TFTP - Trivial File Transfer Protocol

The Trivial File Transfer Protocol is a simple form of the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) that don't offer much features of FTP including its most common one i.e authentication. TFTP uses UDP protocol to transfer data from one end to another. These very features of TFTP protocol makes is suitable for use only in the "Local Area Networks".

Like FTP, TFTP works on the client server architecture. It has no login (authentication) feature and uses port 69 to establish a network connection. TFTF is a simple and small protocol and doesn't do much more than transferring a file from or to a remote server. It cannot edit, delete or rename a file or a directory like other more robust file transfer protocols.

Applications of TFTP

• TFTP is most commonly used by servers to boot the diskless workstations.
• It is used extensively in broadband routers located at the customers end.
• Network administrators use the TFTP protocol to upgrade their routers' firmware.
• The protocol could be used to backup the network and router configuration files.