TFTP

TFTP stands for Trivial File Transfer Protocol. It is a simple, lockstep, file transfer protocol that allows a client to get a file from or put a file onto a remote host. The protocol was designed by Karen R. Sollins in 1981 and is defined in RFC 1350. TFTP is often used for transferring small files such as configuration files and OS boot images over a network. It operates over UDP on port 69.

Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) is a simplified version of the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) and is used primarily for transferring small amounts of data between network devices. Unlike FTP, TFTP does not provide authentication or encryption, which makes it less secure but simpler and faster for basic file transfer tasks. It was created by Karen R. Sollins in 1981 as part of the DARPA project to facilitate basic file transfers in a minimalistic, easy-to-implement manner. TFTP uses the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) as its transport layer protocol, specifically operating on port 69. This choice prioritizes simplicity and speed over reliability and error-checking, making TFTP suitable for environments where overhead must be minimized, such as in embedded systems or network booting. Common use cases for TFTP include transferring configuration files to network devices, updating firmware, and facilitating the booting process of diskless workstations by downloading boot images. Due to its lack of security features, TFTP is mainly used within controlled and private networks where security risks are minimal. Despite being limited in functionality compared to more robust protocols like FTP and HTTP, TFTP remains a valuable tool in specific network scenarios requiring minimal complexity and resources.