FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, operates on the application layer of the TCP/IP model. This layer is responsible for providing user services and exchanging data between applications. FTP uses this layer to transfer files between different systems over a network.
Here's why FTP resides in the application layer:
- User-centric: FTP is designed for user interaction, facilitating file transfers between computers.
- Protocol interaction: FTP interacts directly with applications, such as web browsers or file managers, to handle file transfer requests.
- Data exchange: The application layer is responsible for formatting and interpreting data for the specific applications using it.
Examples of FTP usage in the application layer:
- Downloading files: When you download a file from a website, FTP is often used in the background to transfer the file to your computer.
- Uploading files: When you upload a file to a server, FTP is used to send the file to the server's storage.
