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
