Prerequisite – Responsibilities of Transport Layer
1. Secure Shell (SSH) :
It is a transport layer that is used for secure logins and share of information between two secured endpoints. It secures the exchange through public and private keys. Used for secure communications between an organization and a remote server.
Advantages of SSH:
- Secure Connection: SSH encrypts all data transferred between the client and server, providing a secure and private connection.
- Remote Access: SSH allows users to remotely access and control servers and devices from anywhere in the world.
- Authentication: SSH supports multiple methods of authentication, including passwords, public key cryptography, and two-factor authentication.
- Versatility: SSH is a widely used protocol that supports a variety of applications, including remote shell access, file transfers, and port forwarding.
Disadvantages of SSH:
- Complexity: SSH can be complex to set up and configure, especially for users with little technical expertise.
- Performance: SSH can be slower than other protocols, such as FTP, due to the overhead of encryption and authentication.
- Firewall Issues: SSH may require special firewall configurations to allow access to remote servers and devices.
2. SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) :
It is a protocol build over SSH to efficiently transfer files in a secured way. With the use of this protocol, it can easily move large amounts of data securely over an internet connection. It utilizes the SSH and makes the information exchange with a higher level of protection.
Advantages of SFTP:
- Security: SFTP encrypts all data transferred between the client and server, providing a secure and private connection.
- Authentication: SFTP supports multiple methods of authentication, including passwords and public key cryptography.
- Simplicity: SFTP is easier to set up and configure than SSH, especially for users with little technical expertise.
- File Management: SFTP provides file management capabilities, including the ability to rename, delete, and move files on remote servers.
Disadvantages of SFTP:
- Limited Support: SFTP is not supported by all web hosting providers and may not be available on some devices.
- Slower Speeds: SFTP can be slower than other protocols, such as FTP, due to the overhead of encryption and authentication.
- Limited Features: SFTP has fewer features than other file transfer protocols, such as FTP, and may not be suitable for all use cases.
Similarities:
- Security: Both SSH and SFTP provide a high level of security and encryption, ensuring that all data transferred between the client and server is secure and private.
- Encryption: Both protocols use encryption to protect data in transit, making it difficult for unauthorized users to intercept and read the data.
- Authentication: Both SSH and SFTP support multiple methods of authentication, including passwords, public key cryptography, and two-factor authentication.
- Remote Access: Both SSH and SFTP allow users to remotely access and control servers and devices from anywhere in the world.
- Portability: Both protocols are widely used and supported by most modern operating systems, making them a portable solution for transferring files between different devices.
Difference Between SSH and SFTP :
|
S.No |
SSH |
SFTP |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | It is short for Secure Shell | It is short for Secure Shell File Transfer Protocol. |
| 2. | It was founded by Tatu Ylönen in 1995. | It was founded by Tatu Ylönen in 1997. |
| 3. | It provides authentication and secure logins for communication. | It provides a secure channel for transferring files between the two endpoints. |
| 4. | It uses keys i.e, either public or private keys for communication. | It uses one channel to transmit data. |
| 5. | It provides port forwarding to pass an SSH connection. | It provides encryption for sending the data. |
| 6. | It has its architecture. | It is built over SSH architecture. |
| 7. | It uses a secure file transfer mechanism. | It uses the tunnel transfer method. |
| 8. | It provides support for remote logins. | It provides support for IPv6 HTTP protocols. |
| 9. | Uses : It is used in various Unix and Windows distributions. | Uses : It is used to transfer, access and modify files over an SSH transport. |
Conclusion:
While SSH and SFTP are both used for secure communication and file transfer, they have significant differences. SSH is primarily used for remote command-line access to a system, while SFTP is designed specifically for file transfer. SSH uses public key cryptography for authentication, while SFTP uses a username and password. SSH uses port 22 for communication, while SFTP can use port 22 or 115. Finally, SSH is a command-line interface, while SFTP typically uses a graphical user interface. When choosing between SSH and SFTP, it is important to consider the specific use case and choose the protocol that best fits the requirements.