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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.

Terminal window
tftp [option] [host] [port]
OptionDescription
-cSend file after connection is established
-gGet file
-lLocal file name
-rRemote file name
-pUse local UDP port
-vVerbose mode
-bTransfer file in binary mode
-mSet the size of the transfer buffer
-tSet the timeout interval
ParameterDescription
hostThe hostname or IP address of the remote server
portThe UDP port number to use for the connection

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

Section titled “Copy a file from a remote tftp server to the local machine”
Terminal window
tftp -g -r file.txt -l file.txt 192.168.1.100
Terminal window
tftp -p -r file.txt -l file.txt 192.168.1.100

Retrieve a file from a remote tftp server interactively

Section titled “Retrieve a file from a remote tftp server interactively”
Terminal window
tftp 192.168.1.100
tftp> get file.txt

Transfer a file to a remote tftp server interactively

Section titled “Transfer a file to a remote tftp server interactively”
Terminal window
tftp 192.168.1.100
tftp> put file.txt

Specify a different timeout for tftp connection

Section titled “Specify a different timeout for tftp connection”
Terminal window
tftp -t 10 192.168.1.100

Display extended help for the tftp command

Section titled “Display extended help for the tftp command”
Terminal window
tftp --help
Terminal window
tftp --version

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

Section titled “Transfer a file using a specific port (UDP port 69 by default)”
Terminal window
tftp -r file.txt -l file.txt -P 12345 192.168.1.100

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

Terminal window
tftp --option <value>

How do I transfer a file using tftp in bash?

Section titled “How do I transfer a file using tftp in bash?”

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

Terminal window
tftp -g -r filename -l destination_path remote_host

How do I specify a custom tftp server port?

Section titled “How do I specify a custom tftp server port?”

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

Terminal window
tftp -p custom_port -g -r filename remote_host

How can I troubleshoot tftp connection issues?

Section titled “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?

Section titled “How do I get a file from a remote tftp server?”

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

Terminal window
tftp -g -r filename -l local_file remote_host

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

Section titled “How do I send a file to a remote tftp server?”

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

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

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

Terminal window
tftp -v remote_host

How do I set a timeout for tftp connections?

Section titled “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.

Terminal window
tftp -t timeout_value -g -r filename remote_host

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

Terminal window
tftp
  • 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