IP Services // Lesson 09

TFTP & FTP.

Describe how TFTP and FTP transfer configurations and software images, including their transport and security trade-offs.

TFTPFTPUDP 69TCP 20/21File transfer
01 // Mental model

Start with the big picture.

A simple UDP-based file transfer protocol with minimal features and no built-in authentication.

CCNA focus: Before transferring an image, verify storage and file integrity. Never treat an unauthenticated cleartext transfer as safe merely because it completed.
02 // Building blocks

Know what each part does.

01

TFTP

A simple UDP-based file transfer protocol with minimal features and no built-in authentication.

02

FTP

A TCP-based protocol with authentication and separate control/data behaviour.

03

Network operations

Both can move configuration backups and software images to or from network devices.

04

Security

Classic TFTP and FTP do not protect content in transit; use only on trusted paths or prefer secure alternatives when available.

03 // Compare and recognise

Read the clues.

ItemWhat to remember
TFTPUDP 69; simple request/response operation.
FTP controlTCP 21 for the control connection.
FTP dataUses a separate TCP data connection; mode affects connection behaviour.
VerificationCheck reachability, server root/path, permissions, filename, space and image integrity.
04 // IOS copy examples

IOS copy examples.

R1# copy running-config tftp:
Address or name of remote host? 10.20.30.50
Destination filename? R1-backup.cfg

R1# copy ftp: flash:
Address or name of remote host? 10.20.30.60
Source filename? router-image.bin
Destination filename? router-image.bin

R1# dir flash:

Read the example from top to bottom, then verify the resulting state. Configuration is only complete when the output matches the intended design.

05 // Exam and troubleshooting

Turn facts into a method.

  • UDP 69; simple request/response operation.
  • TCP 21 for the control connection.
  • Uses a separate TCP data connection; mode affects connection behaviour.
  • Check reachability, server root/path, permissions, filename, space and image integrity.
Exam checkpoint: Before transferring an image, verify storage and file integrity. Never treat an unauthenticated cleartext transfer as safe merely because it completed.
06 // Check yourself

TFTP & FTP quiz.

1. Which transport does TFTP use?

2. Which port begins an FTP control connection?

3. What major feature does TFTP lack?

4. What IOS command pattern moves a running configuration to a TFTP server?

5. What should be checked before copying a software image into flash?

Score: 0 / 5