Port 69: TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol)

What is port 69 used for?

Port 69 is TFTP, a deliberately minimal file transfer protocol. It can read or write one file at a time and nothing else: no directory listing and no sign-in.

That simplicity is why it is still used. Network boot (PXE) downloads its first boot file by TFTP, IP phones fetch their configuration with it, and switches and routers use it to back up configurations and load firmware. The server listens on 69 only for the first packet and continues the transfer from another port, which matters when writing firewall rules. With no authentication and no encryption, it belongs on a management network only.

Is port 69 TCP or UDP?

UDP. TFTP runs over UDP port 69 and handles its own acknowledgements and retransmissions, which keeps it small enough to fit in boot firmware.

Is TFTP on port 69 secure?

No. TFTP has no user names, no passwords and no encryption: anyone who can reach the server and guess a file name can fetch the file. For anything sensitive, use SFTP or SCP over SSH on port 22.

Port 69 vs port 21: what is the difference?

Port 21 is FTP: TCP, with sign-in, directory listings and many commands. Port 69 is TFTP: UDP, no sign-in, one file per request. FTP is a general file service; TFTP is for booting devices and moving firmware and configurations. Ports 20 and 21 explained

Which CompTIA exams list port 69?

CompTIA lists port 69 by number in the Network+ objectives; the A+ Core 1 port list does not include it.

• Network+ N10-009: objective 1.4 (Networking Concepts), listed as “Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP), 69”.

The quoted text is how the objectives document lists the port. The exam puts the port in a scenario, such as a firewall rule or a failed connection; it does not only ask for the number.

Check yourself: a practice question

Written by CertSprint for this page. It is not taken from any exam.