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FTP File Transfer Protocol: Reference: RFC 959

FTP is a standard network protocol used to transfer files between a client and server on a computer network. It specifies how files can be transferred reliably and efficiently over TCP/IP networks, shielding users from variations in file storage across different operating systems. The FTP model uses separate connections for control commands and data transfer, allowing commands and replies to use ASCII while binary data can be transferred efficiently.

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168 views

FTP File Transfer Protocol: Reference: RFC 959

FTP is a standard network protocol used to transfer files between a client and server on a computer network. It specifies how files can be transferred reliably and efficiently over TCP/IP networks, shielding users from variations in file storage across different operating systems. The FTP model uses separate connections for control commands and data transfer, allowing commands and replies to use ASCII while binary data can be transferred efficiently.

Uploaded by

api-3706009
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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FTP

File Transfer Protocol


Reference:
RFC 959

Netprog: FTP 1
FTP Objectives
(from RFC 959)
• promote sharing of files
• encourage indirect use of remote
computers
• shield user from variations in file storage
• transfer data reliably and efficiently
• “FTP, although usable directly by a user
at a terminal, is designed mainly for use
by programs”

Netprog: FTP 2
The FTP Model
PI: Protocol Interpreter
DTP: Data Transfer Protocol User Interface User

Control
Server PI User PI

File Data File


System Server DTP User DTP System

Netprog: FTP 3
Control and Data Connections

• Control functions (commands) and reply


codes are transferred over the control
connection.
• All data transfer takes place over the
data connection.
• The control connection must be “up”
while data transfer takes place.

Netprog: FTP 4
Control Connection

• The control connection is the “well


known” service.
• The control connection uses the
TELNET protocol.
• Commands and replies are all line
oriented text (default is ASCII).

Netprog: FTP 5
Standard Connection Model

Control

A Data B

Netprog: FTP 6
Alternative Connection Model
Control Control
A

B Data C

Netprog: FTP 7
Access Control Commands

USER specify user


PASS specify password
CWD change directory
CDUP change directory to parent
QUIT logout

Netprog: FTP 8
Transfer Parameter
Commands
PORT publish local data port
PASV server should listen
TYPE establish data representation
MODE establish transfer mode
STRU establish file structure

Netprog: FTP 9
Service Commands
RETR retrieve file
STOR send file
STOU send file and save as unique
APPE send file and append
ABOR abort prev. service command
PWD print working directory
LIST transfer list of files over data link

Netprog: FTP 10
FTP Replies

• All replies are sent over control


connection.
• Replies are a single line containing
– 3 digit status code (sent as 3 numeric
chars).
– text message.
• The FTP spec. includes support for
multiline text replies.

Netprog: FTP 11
FTP Reply Status Code

First digit of status code indicates type of


reply:
‘1’: Positive Preliminary Reply (got it, but wait).
‘2’: Positive Completion Reply (success).
‘3’: Positive Intermediate Reply (waiting for more
information).
‘4’: Transient Negative Completion (error - try
again).
‘5’: Permanent Negative Reply (error - can’t do).

Netprog: FTP 12
FTP Reply Status Code

• 2nd digit indicates function groupings.


‘0’: Syntax (problem with command syntax).
‘1’: Information (reply to help or status cmds).
‘2’: Connections (problem with a connection).
‘3’: Authentication (problem with login).
‘4’: Unspecified.
‘5’: File system (related to file system).
• 3rd digit indicates specific problem within
function group.

Netprog: FTP 13
Data Transfer Modes

• STREAM: file is transmitted as a stream of


bytes.
• BLOCK: file is transmitted as a series of
blocks preceded by headers containing count
and descriptor code (EOF, EOR, restart
marker).
• COMPRESSED: uses a simple compression
scheme - compressed blocks are transmitted.

Netprog: FTP 14
RFC 959

• The RFC includes lots more information


and many details including:
– parameters for commands
– lists of reply status codes
– protocol state diagrams
– support for a variety of file structures
– sample sessions

Netprog: FTP 15

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