TFTP ( Trivial File Transfer Protocol ) Server and Client Configurations

Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) is a simple file
transfer protocol that allows a client to retrieve or
transfer files from a server. It is a UDP-based protocol that uses port 69 for
communication. TFTP supports only two transfer modes: "netascii" and
"octet." Netascii mode is used for transferring text files,
while octet mode is used for transferring binary files.

Advantages of TFTP

  1. Lightweight: TFTP is designed to be lightweight, meaning
    it uses fewer system resources than other file transfer
    protocols such as network switches and
    routers.
  2. Simple: TFTP has a simple packet format and supports only
    two transfer modes, making it easy to implement and use.
  3. Fast: TFTP uses the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) instead
    of Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), which makes it
    faster than other protocols.
  4. Easy to configure: TFTP is easy to configure and does not
    require complex setup or authentication.
  5. Widely supported: TFTP is widely supported by many network
    devices, including routers, switches, and firewalls.
  6. Low overhead: TFTP has a low overhead, meaning it uses
    minimal network bandwidth and system resources.

Disadvantages of TFTP

  1. No authentication: TFTP does not provide any authentication mechanisms, which means that anyone who has access to the TFTP server can download or upload files to it.
  2. Slow transfer speeds: TFTP uses UDP (User Datagram Protocol), which does not provide any error-checking or congestion control mechanisms. This can lead to slower transfer speeds.
  3. Limited file size: TFTP has a maximum file size limit of 32 MB, which makes it unsuitable for transferring large files.
  4. No encryption: TFTP does not provide any encryption mechanisms, which means that data transferred using TFTP can be intercepted and read by third parties.

How can we configure TFTP server in Ubuntu?

Step 1: Open the terminal and update the package lists for apt 

sudo apt update
Enter fullscreen mode

Exit fullscreen mode

Step 2: Install the TFTP server software on the PC that will act as the server using the following command: 

sudo apt install tftpd-hpa
Enter fullscreen mode

Exit fullscreen mode

Step 3: Check the status of the TFTP daemon service called "tftpd-hpa" on a Linux system 

sudo systemctl status tftpd-hpa
Enter fullscreen mode

Exit fullscreen mode

Step 4 : Open and edit the configuration file for the TFTP daemon service called "tftpd-hpa" on a Linux system 

sudo gedit /etc/default/tftpd-hpa
Enter fullscreen mode

Exit fullscreen mode

Step 5 : Make tftp Folder 

sudo mkdir /tftp
Enter fullscreen mode

Exit fullscreen mode

Step 6 : Change the ownership of the directory "/tftp" to the user and group "tftp" on a Linux system. 

sudo chown tftp:tftp /tftp
Enter fullscreen mode

Exit fullscreen mode

Step 7 : Restart the TFTP daemon service called "tftpd-hpa" on a Linux system. 

sudo systemctl restart tftpd-hpa
Enter fullscreen mode

Exit fullscreen mode

How can we configure TFTP Client in Ubuntu?

Step 1 : 

sudo apt install tftp-hpa
Enter fullscreen mode

Exit fullscreen mode

If you got errrors run below commands 

sudo lsof /var/lib/dpkg/lock sudo lsof /var/lib/apt/lists/lock sudo lsof /var/cache/apt/archives/lock sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/lock sudo rm /var/cache/apt/archives/lock sudo rm /var/lib/dpkg/lock sudo kill -9
Enter fullscreen mode

Exit fullscreen mode

Server Command

ip a show
Enter fullscreen mode

Exit fullscreen mode

Client Command

Step 1 : Start a TFTP client session with a TFTP server located at the specified IP address. 

sudo tftp >
Enter fullscreen mode

Exit fullscreen mode

Step 2 : Download a file called "server.txt" from a remote TFTP server to the local system. 

get server.txt
Enter fullscreen mode

Exit fullscreen mode

Server Command

Upload a file called "client.txt" from the local system to a remote TFTP server. 

put client.txt
Enter fullscreen mode

Exit fullscreen mode

Conclusion

Overall, TFTP is a simple and lightweight protocol that is suitable for transferring small files in a low-security environment. However, it may not be the best choice for transferring sensitive or large files, or for use in high-security environments where data privacy is a concern.