Which of the following is the conventional full form of FTP in computer networks ?

The correct answer is File Transfer Protocol.

Key Points

• File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard network protocol used for transferring files between a client and a server on a computer network.
  • FTP is widely used for uploading and downloading files from a remote server.
  • It operates using a client-server architecture, where the client initiates the connection to the server.
  • The protocol supports authentication, typically requiring a username and password.
  • FTP uses two separate channels for communication: a command channel for sending commands and receiving responses, and a data channel for transferring files.
  • FTP can operate in two modes:
    • Active mode: The client opens a port and listens for a connection from the server.
    • Passive mode: The server opens a port and waits for the client to establish a connection.
  • FTP is commonly used by web developers, system administrators, and users for managing website files and backups.

Additional Information

• FTP can be accessed using dedicated FTP client software such as FileZilla, WinSCP, or Cyberduck, or directly through web browsers (though browsers offer limited functionality).
• FTP supports both binary and text file transfers.
• Secured versions of FTP, such as FTPS (FTP Secure) and SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol), are used to encrypt data and enhance security during file transfers.
• FTP was developed in the early 1970s and remains one of the oldest and most widely-used network protocols.
• Although FTP is effective for file transfers, it is being replaced in some contexts by more modern protocols like HTTPS and cloud-based solutions due to security concerns.