Difference between TELNET and FTP (2024)

FTP is an Internet protocol for transmitting or transferring data fromone computer to another via TCP or IP networks. TELNET, on theother hand, is a connection protocol that allows a user to connect to aremote server waiting for commands. The user can then givecommands to the server and inspect the returned responses, once theconnection has been established.

Read through this article to find out more about Telnet and FTP andhow they are different from each other.

What is Telnet?

Telnet is a network protocol that allows you to remotely connect to acomputer and establish a two-way, collaborative text-basedcommunication channel between two computers.

Telnet creates remote sessions using the Transmission ControlProtocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) networking protocol, controlled bythe user. On the web, users can request specific files from remotecomputers using the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and FileTransfer Protocol (FTP). In contrast, Telnet allows users to log on asregular users with the privileges allocated to the specific applicationsand data on that computer.

Telnet is most commonly used by programmers and anyone whoneeds to access certain apps or data on a remote computer. Someservers allow remote access to public data via Telnet, allowing users toplay simple games or look up weather forecasts. Many of thesefeatures are present because they are nostalgic or still compatible witholder systems that require specific information.

What is FTP?

FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. It is a client/server protocol thatallows you to transmit and receive files from a host computer. FTPauthentication may be done via user names and passwords.

FTP is used for copying files from one host to another host location.FTP works on Port 20 and 21. Port 20 is used for data and Port 21 isused for connection control.

Anonymous FTP allows users to access files, programs, and otherdata through the Internet without the need for a username andpassword. Users can use "anonymous" or "guest" as their user ID andan email address as their password on some websites.

The first FTP client software was based on the DOS command prompt,which provided a set of defined commands and syntax. AbhayBhushan wrote the first FTP specification, published as RFC 114 onApril 16, 1971. RFC 765 was eventually introduced to replace it (June1980). Various graphical user interface (GUI) clients for operatingsystems have been created since then, making it easier for users toupload and download data.

Note that FTP is not compatible with every system and it does notallow simultaneous transfer of data to multiple receivers.

Difference between Telnet and FTP

The following table highlights the major differences between TELNETand FTP.

Conclusion

Both TELNET and FTP are Application Layer protocols that are usedto establish a connection between a remote user and a host at remotelocation. It is possible to use both these protocols in a collaboratedway, to transparently login to a host server.