File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

File Transfer Protocol, or FTP, is a protocol used for transferring files from one Internet location to another. FTP is the preferred method of exchanging files, because it's faster than other protocols like HTTP. FTP is the method by which you'll upload files into your webhosting account. FTP data is sent and received through port 21. The transfer is asynchronous, and therefore faster.

The Original Objectives of FTP are:

1. To promote sharing of files (computer programs and/or data),
2. To encourage indirect or implicit (via programs) use of remote computers,
3. To shield a user from variations in file storage systems among hosts, and
4. To transfer data reliably and efficiently. FTP, though usable directly by a user at a terminal, is designed mainly for use by programs.

First defined in RFC 172 written in June 1971, the protocol has been through several changes through to the current specification, which is defined in RFC 959. It's worth looking at its basic operation to get a better understanding of how content switching can improve performance and reliability in FTP environments.