File transfer ports
10 file transfer ports: what each one does, its protocol, and whether it is secure by default.
SubnetKit lists 10 file transfer ports, using TCP, UDP, TCP/UDP. 8 of 10 are formally registered with IANA rather than just a widely followed convention.
2 of the 10 file transfer ports are encrypted by default; the rest send data in clear text unless wrapped in TLS, SSH, or a VPN.
Click any port below for its full page: what it does, its protocol, and whether it is safe to expose.
| Port | Service | Protocol | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | FTP-DATA | TCP | File Transfer Protocol (data) |
| 21 | FTP | TCP | File Transfer Protocol (control) |
| 69 | TFTP | UDP | Trivial File Transfer Protocol |
| 115 | SFTP (legacy) | TCP | Simple File Transfer Protocol |
| 873 | rsync | TCP | rsync file synchronization |
| 989 | FTPS-DATA | TCP | FTPS Protocol (data) |
| 990 | FTPS | TCP | FTPS Protocol (control) |
| 6881 | BitTorrent | TCP/UDP | BitTorrent peer-to-peer file sharing |
| 8384 | Syncthing | TCP | Syncthing web GUI |
| 9091 | Transmission | TCP | Transmission BitTorrent client web UI |
Frequently asked questions
Which ports are in the File transfer category?
port 20 (FTP-DATA), port 21 (FTP), port 69 (TFTP), port 115 (SFTP (legacy)), port 873 (rsync), port 989 (FTPS-DATA), port 990 (FTPS), port 6881 (BitTorrent), port 8384 (Syncthing) and port 9091 (Transmission).
How many file transfer ports does SubnetKit list?
10, covering TCP, UDP, TCP/UDP. 8 of them are formally registered with IANA.
Are file transfer ports secure by default?
2 out of 10 are encrypted by default. Check each port's page for its specific encryption status.
Which file transfer port has the lowest number?
Port 20 (FTP-DATA). Port 20 carries the data channel for classic FTP. The control channel on port 21 negotiates transfers, then file bytes flow over port 20 in active mode.