What is the Difference Between Active and Passive FTP?

The main difference between active and passive FTP lies in how the data channel is established and the roles of the client and server in the process. Here are the key differences between active and passive FTP:

• Active FTP:
• The client establishes the command channel and the server establishes the data channel.
• The server actively opens the data connections, using TCP port 20 as its source, and calls back the client.
• Active FTP provides security to the FTP server.
• However, active FTP may cause problems due to firewalls, as the server initiates the connection to the client.
• Passive FTP:
• Both the command channel and the data channel are established by the client.
• The client sends a PASV command to the server, and the server sends back its IP address and server port number.
• Passive FTP does not provide security to the FTP server.
• Passive FTP does not have connection issues from firewalls, as the client initiates the connection to the server.
• Passive mode is used as a default mode of a browser, while active mode is not.

In summary, active FTP is more secure but may face issues with firewalls, while passive FTP does not provide security but does not have connection issues with firewalls. The choice between active and passive FTP depends on your specific requirements and network configuration.

Comparative Table: Active vs Passive FTP

Here is a table highlighting the key differences between Active and Passive FTP:

In summary, Active FTP has the server initiate the data connection, while Passive FTP has the client initiate the data connection. Active FTP may cause firewall issues and is not used as a default mode in most browsers, while Passive FTP is used as a default mode in most browsers and does not have connection issues from firewalls.