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FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a client/server protocol used to transfer files over the internet. FTP is also part of TCP/IP suite and works in the application layer along with SMTP, TCP/IP etc.
To ensure that files are sent and received without loss of data that could corrupt them, FTP uses the reliable Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) at the transport layer. An authentication system is used to ensure that only authorized clients are allowed access. At the same time, a feature sometimes called anonymous FTP allows an organization to set up a general information server to provide files to anyone who might want to retrieve them. After a TCP connection is established, an FTP control connection is created.
FTP can also be used directly by other applications to move files from one place to another.
