In FTP, the client starts the control connection, and the server starts the data transfer connection.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
ChatGPT said:
Correct Answer: False
Explanation:
In File Transfer Protocol (FTP), both the control connection and the data connection are initiated by the client, not the server. Understanding this requires examining how FTP works in both active and passive modes:
1. Control Connection (Always Client-Initiated)
- The FTP control connection is established first and remains open throughout the session.
- The client initiates this connection to the FTP server’s port 21.
- This connection is used to send commands (like
LIST,RETR,STOR) and receive responses from the server. - It is persistent, meaning it stays open for the duration of the FTP session.
2. Data Connection (Depends on FTP Mode)
Active Mode (PORT Command):
- The client sends a PORT command over the control connection, telling the server which IP and port to use for data transfer.
- Then, the server initiates the data connection from its port 20 to the client’s specified port.
- Therefore, in active mode, the server starts the data connection.
Passive Mode (PASV Command):
- The client sends a PASV command, and the server responds with an IP address and port number for data transfer.
- The client then initiates the data connection to the server’s specified port.
- In this mode, both connections are initiated by the client.
Summary:
- The control connection is always initiated by the client.
- The data connection is:
- Initiated by the server in active mode.
- Initiated by the client in passive mode.
So the statement, “the client starts the control connection, and the server starts the data transfer connection” is partially true for active mode, but not universally true—especially not in passive mode, which is more commonly used today due to firewall and NAT compatibility.
Thus, the correct overall answer is False.