In 1985, the transfer protocol FTP (File Transfer Protocol), based on TCP/IP, was established and specified in RFC 959 to make it possible to store files on a server and retrieve them later. The protocol, located on the application layer, makes it possible to transport data via port 20 (client) and 21 (server), as well as create, edit, and read directories. To use this client-server structure, users only need an FTP client and to log-in to a special user account on the server.
Secured FTP enjoys a high level of popularity, particularly in webhosting: With the help of the transport protocol and the matching client software, the contents of custom projects are easily uploaded into the web space, creating directory structures. If you host your website with a provider, a corresponding server application, including the required access data, is usually provided. If web hosting and file transfer remain your responsibility, it’s important to make sure you have the right hardware and software structures. In this guide, you’ll learn how to install your own Ubuntu FTP server and what specifics you should pay attention to.