Comparison of file transfer protocols

This article lists communication protocols that are designed for file transfer over a telecommunications network.

A packet-switched network transmits data that is divided into units called packets.

Some protocols designed to transmit data over UDP also use a TCP port for oversight.

The column "Assigned by IANA" indicates whether the port is listed in the Service Name and Transport Protocol Port Number Registry, which is curated by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA).

The Kermit protocol can operate over any computer-to-computer transport: direct serial, modem, or network (notably TCP/IP, including on connections secured by SSL, SSH, or Kerberos).