Differences Between FTP and TFTP

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, 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 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.


Additional query words: prodnt 3.10 3.11 3.11a 3.11b unix

Keywords : NTInterop nttcp
Version : 3.10 3.11 3.11a 3.11b 3.50 3.51
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type :


Last Reviewed: September 24, 1999
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