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Meanwhile, your Port 21 connection allows you to enter FTP commands and browse file listings on the server. Uploading and downloading files via FTP is done through a separate data channel, usually connecting to the server through Port 20. Well-known ports are essential for daily online interactions and data transfers.Įstablishing a connection with a server via Port 21 does not automatically give your information away. In fact, ports 1-1023 are considered the “well-known” port numbers. Individuals, companies, and universities all use Port 21. Many businesses rely on FTP daily for large file uploads and bulk file transfers. However, FTP is a trusted and still widely used protocol for transferring files. This is mainly due to FTP sending data in clear text and offering an anonymous option with no password required. The IANA also oversees global IP address allocation.įTP is often thought of as a “not secure” file transfer protocol. FTP has been assigned to Port 21 by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority ( IANA).
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There are many ways to think about security and Port 21. You have files and images to transfer, and you want to know if Port 21 is secure? Don’t worry, read on to learn all about Port 21 and FTP for transferring files.
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