Which TCP port is used for the File Transfer Protocol (FTP)?

The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) primarily uses TCP port 21 for establishing connections and managing file transfers. This designated port allows clients to initiate a command and control connection to the FTP server, which is essential for the subsequent transmission of files.

Port 21 handles commands and transfer instructions, while data transfer typically occurs over a separate connection on port 20, depending on the mode (active or passive) being used. Recognizing that this is the standard operational port for FTP is crucial for understanding how file transfers are managed across networks.

Other ports listed serve different purposes: Port 22 is used for Secure Shell (SSH) and secure file transfers (SFTP or SCP). Port 80 is associated with Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), which is used for web traffic, and port 443 is for HTTPS, providing secure web communication. Understanding these distinctions is fundamental to navigating network protocols and their functionalities.