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What ports are needed for TFTP?

Published in TFTP Ports 1 min read

TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) primarily uses port 69.

However, a more complete answer involves understanding how TFTP uses ports for data transfer. Here's a breakdown:

  • Default Port: The TFTP server listens on UDP port 69 for client requests. This is the well-known port for TFTP. The reference states: "Port 69 is the default port for TFTP..."

  • Data Transfer: After the initial connection on port 69, the server and client negotiate a new, randomly assigned UDP port for the actual data transfer. This means that while port 69 initiates the transfer, the file data isn't sent over port 69. It is sent over a dynamic port chosen for that specific session.

TFTP Port Usage Summary

Protocol Port Purpose
UDP 69 Initial connection and request negotiation
UDP Dynamic Data transfer (negotiated after connection)

It's important to note that while port 69 is the default, it can be changed on the server. The reference mentions: "...you can modify the settings on your TFTP server so it runs on a different port." However, this is not typical.

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