Data Structure
Networking
RDBMS
Operating System
Java
MS Excel
iOS
HTML
CSS
Android
Python
C Programming
C++
C#
MongoDB
MySQL
Javascript
PHP
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Mathematics
English
Economics
Psychology
Social Studies
Fashion Studies
Legal Studies
- Selected Reading
- UPSC IAS Exams Notes
- Developer's Best Practices
- Questions and Answers
- Effective Resume Writing
- HR Interview Questions
- Computer Glossary
- Who is Who
Difference between FTP and HTTP
OSI model consists of seven layers for data communication over the network. Each layer does its functions and interacts with the above and below layers. Data transmitted are converted into packets or bits as per each layer's functionalities. The application layer of the OSI model is the top layer near the end user, and communication happens between the application layer protocols and the user. This layer provides options for file sharing, data transfer, and database access using protocols such as HTTP, SMTP, FTP, TFTP, DNS, and TELNET.
FTP
File Transfer Protocol is used for transmitting files from sender to receiver. It works on client−server architecture, where the server sends the files requested by the client. FTP functions on TCP protocol, it creates two connections. Port number 20 is used for data transfer and port number 21 is served for commands. Users can provide authentication with a username and password using the command prompt, an anonymous connection is also possible based on server configurations.
When data is transferred over the network, data types defined are ASCII, Image, EDBIC, local, and Unicode. FTP does not provide any encryption to the username and passwords that are sent during transmission, these connection commands can be accessed by anyone over the network. These security concerns can be solved by using FTPS, SSH, or VPN. So, users opt for secure data communications using a Secure Socket Layer and Transport layer security for reliable file accessing, managing, and other file management operations.
HTTP
Hyper Text Transfer Protocol helps users in accessing web pages using an Internet connection. HTTP uses a TCP connection for transferring data over the network. It uses hyperlinks that are used to link pages that are interconnected to one another. It transfers data in several forms like plain text, audio, video, images, hypertext, etc.
In HTTP, two message commands are used for transmission and they are request and response messages. The client sends a request message to the server using a URL or hyperlinks. At the server end, the request message is processed, and the requested page is sent to the client. The client or server has permission to close the connection at any time here; the client and server must specify the content type in the MIME header during the transmission process.
Uniform resource Locators are used by HTTP protocol to locate the destination address. It contains parts such as schemes (http, https, mailto, ftp, etc.), host, port, and path. It is a stateless protocol, as the server does not store or retain the connection information and closes the connection after providing a response message or a close request from the server or client side. It uses a TCP connection with port number 80 when the connected/connection is unencrypted when HTTP is used or port number 443 if encrypted when HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is used. HTTPS is used when confidential information is submitted from the client side, so they get encrypted during the transmission which prevents gaining illegal access made by hackers or cybercriminals.
Basis of difference |
FTP |
HTTP |
|---|---|---|
Purpose |
It sends files from one host to another. |
It delivers web pages to users based on requests to the server. |
Port Used |
It uses TCP ports number 20 and 21 for sending data and control information. |
Uses TCP port number 80 for HTTP connection and port no.443 for HTTPS connection. |
Communication |
It represents a two−way communication, where host devices communicate by uploading and downloading of files. |
It is a one−way communication, where the server responds to the client’s request and displays the web page content. |
Authentication |
FTP needs a username and password for initiating the file transfer. |
No such procedures. |
TCP connection |
It supports non−persistent TCP connections. |
It supports both persistent HTTP 1.1 and non−persistent HTTP1.0. |
Protocols |
FTP keeps track of the session state. |
It is a stateless protocol; the server does not restore session information. |
Interface |
FTP uses a command line or any GUI for connection and file transfer. |
The client communicates through the browser using HTTP or HTTPS. |
Connection types |
It creates two connections, one for data transfer and the other for passing commands. |
It creates data connections using TCP. |
Memory storage |
Web pages accessed from HTTP are not saved to the device memory. |
Data is saved to the memory when FTP is sued. |
File handling |
It can efficiently handle small files. |
It can handle large size file transfers to another connected host. |
Security |
FTPS, SSH, or VPN can be used to ensure security. |
HTTPS for a secure connection. |
Performance |
It produces less performance than HTTP, as it uses a non−persistent connection. |
It provides better performance and is faster than FTP since it creates both persistent and non−persistent connections. |
Conclusion
Both protocols work at the application layer protocol of the OSI model to communicate between the client and server. HTTP works based on the request message from the client, where the server processes the client request and responds by sending the web pages needed by the client. FTP sends small or large files from one host to another using command line requests along with an authentication process.
701 Views
