Uses for FTP that you may not know about
FTP is one of the protocols that are a lot popular. Moreover, it has been around since 1971. In present days, it could be implemented in some interesting situations. So, let’s take a minute to explain a little bit more about it.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) explained.
File Transfer Protocol, or just FTP for short, is a standard communications protocol used to transfer files between devices over a network. In addition, the two have a TCP/IP (Internet) connection. As a network protocol connecting a user and a server, FTP gives the ability for users to download different files, pages, or programs which are available on other services. When the user requires to download the data to their personal device, they are utilizing FTP.
It is important to note that FTP does not apply encryption. For the purpose of authentication, it only relies on cleartext usernames and passwords. Unfortunately, that makes the transference of information sent with FTP defenseless to common practices of impersonation and other types of attacks.Yet, there is SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) which is able to provide secure transfer of files.
What are the advantages?
- It provides schedule transfers.
- With FTP, you are able to transfer very large files.
- It is possible to renew an interrupted FTP connection.
- With it, you are able to send several directories with files at the same time. That way, you speed up the transfer process a lot.
When to use it?
- It is common to use File Transfer Protocol to download big files over the Internet.
- It is possible to use it for uploading an extensive file to your web hosting.
- It is a great option when you want to make a backup of your website. But if you want to be sure, it’s better to invest in Backup DNS or aka Secondary DNS.
Interesting uses of FTP
- You can collect data for connected devices – The number of IoT devices is increasing, and all of the machines are connected to the Internet, like laptops, computers, tablets. You can get all of the data and transfer it over a wireless network without the need for human interaction. By setting up automated FTP transfers, the data transfers regularly.
- Content distribution network (CDN) – Large media content organizations and different radio and TV shows require quick and stable data transfer. That way they achieve shows to air on time. The ability of FTP to carry huge amounts of data is a benefit for them.
- E-commerce business – Online shopping is great, and it has a lot of benefits. Yet, there is a lot of stuff happening behind the scenes. Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) assists e-commerce companies by transferring the information to different essential for the company systems, like analytics. That way, the organization can keep moving forward.
We suggest you to check the following article about 5 easy ways to improve your e-commerce website
- Third-Party Logistics (3PL) – We all desire things to happen as fast as possible. A lot of 3PL services utilize secure FTP for sending packages and transaction data. In addition, they have to share information fast and keep the order fulfillment correct.
- Mars Roving – Due to its reliability, one of the most critical photographs of a generation was trusted for transfer through FTP. It was set up as an automated process to send images from Mars to Earth. The File Transfer Protocol was capable of handling it.
