Difference between TELNET and FTP

With regard to the network protocols, TELNET and FTP are two that are more familiar and are quite significant, and have distinct uses. It is vital for the people involved in the transmission of messages over the internet, managers of the networks, system administrators, and anybody dealing with internet communication to distinguish between the use of TELNET and FTP. Even though both protocols are essential for networks to run, the purpose, reliability, and application are entirely unique. Before going on to learn the details of its use, it is desired to give clear information concerning TELNET and FTP, specifying their functions in network transmission.

What is TELNET?

As abbreviated by TELecommunication NETwork, TELNET permits a user to create a textual terminal on a distant computer over a TCP/IP network. TELNET provides users with a middle through which they are able to access other computers often servers and carry out operations as if the computer is in front of them. It was very popular in the earlier years of the World Wide Web but has recently faded due to security issues.

Advantages of TELNET

• Simplicity: TELNET is simple to use, for those who have prior experience with CLI.
• Remote Access: It enables a person to sit at one place and have full control over another computer hence it is very useful for administrative needs.
• Compatibility: Nevertheless, due to its compatibility with different platforms, TELNET can be regarded as a rather useful instrument in the sphere of network management.

Disadvantages of TELNET

• Lack of Security: Passwords are transmitted in clear and plain text and other data over phone lines using TELNET, which poses different security risks to an organization.
• Obsolescence: Because of the issues in security, TELNET is now mostly used, and is nowadays replaced by the use of other secure protocols such as the SSH.
• No Encryption: TELNET has no provision for encryption hence put to secure, it leaves sensitive information open to other threats.

What is FTP?

FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol It defines the way to transfer the particular file or group of file from one host to another which may be a client or a server over a TCP/IP network. FTP is used in uploading or downloading files from a server, hence used in management of websites, exchange of files and various functions that require transfer of files.

Advantages of FTP

• Ease of Use: FTP clients are quite easy to use mostly contain graphical interface that make it easy to transfer files.
• Large File Transfers: FTP can thus be preferred for the transfer of large files because it could be difficult to do when using other approaches.
• Resumable Transfers: On this note, most FTP client applications allow for resumes of downloads or uploads that had been interrupted in part to be continued from the point that was interrupted.

Disadvantages of FTP

• Security Concerns: Similar to TELNET, the FTP works in plain text, this means that user name and password are easily intercepted.
• Firewall Issues: FTP is not very friendly with firewalls because the firewalls may block the ports needed thereby calling for settings.
• Limited Modern Use: Because of the various security issues that it possesses, FTP is slowly fading out and is being replaced with SFTP and FTPS.

Difference Between TELNET and FTP

Conclusion

TELNET and FTP were two of the earliest protocols of network communication but since they are not secure, their use has dwindled. TELNET, which grants the user the connection to a system, and FTP which is set for file transfer has been largely rendered obsolete due to security issues. A comprehension of what sets one protocol from another can be useful while managing networks or in the choice of correct tools for a given task.

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