RFC 454 (rfc454) - Page 3 of 35
File Transfer Protocol - meeting announcement and a new proposed document
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
RFC 454 File Transfer Protocol July 1972
PROPOSED FILE TRANSFER PROTOCOL
INTRODUCTION
The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a protocol for file transfer
between HOSTs (including terminal IMPs), on the ARPA Computer Network
(ARPANET). The primary function of FTP is to transfer files
efficiently and reliably among HOSTs and to allow the convenient use
of remote file storage capabilities.
The objectives of FTP are 1) to promote sharing of files (computer
programs and/or data), 2) to encourage indirect or implicit (via
programs) use of remote computers, 3) to shield a user from
variations in file storage systems among HOSTs, and 4) to transfer
data reliably and efficiently. FTP, though usable directly by a user
at a terminal, is designed mainly for use by programs.
The attempt in this specification is to satisfy the diverse needs of
users of maxi-HOSTs, mini-HOSTs, TIPs, and the Datacomputer, with a
simple, elegant, and easily implemented protocol design.
This paper assumes knowledge of the following protocols:
1) The HOST-HOST Protocol (NIC #8246)
2) The Initial Connection Protocol (NIC #7101)
3) The TELNET Protocol (NWG/RFC #318, NIC #9348)
II. DISCUSSION
In this section, the terminology and the FTP model are discussed.
The terms defined in this section are only those that have special
significance in FTP.
II.A Terminology
ASCII The USASCII character set as defined in NIC
#7104. In FTP, ASCII characters are defined to
be the lower half of an eight bit code set (i.e.,
the most significant bit is zero).
access controls Access controls define users' access privileges
to the use of a system, and to the files in that
system. Access controls are necessary to prevent
unauthorized or accidental use of files. It is
the prerogative of a server-FTP process to
provide access controls.
McKenzie