What is the Difference Between Active FTP and Passive FTP?

The main difference between Active FTP and Passive FTP lies in how the data channel is established and the direction of the data transfer. Here are the key differences:

1. Data Channel Establishment: In Active FTP, the 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.
2. Data Transfer Direction: In Active FTP, the server initiates the connection to the client's specified port for data transfer. In Passive FTP, the client initiates the connection to the server's specified port for data transfer.
3. Firewall Compatibility: Active FTP may cause problems with firewalls, while Passive FTP does not have connection issues from firewalls.
4. Security: Active FTP provides security to the FTP server, while Passive FTP does not.
5. Default Mode: Active FTP is not used as a default mode in browsers, while Passive FTP is used as a default mode in browsers.

Choosing between Active and Passive FTP depends on the specific requirements and constraints of a network, such as firewall settings and security concerns. Passive FTP is generally preferred when passing through firewalls, as it is simpler and more compatible with firewall configurations.

Comparative Table: Active FTP vs Passive FTP

The main difference between Active FTP and Passive FTP lies in how the data channel is established for file transfers. Here is a comparison table highlighting the key differences:

In Active FTP, the client sends a random port number to the server, and the server initiates the connection to the client's specified port for data transfer. On the other hand, in Passive FTP, the client sends the PASV command to the server, and the server provides the client with its IP address and server port number for data transfer.