FTP Server vs FTP Client
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a protocol used to transfer a file over the internet from one host to another. FTP is based on the client-server architecture. FTP server holds the files and databases that are required to provide the services requested by clients. Most often, FTP server is a high powered device that is able to handle multiple client requests at the same time. FTP client is generally a personal computer used by an end user or a mobile device which is running the necessary software that is capable of requesting and receiving files over the internet from a FTP server.
What is FTP Server?
FTP server is a high powered device that holds the files and other information that is required to satisfy the requests coming from clients over the internet/intranet. FTP server continuously runs and listens for incoming FTP requests. The client initially makes a control connection with the server by communicating through port 21. This control connection remains open throughout the whole communication session. This connection is used to communicate administration information. Then, a second connection is opened by the FTP server through port 20 with the communicated client and this connection is called a data connection. Files are transferred through the data connection and an ongoing transfer could be stopped by sending an abort signal over the control connection.
What is FTP Client?
Most often, a FTP client is a personal computer or a mobile device that is running application software that is able to communicate with and retrieve files from a FTP server. Usually, the FTP client initiates the communication with the FTP server. which is constantly listening for incoming requests. To connect with a FTP server, client first needs to provide the destination server it wants to connect to and the required credentials such as a user name and a password. After the connection is set up, the client can begin the file transferring process. There are lots of free and commercial FTP client software that support different platforms. These client software ranges from simple command line applications to GUI applications that provides a more user friendly environment. FTP clients also support different internet protocols such as FTP over SSH, FTPS (FTP over SSL), FXP (Site2site transfer), etc.
What is the difference between FTP Server and FTP Client?
FTP client and FTP server are the two main parties involved in the FTP protocol, which is used to transfer files over the internet. Generally, FTP server is a high performance device that holds the files and databases holding information that is required to satisfy the requests coming from FTP clients. FTP client is a personal computer or a mobile device that runs a software application that is capable of communicating with a FTP server and retrieve files from it. FTP server always keeps on listening to incoming requests and the client initiates the communication session by opening a control connection with the server. Then the server transfers files to the client by making a data connection with the server.
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