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Difference between Active and Passive FTP

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FTP : 
FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. It is an application layer protocol which transfers files over a network. It uses TCP based service. FTP works in two different modes: 

1. Active FTP : 
In the active mode, the client connects on a random port for incoming data connections from the server. Client again sends next port to FTP server which is acknowledged on command channel. 

 

2. Passive FTP : I
n the passive mode, the client uses the control connection to send a PASV signal to the server. FTP server sends back IP address and server port number.

  

Here are few differences between Active and Passive FTP:

Active FTP Passive FTP
In active FTP, client establishes the command channel and the server establishes the data channel. In passive FTP, both the command channel and the data channel are established by the client.
Active FTP provides security to the FTP server. Passive FTP does not provide security to the FTP server.
Active FTP may cause problems because of firewalls. Passive FTP does not have connection issues from firewalls.
Active mode is not used as a default mode of a browser. Passive mode is used as a default mode of a browser.
FTP client acknowledges on data channel. FTP server acknowledges on data channel.
Client sends random port number to the server. Client sends PASV command to the server.
In Active FTP, the data connection is made and the file transfers are then done through  client and server ports.
 
In passive FTP, the client still have to initiates the command channel (control connection) to the server.

Last Updated : 09 Dec, 2022
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