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TFTP server

As explained in Acing the CCNA Exam: Volume 2 Advanced Networking and Security

A TFTP server is a network service that sends and receives files using the Trivial File Transfer Protocol.

A TFTP server provides simple network file transfers for clients such as Cisco IOS devices. It requires no username or password and sends data unencrypted, so it fits controlled LAN environments rather than public networks. TFTP servers listen for requests on UDP port 69. section 8.1 section 8.4

A TFTP exchange operates as follows:

  • The client sends a read request to download a file or a write request to upload one. section 8.4
  • The server and client transfer ordered blocks in lock-step, acknowledging each block before sending the next. section 8.4
  • Cisco IOS exposes remote TFTP storage through the network-type tftp: file system. section 8.1.2

Copying an IOS image

On a switch, copy tftp: flash: prompts for the server address, source filename, and local destination filename. The switch then reads the image from the TFTP server. show flash: verifies that the newly copied image appears alongside the existing image.

How Acing the CCNA Exam: Volume 2 Advanced Networking and Security covers it

How deep it goes
Explains client requests, UDP port 69, lock-step blocks, acknowledgments, retransmission, and IOS verification commands.
Examples
Uses a PC or central file server to provide an IOS image, then verifies the copied image with show flash:.
What it assumes
Assumes basic TFTP knowledge and introduces the Cisco IOS file-system locations needed for remote transfers.
What you can do after
Operate IOS file transfers with copy tftp: flash: and verify results using show flash:.
How it connects
Connects TFTP with client-server architecture, UDP, Cisco IOS file systems, flash storage, and IOS images.
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