Difference between Active and Passive FTP
FTP :
FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. It is an application layer protocol which transfers files over a network. It uses TCP based service. FTP works in two different modes:
1. Active FTP :
In the active mode, the client connects on a random port for incoming data connections from the server. Client again sends next port to FTP server which is acknowledged on command channel.
2. Passive FTP : I
n the passive mode, the client uses the control connection to send a PASV signal to the server. FTP server sends back IP address and server port number.
Here are few differences between Active and Passive FTP:
Active FTP | Passive FTP |
---|---|
In active FTP, client establishes the command channel and the server establishes the data channel. | In passive FTP, both the command channel and the data channel are established by the client. |
Active FTP provides security to the FTP server. | Passive FTP does not provide security to the FTP server. |
Active FTP may cause problems because of firewalls. | Passive FTP does not have connection issues from firewalls. |
Active mode is not used as a default mode of a browser. | Passive mode is used as a default mode of a browser. |
FTP client acknowledges on data channel. | FTP server acknowledges on data channel. |
Client sends random port number to the server. | Client sends PASV command to the server. |
In Active FTP, the data connection is made and the file transfers are then done through client and server ports. |
In passive FTP, the client still have to initiates the command channel (control connection) to the server. |
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