TFTP simple and practical protocol

File transfer is one of the most essential technologies for computer and client / server network infrastructures. TFTP was developed in the 1970s for computers that lack enough memory or disk space to provide full FTP support, this utility is simple to use and in fact easier than File Transfer Protocol, but it is arguably less capable because is used when user authentication and directory visibility are not required.

TFTP does not provide authentication and security while transferring files. As a result, it is generally used to transfer boot files or configuration files between machines in a local configuration. Due to its simple design, it is rarely used interactively by users on a computer network. In addition, something that many of us would be interested to know is that its lack of security also makes it dangerous for use on the Internet.

File transfer via TFTP is always based on a client access request, either read or write. This request works at the same time as a connection request that is automatically granted when the server accepts access. The client or server then sends the appropriate file in fixed-size blocks. In the first versions of the protocol, a fixed value of 512 bytes was used, but as of RFC 2348 this value was increased to 4GB.

One of the main advantages of the TFTP protocol is its simplicity, as it is designed to allow the writing and reading of files without having to establish a connection between the client and the server. Therefore, the TFTP protocol is not only easy to implement, it is also the forerunner of fast file transfer. TID identifiers and unique data block numbers make the file reach the recipient in its entirety. However, the lack of encryption and an authentication and access control mechanism mean that sending confidential files through the TFTP protocol involves high risks, but of course this is up to you.

See also:
FTP server on windows easy way to access
Network port – What should we know about these?

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