4.9 TFTP/FTP

Question 1

What are the two main protocols for file transfer?

Answer 1

1. File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
2. Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP)

FTP: Reliable, connection-oriented, supports authentication and error handling.

TFTP: Simple, connectionless, used for quick transfers like network booting and firmware updates.

Question 2

What is the main purpose of FTP and TFTP?

Answer 2

To copy files to and from a server using a client-server model.

FTP and TFTP allow for file transfers over networks, but TFTP is mainly used for network device booting.

Question 3

Which protocol transfers files via UDP without authentication?

Answer 3

Trivial File Transfer Protocol

(TFTP)

TFTP is designed for simplicity and efficiency, making it suitable for network booting. Unlike FTP, it lacks authentication and security features.

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of FTP?

Answer 4

To serve as a core Internet protocol for file transfer.

FTP allows users to upload, download, and manage files over a network using TCP (Transmission Control Protocol).

Question 5

List two key differences between FTP and TFTP.

Answer 5

1. FTP supports authentication; TFTP does not.
2. TFTP is lightweight and uses UDP, whereas FTP is feature-rich and uses TCP.

While both protocols facilitate file transfers, FTP is more feature-rich and requires authentication, whereas TFTP is simpler and more lightweight.

Question 6

In FTP, what is the purpose of a control connection?

Answer 6

To exchange FTP commands

The control connection is essential for command transmission, while a separate data connection is used for file transfers.

Question 7

What are the two modes of FTP operation?

Answer 7

1. Active Mode
2. Passive Mode

Active Mode – The client opens a port and listens while the server connects back using port 20 for data transfer.

Passive Mode – The server opens a port, and the client initiates both the control and data connections.

Question 8

Which commands store FTP credentials for IOS transfers?

Answer 8

1. ip ftp username
2. ip ftp password

These commands save the FTP username and password, allowing for seamless file transfers without repeated authentication prompts.

Question 9

What is a significant characteristic of TFTP?

Answer 9

It does not require authentication or security.

TFTP is primarily used for network booting and is less complex compared to FTP, which requires authentication.

Question 10

Why is TFTP not suitable for transferring large files?

Answer 10

1. Uses UDP, which lacks error correction and reliability.
2. No authentication, making it insecure for sensitive data.
3. Limited command set, supporting only basic file transfer operations.

TFTP is optimized for speed and simplicity but is unreliable for transferring large or critical files compared to FTP.

Question 11

List three functions that can be performed using FTP.

Answer 11

1. Transfer files
2. Add directories
3. List files

FTP allows users to interact with a file system over a network but does not permit file execution or ownership changes.

Question 12

True or False:

FTP encrypts data transmissions, making it a secure file transfer method.

Answer 12

False

Standard FTP does not encrypt usernames, passwords, or transferred files.

Question 13

Which protocols are commonly used for IOS file transfers?

Answer 13

• TFTP
• FTP
• SCP

TFTP: Simple, uses UDP, no authentication.

FTP: Reliable, uses TCP, supports authentication.

SCP: Secure, encrypts data via SSH.

Question 14

What network booting process commonly uses TFTP?

Answer 14

PXE

(Preboot Execution Environment)

PXE allows computers to boot from a network server instead of a local disk. TFTP is used to download the boot image from a PXE server.

Question 15

Fill in the blank:

The default port used by FTP for control connections is ______.

Answer 15

21

FTP uses port 21 for command communication, while data transfers may use ports 20 (active mode) or a dynamic port (passive mode).

Question 16

What type of model does FTP use for file transfer?

Answer 16

Client/server model

FTP follows the client/server model, where the client initiates connections and the server handles requests.

Question 17

True or False:

‘copy tftp flash’ copies an IOS image from a TFTP server to the device.

Answer 17

True

This command is frequently used to upgrade Cisco IOS images using a TFTP server.

Question 18

What are the commands used in FTP for file transfer?

Answer 18

• GET (client retrieves a file from the server)
• PUT (client sends a file to the server)

These commands are used in FTP to facilitate file transfers.

Question 19

What two alternatives to FTP can be used for encrypted file transfers?

Answer 19

1. SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol)
2. FTPS (FTP Secure)

SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) – Uses SSH for secure authentication and encryption.

FTPS (FTP Secure) – Uses SSL/TLS to encrypt FTP data transmissions.

Question 20

What are the two common FTP authentication types?

Answer 20

1. Anonymous FTP
2. Authenticated FTP

Anonymous FTP – Allows users to access public files without credentials.

Authenticated FTP – Requires a username and password for access control.

Question 21

What is the purpose of the ‘copy ftp’ command in IOS?

Answer 21

To copy files from an FTP server to the router’s flash memory.

This command is essential for updating IOS images or transferring configuration files in Cisco devices.

Question 22

How can you avoid being prompted for FTP credentials in the copy command?

Answer 22

By configuring the FTP username and password on the router.

This allows automatic authentication for file transfers without needing to manually enter credentials each time.

Question 23

What does the command ‘copy ftp flash’ do?

Answer 23

It copies a file from an FTP server to the router’s flash memory.

This command is commonly used to install new IOS images or restore backups.