Differences Between FTP and TFTP

Last reviewed: September 9, 1996
Article ID: Q102737
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5 and 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5 and 3.51
  • Microsoft TCP/IP-32 for Windows for Workgroups, versions 3.11, 3.11a, and 3.11b
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups version 3.11
  • Microsoft Windows 95

Windows NT supports both file transfer protocol (FTP) and trivial file transfer protocol (TFTP) under its implementation of TCP/IP. Both of these protocols can be used for transferring files across the Internet. The differences between the two protocols are explained below:

  • FTP is a complete, session-oriented, general purpose file transfer protocol. TFTP is used as a bare-bones special purpose file transfer protocol.
  • FTP can be used interactively. TFTP allows only unidirectional transfer of files.
  • FTP depends on TCP, is connection oriented, and provides reliable control. TFTP depends on UDP, requires less overhead, and provides virtually no control.
  • FTP provides user authentication. TFTP does not.
  • FTP uses well-known TCP port numbers: 20 for data and 21 for connection dialog. TFTP uses UDP port number 69 for its file transfer activity.
  • The Windows NT FTP server service does not support TFTP because TFTP does not support authentication.
  • Windows 95 and TCP/IP-32 for Windows for Workgroups do not include a TFTP client program.


KBCategory: kbinterop
KBSubcategory: ntinterop nttcp
Additional reference words: prodnt 3.10 3.11 3.11a 3.11b 3.50 3.51 95 unix



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Last reviewed: September 9, 1996
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