FTP clients and automation utilities have since been developed for desktops, servers, mobile devices, and hardware, and FTP has been incorporated into productivity applications such as HTML editors and file managers.
An FTP client used to be commonly integrated in web browsers, where file servers are browsed with the URI prefix "
ftp://". In 2021, FTP support was dropped by Google Chrome and Firefox, two major web browser vendors, due to it being superseded by the more secure SFTP and FTPS; although neither of them have implemented the newer protocols.