FTP OneFTP or FTPS? The differences, in short
FTP and FTPS both send files to a server. There is only one difference, but it matters: with FTPS the connection is encrypted.
| FTP | FTPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | No: user name, password and files travel unencrypted | Yes, with TLS |
| Usual port | 21 | 21 (explicit) or 990 (implicit) |
| Certificate | Not needed | The server has one; if it's self-signed (a NAS, for example), FTP One asks once whether to trust it |
| When to use it | Only if the server offers nothing else | Always, if the server allows it |
Words worth knowing
- FTP
- The classic way to send files to a server. It isn't protected: user name and password travel unencrypted.
- FTPS
- FTP over a secure connection, like https for websites.
- Explicit and implicit FTPS
- Two ways to start the secure connection: explicit usually uses port 21, implicit port 990.
- Port
- The server's “extension number”: the same address can answer on different ports.
- Passive mode
- Your device also opens the second connection, the one that carries the files.
- Certificate
- The server's “ID card”, used by the secure connection.
Which one to choose
FTPS, if the server allows it: it protects your user name, password and photos on the way. If your newsroom only accepts FTP, FTP One works anyway.
In FTP One
In the server form, choose FTP or FTPS and the port. If the connection fails, try the other type: some servers accept only one.