RFSFTP vs FTPS: Key Differences Explained
Advertisement
This article compares SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) and FTPS (FTP over SSL/TLS), highlighting their key differences as network protocols for secure file transfer over the internet.
| Specifications | SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) | FTPS (FTP over SSL or FTP Secure) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | SSH File Transfer Protocol | FTP over SSL or FTP Secure |
| Purpose | Extends secure SSH to include easy file transfer functionality. | Extends the existing FTP protocol to include security features. |
| Number of Channels | 1 (used for both communication and data transfer) | 2 (one for communication, one for data transfer) |
| Message Format | Binary format (not human-readable) | Human-readable format |
| Popularity | Less | More |
| Port Number | Typically TCP port 22 | Typically TCP port 21 or 990 |
| Definition | A binary protocol where commands are packed in binary format. Messages are sent to the server, which replies in binary format. | Adds support for TLS and SSL to the existing FTP protocol. TLS stands for Transport Layer Security, and SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. |
| Framework | SSH/SFTP is not built-in to the .NET frameworks. | FTP and SSL/TLS support is available in many internet communication frameworks as built-in features. |
| Directory Support | Uniform and machine-readable directory listing. | Non-uniform directory listing format; requires a secondary DATA channel. |
| Security | Connection is always secured. | SSL/TLS has good authentication mechanisms. |
Let’s delve deeper into these protocols:
SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol)
SFTP leverages the security of SSH (Secure Shell) to provide a safe and reliable method for transferring files. It operates over a single channel, handling both commands and data through a secure connection. Because SFTP uses binary format, the messages are not easily read by humans.
FTPS (FTP over SSL/TLS)
FTPS enhances the traditional FTP (File Transfer Protocol) with the security of SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security). This means that data is encrypted during transmission, protecting it from eavesdropping. FTPS typically uses two channels: one for commands and another for data transfer. The message format is human readable which makes debugging easier.
Key Differences Summarized
- Security Foundation: SFTP is inherently secure as it is built upon SSH. FTPS adds security to FTP using SSL/TLS.
- Channel Usage: SFTP uses a single channel, while FTPS uses two.
- Message Format: SFTP uses a binary format; FTPS uses a human-readable format.
- Framework Support: FTPS often enjoys better built-in support within various internet communication frameworks compared to SFTP.
- Directory Listing: SFTP offers a standardized, machine-readable directory listing, which can simplify automation. FTPS’s directory listing is not uniform.
