We explain the difference between FTP and TELNET with table. The difference between FTP and TELNET is that while FTP is used to transfer files from one computer to another, TELNET is used to access a device through its remote login functions. File Transfer Protocol or FTP is an application layer protocol used to facilitate the process of transmitting files from one operating system to another. It also provides limited functions for managing existing data directories. TELNET vs FTP
While TELNET or the Telecommunications Network is responsible for providing a client user access to remote servers. Helps clients manage their resources stored on remote servers. Although both FTP and TELNET are recognized IP protocols, the fundamental difference between them lies in the functionality provided by each. TELNET vs FTP
Comparison table between FTP and TELNET
| Comparison parameters | FTP | TELNET |
| Functionality | FTP is used as a connectivity protocol to transfer files from one system to another. | TELNET is a connectivity protocol used by a client to access data stored on a remote server. |
| Completed forms | The full form of FTP is the File Transfer Protocol. | The complete form of TELNET is the telecommunications network. |
| Port number | The most commonly used port numbers for FTP are 20 and 21. | The most commonly used port numbers for TELNET are 23. |
| Number of established connections | FTP works by establishing two simultaneous connections. One connection is for command controls and the other is for easy file transfer. | TELNET works by establishing a single connection. |
| Connection security | The connection established by FTP is more secure than that established by TELNET. | The connection established by TELNET is not secure. |
| Remote login | Remote logins are not required to use the FTP functions. | Remote logins are absolutely mandatory for TELNET to function. |
| Popularity | FTP is a popular tool used to upload and download web files. | TELNET has become more or less out of date and its use is now limited as a web diagnostic tool. |
What is FTP?
FTP is the commonly used abbreviation for file transfer protocols used to transfer files from one computer to another. It can be used to upload and download files to and from connected systems. FTP is used over a TCP connection.
The efficiency of FTP is enhanced by its ability to establish simultaneous dual connections. One connection is dedicated to effective command control, which remains open throughout the transfer process, while the other is used to transfer the file. FTP also has the added benefit of allowing multiple client users to access your servers simultaneously. TELNET vs FTP
There may be some hiccups when transferring files from the client to the server systems. These may be due to differences in the directory structures of the two systems, file naming conventions, and so on. Also, the text and data structure in both systems can also be different, causing more problems.
What is TELNET?
TELNET or telecommunications network is a connectivity protocol that is used to provide virtual terminal services to clients. TELNET is used to connect a customer’s computer to a remote server to use the data stored on those servers. TELNET vs FTP
TELNET operates by establishing a single connection between the client and the remote server. Links the client user’s operating system keyboard with that of the remote computer. This creates the illusion of actually being connected to the remote system. Keystrokes from the client system are automatically transferred to the remote system. TELNET vs FTP
The NVT or Network Virtual Terminal is a universal interface created by TELNET to facilitate this process of establishing connectivity. All characters entered by the client software are converted into NVT approved forms and transmitted to the remote server. The same process is followed to transmit the response from the server to the client. v
Main differences between FTP and TELNET
- The main difference between FTP and TELNET is in the functionality that each one offers. While FTP is known for its ability to facilitate the transfer of a file from one operating system to another, TELNET is known and used for its ability to create admission channels for users to access remote servers.
- The complete form of each of the terms is also different. While FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol, TELNET stands for Telecommunications Network. Each of these abbreviations highlights the main functions of these protocols.
- FTP is considered a more secure transmission protocol than TELNET. Some security issues may arise when using TELNET.
- FTP operates on two connections. It establishes one of these connections to effectively handle the commands and the second connection is established to transfer the given file. In contrast, TELNET operates on a single established connection because it has only one port of operation. TELNET vs FTP
- The port number for FTP and TELNET also varies. For the first, the port number is 20 and 21, while for the second it is 23.
- Remote login may not be a prerequisite for accessing FTP functionality, while remote login is essential to use TELNET connectivity protocols. Unless such remote logins are protected, TELNET commands cannot be issued.
- The applicability of TELNET has been significantly minimized in current times. Its use is primarily limited to diagnostic purposes today. On the other hand, FTP is widely used as a protocol for uploading and downloading files from the web.
Final Thought
Both FTP and TELNET are connectivity protocols. They were designed to allow effective communication between remote operating systems. Also known as application layer protocols, FTP and TELNET have much more pronounced differences than this common similarity. TELNET vs FTP
FTP and TELNET offer differentiated functionalities to users. The first is responsible for allowing a more or less secure transfer of files from one system to another. It also makes it easy to upload and download digital files from web pages.
However, the operating genius of TELNET is quite different. Allows users to access remote servers through their command protocols. For this purpose, TELNET requires a mandatory remote login connection. By operating with a single established connection, it helps clients access data stored on distant servers.
The security level of each is also quite the opposite of the other. Although FTP provides adequate security during file transfers, there can be serious security problems with the operation of TELNET. These fundamental differences between the two make them quite antagonistic to each other, although both were developed with similar intentions in mind.
