tftp command in Linux

The Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) command in Linux allows users to transfer files between devices. With its simple functionality and minimal security features, the tftp command is commonly used for network management tasks, firmware updates, and system recovery. By utilizing UDP as its underlying protocol, tftp provides a lightweight and efficient solution for transferring files over a network. This guide will walk you through the basics of the tftp command in Linux, including how to initiate file transfers, troubleshoot common issues, and optimize network performance.

tftp Syntax:

tftp [option] [host] [port]

Linux tftp Options:

Option	Description
-c	Send file after connection is established
-g	Get file
-l	Local file name
-r	Remote file name
-p	Use local UDP port
-v	Verbose mode
-b	Transfer file in binary mode
-m	Set the size of the transfer buffer
-t	Set the timeout interval

tftp Parameters:

Parameter	Description
host	The hostname or IP address of the remote server
port	The UDP port number to use for the connection

Caution

Exercise caution when using the tftp command as it operates without user authentication, making it potentially insecure for transferring sensitive files.

How to use tftp command:

Copy a file from a remote tftp server to the local machine

tftp -g -r file.txt -l file.txt 192.168.1.100

Transfer a file to a remote tftp server

tftp -p -r file.txt -l file.txt 192.168.1.100

Retrieve a file from a remote tftp server interactively

tftp 192.168.1.100
tftp> get file.txt

Transfer a file to a remote tftp server interactively

tftp 192.168.1.100
tftp> put file.txt

Specify a different timeout for tftp connection

tftp -t 10 192.168.1.100

Display extended help for the tftp command

tftp --help

Display version information of tftp

tftp --version

Transfer a file using a specific port (UDP port 69 by default)

tftp -r file.txt -l file.txt -P 12345 192.168.1.100

Tip

When using the tftp command in Linux, ensure that the necessary permissions are set for read/write access to the directories involved in transferring files. It is also recommended to use tftp in a secure network environment to prevent unauthorized access.

tftp Command Troubleshooting Q&A:

How do I use tftp in Linux?

To use the tftp command in Linux, execute the following command:

tftp --option <value>

How do I transfer a file using tftp in bash?

To transfer a file using tftp in bash, use the following command:

tftp -g -r filename -l destination_path remote_host

How do I specify a custom tftp server port?

To specify a custom tftp server port, use the -p option in the tftp command.

tftp -p custom_port -g -r filename remote_host

How can I troubleshoot tftp connection issues?

To troubleshoot tftp connection issues, check that the tftp server is running, verify the network connectivity between the client and server, and ensure that any firewalls or security measures are not blocking the tftp traffic.

How do I get a file from a remote tftp server?

To get a file from a remote tftp server, use the following command:

tftp -g -r filename -l local_file remote_host

How do I send a file to a remote tftp server?

To send a file to a remote tftp server, use the following command:

tftp -p custom_port -g -l local_file -r remote_file remote_host

How do I list files on a tftp server?

To list files on a tftp server, use the following command:

tftp -v remote_host

How do I set a timeout for tftp connections?

To set a timeout for tftp connections, use the -t option followed by the timeout value in seconds.

tftp -t timeout_value -g -r filename remote_host

How do I use tftp in interactive mode?

To use tftp in interactive mode, simply execute the tftp command without any additional options in the terminal.

tftp

Applications of the tftp command

• Transferring files to and from a remote server
• Bootstrapping devices over a network
• Network configuration and monitoring
• Flashing firmware on devices
• Backup and restore operations